Good Old Days Pizza: Matt Stanczak's New Newtown Joint for Za

Look. I’m a lover not a fighter. So, when it comes to Pizza-in-Connecticut politics, I usually stand on this side of the pie. HOWEVER, I will always have an opinion. Here’s what I’ve concluded thus far: like coffee shops that seem to be on every corner, there’s always room for another slice. And, as Matt Stanczak, the mastermind and magic wand wielder behind Good Old Days Pizza agrees, as long as each shop is doing a little something different...then why not!?

So, let’s get our fric-on, shall we? 

Talk about doing a little something different, the frico on Good Old Days’ “Detroit-Inspired” classic squares are such tasty, drool-worthy, dream-inducing corners of heaven. I’m not kidding. I think I’d go over and over again just to pick frico off everyone’s pie. Ok, maybe not amidst a pandemic, but you get what I mean. Salty, crispy and chewy brown bites of cheese that are like the edges of nonna’s lasagna. If that’s not all, the thick red sauce is bright, and the dough looks like it should be dense and heavy, but it’s not.

To stick with the square but to try a little something different, we dove into the French Onion, which literally tasted like the classic soup in the form of a pizza. Slow and carmely sweet from the onions with the salty zip of mozz and gruyere cheese made that airy square crust a perfect bed of delicious-ness.

From the thin and crispy pies, for one to two people, we had The Lizzie. Okay, I’m not sure who she is, but she’s got it goin’ on. With mozzarella, bacon, shaved brussels, a parm crema, and parsley pesto, somehow the dash of green instantly felt healthy, and yet, it had all the salty savory bits we love to indulge in. 

Then, for another thin and crispy there’s the White Lightning. I’m always up for a white pie; it gives my palette a break from an often acidic red (but GODS’ is nice and sweet), and it leaves space to really try the featured gems on top. This one delivered. Like a chorus line in flavor heaven, there’s mozzarella, ricotta, red onion, pickled jalapenos, and oregano. It hit every note, and you really can’t stop at one slice.

And, those just skim the pie selections available. Check out their full menu here. Right now, as the space is small, their emphasis is on the pies, but they do offer salads--the Simple House acted as a perfect and fresh plus one to every slice. They hope to add a few appetizers one day soon, but until then, there’s more pizza!

Stanczak is no stranger to restaurants, or pizza. He ran Stanziato’s, a Danbury staple, from ‘09-’15, then satisfied those of us who love breakfast any time of day with the eggz food truck---Oh, how I remember those wonderful and wacky egg sammy creations. No lie, he misses eggz too, and hopes we’ll see it again some day, perhaps in a new form.

You might want to forget the beer or soda when trying a slice at GODS. Shane Bingham,  the head bartender will really put you In the Mood. No, I’m serious. The drink of the same name will get your insides fired up and happy with Bourbon, Lemon, local Maple Syrup, and a sprig of Rosemary.  If that’s not enough, get classy with his Adulting cocktail. You’d think it’s a fruit smoothie in a pretty glass, then ZING! Feel the punch of vodka, elderflower liqueur, blackberry puree and fresh lemon. This one knows his way around a shaker.

Entering GODS, under Marygold’s on Main, was like entering a time warp; like being back in the 80s with black rubber-band Madonna bracelets up my arms headed to a party at the popular kids’ fancy basement. There’s dim lighting and lots of wood, and just enough space to play Spin the Bottle, or in this case, chow down on really good pizza. “That’s sort of what I was going for,” Stanczak said, when I told him about my goofy 80s flashback. Fun, casual, and definitely low key. Fast forward to today, and the building’s namesake Mary Hawley, Julia Child, and Anthony Bourdain (Oh, Tony!) smile from portraits on the walls. The oven is in view across from the bar, with a few seats in the main dining area, and next to the large stone fireplace. And, as I write, the patio outside has officially opened.

Stanczak is so proud of the reception GODS has gotten so far and hopes to keep things fun and fresh. For example, they recently launched their “Friends of GODS” series, which invites everyone from local chefs to passionate eaters, young and old, to contribute to the menu with ideas. For example, friend of GODS’ Mike Fraser, contributed his idea of a thin and crispy pie with Burrata and meatballs, Holbrook Farm spinach, and provolone. Described as “Simple, slightly naughty, and to the point, like Mike,” it was on the menu for a week. There was also a contribution from none other than beloved chef, newly acclaimed Mr. Gabagool, Christian Petroni--of too many things to name, including Food Network Star and formerly of Fortina--who came by GODS to shower diners with lessons in scarpetta, the art of sopping up sawwce with (garlic) bread. 

Lastly, Stanczak and the crew are hoping to soon roll out Square Pie Meal Kits in order for CT pizza lovers to make the Detroit-Inspired frico-fantastic pies of GODS at home.

In the meantime, get yourselves over to the den in Newtown and grab a drink and a slice. Oh, and keep your eyes on the “Dough Boobs” featured often on Instagram.

Good Old Days Pizza & Cocktail Den
19 Main Street (basement of Marygold’s)
Newtwon, CT

203.491.2920
www.goodolddayspizza.com
@goodolddays