You’re in Santa Ana, southwest of San José, but you could well imagine you’re in New York City as you munch on a Goodfellas Pizzeria pizza. Partners Jonathon Parker, James Strater and Rafa Salas, all of whom either grew up or lived in New York for a time, certainly know what pizza is all about, what toppings to use and how to eat it.
“New York pizza used to come with only cheese or pepperoni and was eaten folded lengthwise,” Parker said.
Goodfellas Pizzeria is a takeout affair, but if you want to eat in, there is a counter with two stools and a table out front with four plastic chairs.
“We can’t keep up with the demand and are waiting for the installation of a second oven,” Parker said, adding that as soon as the oven is up and running, delivery service will be offered.
It’s not surprising Goodfellas is so popular. Their pizzas are delicious, and the excellent, thin crust is carefully rolled so it’s even from the edge to the center. The expert pizza maker here is known simply as “Oggi,” a Costa Rican who lived in New Jersey for 30 years.
“The dough is like a blank canvas on which he paints a picture using different toppings,” Parker said.
One of the pizzas I tried, named after Oggi, was really luscious. It was topped with cubes of cheese, fresh tomato, basil and garlic, and then drizzled with olive oil, which is kept in a jar with buds of roasted garlic and sprigs of rosemary. I also sampled a delicious, innovative combination of zucchini, cheese, tomato, green onions and broccoli, one of the many vegetarian pizzas available. On the traditional vegetarian pizza, which was laden with goodies, I ordered two additional ingredients, anchovies and black olives – really yummy! There are also many meaty choices, including minced beef, ham, pepperoni, salami and more.
The pizzas come in three sizes: 14, 16 and 18 inches, with prices ranging ₡4,500-₡9,850 ($9-$20). The large selection of additional toppings starts at ₡200 (40 cents) each. Pizza by the slice costs ₡950-₡1,150 ($1.90-$2.30). Slices go for special prices of ₡750-₡950 ($1.50-$1.90) for students between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., and for all customers between 2 and 5 p.m.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Location: Santa Ana, 300 m east of the Red Cross on the left side
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Contact: 2282-8530, www.facebook.com/pizzagoodfellas
