Orinda's Matadors Win First-Ever Bonfire Pizza Challenge

In the end looked like the scene of an indoor snowfall as flour and dough and the restaurant's exotic array of ingredients were put to good use in the inaugural, first-of-its-kind Saturday.

Teams of player/chefs from each of Lamorinda's three high schools took part in the off-field, non-contact competition, with the team from Bonfire on hand to host and coach and, in the end, clean up after it was all said and done.

"This is fun, just perfect," said Bonfire owner/partner Ryan Mason as the , and squared off in his kitchens, Bonfire's "Pizza Techs" scurrying to keep the dough in the air and a sizable crowd of onlookers watered and fed.

"This is what we're in business for," said Bonfire Pizza co-founder and partner Justin Bain as each team scrambled to beat a 10-minute deadline (no problem) and come up with a creative blend of ingredients to impress a discerning panel of judges -- which included Moraga Mayor Karen Mendonca and Orinda Vice-Mayor Steven Glazer.

When all was said and done and the judges had sniffed, crumbled, and munched their way through three pizzas churned out in record time, the Matadors of Miramonte emerged the victors, lauded for their use of ingredients and overall presentation. And that's good 'cause the winning pie -- dubbed the "MHS Special - Swag" by Matador Kevin Booze, is going on the Bonfire menu, according to the owners.

"It's a winner in every way," Mason mused, sampling the red sauced, garlic and meat-laden beauty conjured up by the Mats. "Proud to have it on the menu."

The Matadors go down in local pizza history, earned $500 for their school's athletic department from Patch, and get their names enscribed on the Bonfire Pizza trophy and plaque -- the first of perhaps many to follow.

Check out the way cool video of the event produced by Mats Mom Lisa Burlini -- and hopefully we'll see you all again next year!