Goodfella's On Staten Island
by Steve Marco

I've heard so much about Goodfella’s on Staten Island, voted America's best pizza, that I just had to try it for myself.  Vodka pizza?  Woodburning brick ovens?  Great pastas and a warm, friendly atmosphere?  I had to see it for myself.  So, what better time to visit a restaurant than Friday night.

The restaurant was extremely crowded, and they don't take reservations.  I waited with my companion in a line of about 20 or so people, to be seated.  We were greeted with a hearty welcome by the manager and were all offered a complimentary glass of red or white wine.  This made the 20-minute wait for a table seem much more pleasurable.  The atmosphere was friendly, boisterous, and very casual, with a showpiece of two very large woodburning brick ovens.  The walls are littered with rave reviews from various newspapers and autographed pictures of local celebrities and politicians.

The menu offered a large variety of great appetizers, salad and pastas, including many daily specials from lasagna to black linguini with seafood.  But what was most impressive, was a list of over a dozen gourmet pizzas all made with homemade mozzarella and fresh toppings.  Pies, like the famous award-winning Pizza a la Vodka, Pizza Bianca a la Clam, Mushroom Madness, Vegetarian Delight, and even a Stuffed Pizza with ricotta and spinach on the edges, and the center of marinated red cabbage topped with porcini mushroom sauce.  I must admit they all seemed rather tempting, including 20 other fresh toppings, like homemade roasted peppers and sun dried tomatoes, just to name a few.

We started our meal with two appetizers, a homemade mozzarella tomato and basil, and fried calamari.  The mozzarella was soft and fresh.  The calamari was golden, tender and light, served with lemon wedges and a tangy Goodfella's tomato sauce.  It was by far one of the best calamari I've ever eaten.  So long Sheepshead Bay!  Our main course was the famous Vodka Pizza, prepared right in front of us with a creamy vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, seasoned fresh mushrooms and topped lightly with small pieces of prosciutto.  Then it was placed rapidly in the fiery oven and to our surprise, the pizza was only cooked three minutes, and it was well done.  When brought to the table it was garnished with fresh basil leaves and looked too pretty to eat!  I must admit I am partial to vodka sauce and this pizza was truly one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten.  The crust was not conventional, a light, crispy taste that did not leave you feeling overly full.  This I was grateful for, as their dessert list was also incredible.

From homemade Tiramisu to Tartufo, Raspberry Bash, to their new Hot Apple Pizza Pie a la Mode.  The one we chose consisted of fresh sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla cooked in the brick oven.  This was topped with French vanilla ice cream.  It was incredible.  The smell of hot apples and cinnamon permeated the room as other customers watched us indulge with delight.

The great food and atmosphere was a unique experience, and should be experienced by everyone.  Located at 1718 Hylan Boulevard, (718) 987-2422, and 9606 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, (718) 833-6200.

Good luck Goodfella's.