Well, faithful readers and fellow food lovers, it's time to say farewell, as this is the last SPM of the semester. To part on a high note, I'm giving you the lowdown on my favorite kind of food - Italian.
Caffe Boa
398 S. Mill Ave.
My favorite piece of Italy in Tempe is Caffe Boa. This locally owned and operated restaurant not only captures the ambiance of a classy, sophisticated Italian restaurant, but the food is also absolutely delicioso.
From the Tortellini Brigantino to the Rigatoni Puttenesca, I've never had a bad experience at Boa. The prices range from moderate to expensive (The average entree is about $14.), but it's totally worth it. The rich, creamy sauces are unique, and the wine list is extensive. I recommended ordering a pitcher of sangria with any meal - the fruit is fresh and tastes great with either red or white wine.
Possibly the most gratifying part of the meal is the dessert, especially the tiramisu. This traditional Italian dessert is decorated with chocolate syrup and just the right amount of whipped cream.
While the food and wine are top notch, one of the best aspects of Caffe Boa is the attentive staff. Your glass will never be empty, and they're always willing and able to explain in depth the complicated menu.
Riazzi's Italian Garden
2700 S. Mill Ave.
Until last weekend I've always driven by Riazzi's Italian Garden on my way to the grocery store and thought, "Man, I should eat there some day." The sparkling lights in the trees surrounding the intimate restaurant always caught my eye.
So when my roommate, Kim Weidner, told me she was in the mood for Italian, it was the perfect opportunity.
It turns out the lights on the building's exterior aren't the only things about Riazzi's that sparkle. I had the Fettuccine Riazzi, and the creamy garlic-hinted sauce was fantastic - perfect for dipping with the soft, endless supply of bread. The restaurant's wine list isn't as widespread as Caffe Boa's, but it's broken up into dark, medium and light wines, so it's easy to pick the right one for your meal.
Kim ate the lasagna, which she raved was the second-best lasagna she's ever eaten. (I guess that's a good thing.) I dipped some bread into her sauce - a delicious tangy marinara.
The only disappointment with my meal at Riazzi's was the dessert. I ordered the cannoli, which was good, but not great. The cream inside wasn't sweet enough for my sugar tooth, and the dough was a little too crispy.
Caffe Boa and Riazzi's Italian Garden are just two of the great independent restaurants around Tempe. I encourage you to take the extra time over winter break to adventure to a new restaurant or two. You never know what you'll find.
Until next semester, ciao!
Reach the reporter at: mailto:tara.brite@asu.edu.
