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Historically, there have only been two ways for Italians to settle whose mama's tomato sauce is best: bloody clan infighting, and Arms-Race-style stockpiling of "People Love Us on Yelp" stickers. Now there's another way, and you're invited: The Boss of the Sauce.

Put on in a North Beach church basement by Italia-championing group Fieri, The Boss gathers red sauce-ladlers from dozens of The Bay's best restaurants to be judged by both food professionals (finals) and you (round one); admittance assumes you'll crush as much pasta as possible, a charge made awesomer by the contest being all-you-can-drink. Contestants range from SF staples (e.g, last year's champ Zuppa), to dark horses like Burlingame's Sapore, to the epic Deli variety (i.e., the vaunted Lucca); all must bring at least three gallons of their best tomato-based sauce (be it a Bolognese riff or veggie number) to pour over noodles until people forget there are even noodles down there. Wash it down with unending Moretti kegs, assorted red/white varietals from four big wine distributors, comp shots of bittersweet/grappa-infused "Dimmi", and "Cent Anni" vodka cocktails (beer before liquor before sauce...reruns of Who's The Boss?).

Also on hand: assorted vendors (A.G. Ferrari, Columbus Salame, Batter Bakery...) giving out even more grub, including meats/cheeses, mini sandos, and biscotti -- though eating more than all-you-can-eat is an Arms Race that'll make your stomach go nuclear.

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The whole damn thing's only $20. The first 100 attendees are first round judges, and so are the first 10 to mention Thrillist. Get your tix at BossoftheSauce.org.