NEW YORK, March 16, 2009 — It was a real pressure cooker for the crew of Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza of Staten Island. Although they are by no means strangers to big contests, having won Best Pizza in America three times and the coveted "International Pizza Champions" award in 2007, they still get excited when their old gunslinger status is on the line. This year the Las Vegas contest The International Pizza Expo 2009, "the biggest in the world," hosted about 5,000 pizza professionals from all 50 states and 30 countries.
The competition for the title of "World's Best Pizza" with bragging rights and a $10,000 cash prize and trophy was on the line. "The drama of competing against such formidable opponents can get to be very intense," said Scot Cosentino of Goodfella's, representing New York with his gourmet pizza entry.
After three days of competition Goodfellas walked away with 2 titles: one "Best Pizza in the Eastern Division of the United States"; and "World Champion Winner" – and a total of $10,500 in prize money!
Cosentino's marvelous gourmet pizza won hands down with high scores given from the prestigious panel of Executive Chefs from all over the country. The scoring was based upon Taste, Presentation, Crust Structure and Culinary Skill. Cosentino said, "This was one of the hardest challenges ever and I was honored to bring the prize back home to New York where it belongs. The creation consists of a semolina crust with blackberry brandy champagne cream sauce, homemade fresh mozzarella, fresh lobster, shrimp, and lump crabmeat surrounded by a coconut cheese-infused crust. Regardless of the outcome, it's always an honor and a pleasure to represent my city, country, family and restaurant and it's great to keep the title in New York because the best city in the world deserves such honors."
Contact:
Scot Cosentino
Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza
(718) 987-2422 or (917) 622-0303
Background: http://www.goodfellas.com
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