Two Maryland pizzerias represented the state on the national stage at Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Fest, which took place on September 13. Frank’s Pizza and Pasta and TinyBrickOven, both in Baltimore and featured previously in Portnoy’s One Bite reviews, were selected to be part of the highly publicized festival that brought together dozens of the country’s most buzzworthy pizza shops.
Frank’s Pizza and Pasta, a longtime Baltimore favorite, first gained Portnoy’s attention when he stopped by for a slice during one of his Maryland pizza tours. The shop’s classic, New York-style approach resonated with him, and his video review quickly spread across social media, boosting the restaurant’s profile well beyond its regular neighborhood following. That recognition ultimately led to its inclusion in the festival lineup, where Frank’s shared slices alongside nationally acclaimed pizzerias.
TinyBrickOven, known for its creative toppings and personal-sized brick-oven pies, also benefitted from Portnoy’s spotlight and was able to remain open due to a generous donation. His enthusiastic review praised the shop’s authenticity and charm, helping to put the Baltimore business on the map for pizza enthusiasts across the region. Its invitation to One Bite Pizza Fest gave TinyBrickOven the chance to showcase its inventive style to thousands of attendees and reinforce Baltimore’s growing reputation as a serious pizza city…