Storms can’t keep pizza fans from Palatine showdown

Apparently, the appeal of pizza is weatherproof.

The Palatine Jaycees held its annual Pizza Showdown fundraiser at Durty Nellie’s on Sunday, and organizers say the intense storms that ripped through the area didn’t keep people away.

“Given all that was going on, from the weather to the delayed Bears game, the turnout was awesome today,” said Jaycees member Ofelia Garcia. “We’re very grateful to Durty Nellie’s and everyone who came out.”

The highlight of the Pizza Showdown was a competition among nine area restaurants to see which one makes the best pizza. Winners were picked in a number of categories, and there was an overall winner, too.

This year, Vini’s Pizza on Palatine Road took home the overall crown. Vini’s also won for cheese pizza, while Pizza Bella on Northwest Highway won for best sausage, Artistic Cuisine on Bothwell Street won for best pepperoni and best specialty, and Tre Amici on Illinois Avenue won for best crust.

The Pizza Showdown is a key fundraiser for the Jaycees, which uses the proceeds to fund community events it organizes throughout the year, Garcia said.