Today Paul Stoker, local resident, hosted the very first Ponte a Serraglio meatball competition.
There were 14 competitors and three worthy judges.
This is the trophy awaiting the lucky winner.
Here is Paul registering the competitors.
Each competitor was given a numbered plate on which 2 meatballs would be presented to the judges. Here is the criteria for the judges…serious stuff.
The meatballs were heated in the kitchen and placed on the plates and taken to the judges…not by the competitors, it was all anonymous.
Here are the judges setting to their work.
The competitors and other guests waited patiently for the judges to complete their task.
Then it was time to eat the meatballs.
Finally it was time to announce the winners. Third prize, I am happy to say, came to me. Teri came second and the winner…Paul Stoker.
This may seem a little unusual, but Paul’s meatballs were delicious and the judges had no idea who made them.
It was a fun afternoon…and we will all be practising to beat Paul next year.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Congratulations and well done Paul !
I little more publicity would be good , I didn’t even know it was on 🙂
It was on Facebook. We will make sure next year is well publicised.
Good food, good company, good weather – great fun!
It was fun…next year will be huge.
Congratulations to all. I did not know about the competition either. Next year, I also plan to enter….
I look forward to that.
Gosh they must have been very good meatballs. Sounds like a lot of fun
Paul’s meatballs are very good.
What great fun! Never a dull moment in Ponte! Congratulations on getting on the podium, and lovely to see a photo of you Debra, as always, glamorous and gorgeous 😊
It was a fun day, maybe next year you will be here.
What a fun competition – and well done you.
Thank you, it’s good when you can eat the entries.
Lucky judges, I love meatballs! Great photo of the winners, say Hi to Teri for me.
I will mention you to Teri.
Well done to all of you. The humble meatball, so deceptively simple, but it can be so disappointing.
Crikey, that Paul is so tall!
Teri and I are short, but yes, Paul is about 6 foot 4 inches. My son is the same height.
What a fun event – trust it will be the first of many meatball comps. I think anyone would be very proud to take that fabulous trophy home!!! Congratulations to Paul…wish we had been there to try all the delicious looking meatballs. Deb, could you please say hi to Paul for us….his garden is looking lovely.
Paul’s garden looks fabulous. He has done lots of work there.
A great event … and one I would have loved to judge.
You will have to be here next year.
What fun! Congratulations Deb! May that trophy be yours one day! 👏🏼
I was most surprised to receive 3rd prize, and very happy.
Sure sounds like a fun event! Congrats on your 3rd place finish, Debra!! I loved reading about this in your small village!!
There is always something going on in Bagni di Lucca.
Well there’s an idea for a fun afternoon..well done on third place..perhaps you could post the recipe if it’s not a family secret!!!
I don’t really have a specific recipe, but I originally started with Jamie Oliver’s meatball recipe many years ago and it has developed from there.
Good for you! I am a huge meatball fan and so many times when I try them I am disappointed. Would love to have a plate of yours!
You will have to be here next year.
Will have a go this year
Happy cooking.