Five Borough Challenge - Stop #1: Goodfella's in Staten Island

Staten Island - Goodfella's Pizza

Guest Post by Turkel

Staten Island isn't exactly known as a beacon of culinary eminence. A
glance at Zagat's 2008 restaurant guide reveals that only six
restaurants in the borough had food ratings of twenty-two or higher.
Indeed, with Manhattan boasting many of the world's finest dining
establishments, it would appear to be an unlikely restaurant
destination for non-denizens.  But Staten Island haters take note –
when it comes to making a great pizza, the borough can certainly hold
its own.

A World Champion Pie

Choosing our destination for the Five Borough Challenge was not a
simple matter, nor one we took lightly.  Many pizzerias vie for the
borough's best slice including Denino's, Joe's and Pat's, and
Nunzio's.  Our decision was further complicated by our reliance on
public transportation to reach our destination.  Ultimately, a pizza
is only as good as its creator and as a result, we have our eyes on
the pies of chef Salvatore Russo.  Last year in Las Vegas's 23rd
International Pizza Expo, he bested 65 competitors from six countries
to win first-prize.  His pizza has been featured on the Regis and
Kathie Lee Show and is a favorite of former mayor Rudy Giuliani and
former Governor Pataki.  We think the only way to taste what all the hype is
about, is to take a trip down to Goodfellas pizza in Dogan Hills and
see for ourselves.

Who better to ask than a NYPD cop?

Since 1993, Goodfellas has been serving up their tasty brick oven
pizza in Staten Island. Their "Pizza a la Vodka" has been a perennial
New York favorite and their "Sally Pie" and "Smokin Goodfella" have
also been critically acclaimed.   The restaurant will certainly face
some stiff competition in our Five Borough Challenge, but we think
this slice will be worth taking the ferry for.

Stay tuned each day this week as we announce the lineup for this historic event...