Josh Ozersky Handicaps Tomorrow's Meatball Melee

Agnanti Meze
Bar Stuzzichini
Bello Giardino
Campo
Carmine's
Ignazio's Pizza
Molyvos
Mundo Cafe
Pastosa Ravioli
Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

Note that despite the fact that the Meatball Melee is a part of an outer-boroughs-centric tasting event, The Cuisine of Queens and Beyond, only three of the semi-finalists are located in Queens: Vesta Trattoria, Mundo Cafe and Agnanti Meze (the last also has a location in Brooklyn). Pastosa Ravioli is in Staten Island, Ignazio's is in Brooklyn and the rest are in Manhattan.

Who better than Mr. Cutlets himself to emcee such a meaty event? And who better to handicap the contenders? We rang up The Feedbag's Josh Ozersky to find out which meatball he's betting on.

"Despite the presence of more celebrated and prestigious restaurants," quoth Ozersky, "Carmine's may emerge as a dark horse to win it all. It's far better at that sort of red sauce cuisine that anyone gives it credit for. It may send Bar Stuzzichini back into the culinary hinterlands to which Carmine's is usually assigned."

Gauntlet, laid!

For tickets to the event, which is tomorrow night from 6pm-9pm, go here.