PIZZA HONORS KEEP COMING
Paris is next for 'Pizza Palace Dave'

Dave Smith of Smith's Pizza Palace Plus in Emporium works on his award-winning cajun chicken pizza at the pizza show in New York City last week. His next stop is Paris, France.

Emporium's Dave Smith II has once again brought recognition to his restaurant and the town in which he does business.

He recently competed in New York City during an international cook-off, the fourth annual America's Plate Competition, where he placed fourth as a part of the US Pizza Team. That means a berth in yet another pizza competition in Paris, France, later this month.

Competing against pizzamakers from all over the world, Smith made his awardwinning cajun chicken specialty. Though some of the judges thought the sauce was a little too spicy, Smith says that he is excited about the results.

"We still make some of the best pizza in the world," said Smith with a smile. Not to mention the best pizza in the U.S.

In order to become eligible for the America's Plate Competition, Smith first had to win in the Best Pizza category at the American Pizza Championships in Florida last September. The publicity has drawn customers to Emporium from six hours away, Smith said.

In order to make his famous pies, Smith piles mozzarella and provolone onto a thin layer of extra spicy sauce. He then adds diced, marinated chicken breast, bacon, celery, parmesan and Romano cheeses. He finishes with a dressing of bleu cheese and a slight dusting of oregano.

"The secret is the sauce," Smith said, noting that he will tone it down slightly when he competes in Paris.

Smith and his wife, Marlene, acquired Pizza Palace in 2001 from Denny and Jeanne Miglicio. Dave runs the books and handles promotion while Marlene manages the kitchen.

Their three oldest children also help out. Alex, 18, waits on customers; Caleb helps to cook and 11-year-old Cassidy makes the dough.

As a good will ambassador for the pizza industry, and to promote his business, Smith has demonstrated his pizzamaking skills at schools and other venues.

"When customers started coming in from other towns, that really helped the business," he noted.

Smith also said he has been blessed with a diligent and faithful staff that tends to Pizza Palace Plus while he is on the road.

The business has also benefited from a visible presence in the internet at pizzapalaceplus. com.