Dining
Big Mouth: Judd Perkins
Name:Judd Perkins
Age: 36
City: Mesa
My favorite restaurants::
- 1. Anzio Italian Landing.
- 2. Venezia's New York Style Pizzeria.
- 3. Susie's Mexican Cafe and Lunch.
- 4. Corleone's Philly Steaks.
- 5. Sekai Sushi.
Mini review of one of your 5 favorite spots:
Anzio Italian Landing has exactly what you would ask for in an elegant Italian eatery. It is set on the grounds of Falcon Air Field, adjacent the runways. The blue lights align the strip as the sun sets over the western mountains of the Valley. Located at Higley and McKellips roads, it's in a perfect location for easy access from the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway.
Prices are moderate, portions are more than abundant and the atmosphere is more than romantic. I love to take first dates there. The food is excellent from the authentic pastas to the special seafood and/or steak dishes.
Order one of the over-portioned decadent desserts and two spoons and share with your sweety. The bread pudding is to die for. Anzio's is also famous for its dinner theater. You'll have to check them out online for times and availability, but a simple play with dinner and wine for a good price -- Anzio's has it all. For a romantic dinner or a party of five, it's the place to choose.
"If I were leaving town and never returning I would eat at..."
Venezia's Pizza because there are only two other locations in the world, other than the three here in the Valley. This is real New York-style pizza: thin crus, homemade zesty sauce and the perfect whole milk mozzarella cheese. The slices are large, too - just two slices fill up this big boy.
"My favorite spot to share with insiders is..."
Susie's Cantina. It's authentic Mexican food - small tacos like the vendors sell on the streets of Guadalajara or Mexico City. Susie's has big combo plates with rich green or red chile sauce all over your plate.
The lunch specials are under $5. Susie's offers beer and happy hour specials that you will not find anywhere else.
Margaritas are $2.50 and domestic draft or imported bottled beer is $1.75. It's a total dive/hole-in-the-wall, but well worth the trip. On University, just east of the Loop 101.
"I hate to admit I eat there but I can't resist..."
Pacific Seafood Buffet on Arizona Avenue, north of Elliott Road. There are many buffet stands with all types of Asian island cuisine. From an active, fresh sushi bar to Mongolian barbecue, there are dozens of seafood entrees in between. It's a good price, good setting and good food for a buffet.
"I love to take people to..."
Sekai Sushi on the northeast corner of Gilbert Road and Southern Avenue in the Target Plaza. It offers real fresh sushi, hand rolls and specialty rolls. I will go in and order the sushi boat, $35 plus soda and you get about 30-36 pieces of various rolls, nigiri and/or sashimi. A ton of food for a small price, especially when shared with another person!
"My all-time favorite Mexican restaurants are..."
Susie's because my other real favorite is in Guadalajara, Mexico, and that's a little too far for some takeout.
"If I were to eat anywhere and not worry about paying the bill, I would go to..."
Corleone's Philly Steaks. Authentic Philly-style, not Western-style pretending to be Philly-style. "Original Wiz Wit," -- a huge rib-eye sliced thin, then grilled to perfection with grilled onions and green peppers and mushrooms, smothered in Cheese Wiz, the Philly way. If you like, they offer provolone, also.
Judd Perkins
