A Culinary Critic Visits Baltimore
Dave Portnoy, the polarizing media personality dubbed “the most influential person on the American pizza scene” by The New York Times, recently explored Baltimore’s pizza offerings. Known for his popular “One Bite” pizza reviews, Portnoy made stops at several local spots in mid-December, including Pizza John’s in Essex, Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy, Matthew’s Pizzeria near Patterson Park, and Frank’s Pizza & Pasta on Bel Air Road.
Portnoy, a Massachusetts native and founder of Barstool Sports, has built a significant following for his sharp pizza critiques, which he began filming in 2013. His reviews, rated on a 1-to-10 scale with decimal precision, have amassed over a million YouTube subscribers and spurred the creation of a dedicated app and an annual pizza festival.
A Lifeline for TinyBrickOven
On Monday, Dave Portnoy posted his first review of a Baltimore pizzeria, giving TinyBrickOven in Federal Hill a respectable 7.9. However, during his visit, he learned the eatery was planning to close on Christmas Day due to difficulties securing a liquor license. Moved by the situation, Portnoy promised to contribute $60,000 to help keep the business afloat, stating that the funds should reach the owners before Christmas.
The announcement left pizzeria owner Will Fagg visibly emotional. In a video shared by Portnoy, Fagg expressed his gratitude, highlighting the community-oriented initiatives his business supports, including programs to feed the homeless. “The whole neighborhood wants us to stay open,” Fagg said, adding that he felt disappointed by local politicians’ lack of support. Dave Portnoy responded with optimism, calling the timing of his visit “good karma.”
Portnoy’s Controversial Influence
While Portnoy’s involvement has brought hope to TinyBrickOven, his reputation remains controversial. With over 4 million followers on TikTok, his influence is undeniable, but it comes with a history of contentious remarks. He has faced backlash for racist and misogynistic comments and lost a defamation lawsuit against Insider.com in 2022 over allegations of sexual misconduct, as reported by The Washington Post.
Portnoy’s reviews often create waves, offering both opportunities and challenges for small businesses. In some cases, a poor rating has led to severe backlash. For example, in 2023, Portnoy labeled a New England pizzeria “The Worst Pizza Place in America,” sparking a heated exchange with the owner and subsequent threats against the business.
As Dave Portnoy continues his Baltimore pizza journey, locals are eager to see whether he’ll highlight the city’s culinary strengths or spark controversy. His daily reviews, shared at 6 p.m., promise to keep Charm City’s pizza lovers on their toes.
