Houston Chefs Take Home the Win at Damian’s Meatball Brawl

Some of Houston’s hottest chefs competed in the Meatball Brawl at Damian’s Cucina Italiana on April 23, vying for the coveted championship title. Alex Padilla (Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys) won the Best Meatball award, while Anthony Calleo (Pi Pizza) took top honors for Most Creative Meatball and Dimitri Voutsinas (Emmaline) received the People’s Choice award. We also tasted (and enjoyed) entries from Martin Weaver (Brennan’s), Alexandre Scarafile (Sud Italia), Richard Kaplan (Weights & Measures), Martin Stayer (Nobie’s), Joe Galluzzi (Brooklyn Meatball Company), Nash D’Amico (D’Amico’s) and Mark Holley (Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar). The event helped raise money in honor of the late Frankie Mandola and the charity he founded, The Texas Italian-American Sports Foundation, which will go towards local sports scholarships. Proceeds also will benefit The 100 Club.