Tony’s Eatery

Tony’s Eatery

Location: Pierce Plaza, Pierce and Magnolia, Riverside, CA
Type of Food: Pizza and Pasta
Price Range: Cheap Pasta $7.00 Pizza $10.00
Date Potential: Not so much

I was in the mood for garlic bread, so I searched Italian restaurants on my phone navigator and Tony’s Eatery was only 1.1 miles away from where I was (I was at La Sierra University’s Library). As I pulled into the Pierce plaza, I was a bit worried about the decision I had made to eat a Tony’s Eatery, but the food and my experience definitely proved to be good.
Although Tony’s Eatery is somewhat of a decorator’s nightmare, this family-run Italian restaurant has some noteworthy dishes. The best part, the food is cheap and it is just down the street from the La Sierra University campus.
I decided I would try both the pasta, the pizza, and, of course, the garlic bread, since that is what I came for in the first place. The garlic bread was good, I wish it had a bit more garlic on it, but the bread was soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, perfectly satisfying my craving for garlic bread. For the pasta course of my meal, I tried the Garlic Spaghetti—fresh garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, all for the low price of $6.95. This dish was great, I could definitely say I am going to probably get that again. For the pizza entrée I tried the Garden Lover—cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and olives. Although the pizza did not have enough sauce on it, the vegetables were fresh and the crust was delicious. I think next I go, I will make sure I ask for extra sauce.
Tony’s Eatery is a great place to go with friends or possibly yourself, to grab some home cooked Italian food and to watch a game or two on their large screen TVs. I would definitely not recommend taking a date here; the not so impressive décor could be a total turn-off.

The Stinking Rose

The Stinking Rose
“A Garlic Restaurant”

Location: 55 N. La Cienega, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Type of Food: American-Italian
Price Range: about $25.00 per person
Date Potential: Impressive and unique, but you’ll smell like garlic for at least 2 days afterwards
Website: www.thestinkingrose.com
All you have to do is follow your nose to The Sticking Rose, where they “season their garlic with food.” This truly unique and entertaining dining experience will have you wanting to come back again and again. Although I have tried all along to you bring you local restaurants around the Riverside area, I absolutely have to tell you about this hidden treasure found in Beverly Hills and hope that it stirs up some curiosity and some of you may actually check it out.
As you arrive at The Stinking Rose and stop under the covered parking, a valet attendant opens your door and parks your car for you, I felt as though I had gone back in time and was visiting Hollywood in a different era. I actually had no idea what to expect and was completely blown away by the hospitality and décor The Stinking Rose has to offer.
Guests can enjoy treat after garlicky treat in any of the restaurant’s whimsical dining rooms. Garlic breads are strewn throughout the establishment and festive murals depict a garlic bulb’s view of Garllywood. I learned that there are at lest 2,635 bulbs of garlic, decorating every conceivable nook and cranny.
Not only is the restaurant a must see for décor reasons, the food is amazing too. I was a bit standoffish at first, at the thought of eating food with whole garlic gloves, but again I was fabulously surprised. I recommend starting out with the Bagna Calda—garlic soaking in a hot tub—this scrumptious appetizer is garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil and butter with a hint of anchovy. It’s a wonderful treat for spreading on their house-baked focaccia bread.
For the entrée, I went with the Neon Raviolis—filled with potato and cheese, topped with garlic basil Alfredo sauce. This is a marvelous dish for first timers, it’s not too intimidating and you pretty much know what to expect. Although the pasta is delicious, The Stinking Rose also offers fish, prime rib, chicken, lamb, etc. all cooked in a variety of ways and fantastic I am sure.
For desert, wouldn’t you know it; they have garlic ice cream available. Although this probably doesn’t sound too appetizing you absolutely have to try it, much to my surprise, it was pretty good.
So, follow your nose to The Stinking Rose, and have a stinking good time!

Pomodoro Cucina Italiana

Pomodoro Cucina Italian

Location:  510 Hidden Valley Pkwy  Corona, Ca

Type of Food:  Italian

Price Range:  Reasonable for the quality

Date Potential:  Definitely would recommend it!

Website:  www.pastapomodoro.com

You wouldn’t think Pomodoro to be a chain restaurant, but suprisingly it is! This restaurant, which in Italian means “tomato” serves authentic Italian food ( not Olive Garden! ) at very reasonable prices.

Your experience at Pomodoro begins with a traditional Italian style bread accompanied by the most amazing pesto dip in the area! This dipping sauce champs many Italian restaurants of more “high status”.

Upon entering Pomodoro’s you will notice the backally feel as the floor is occupied with booth’s and tables that occupy an amount of people that identifies with the non “mass produced” food. don’t suscpect that your food may be microwaved as the kitchen is open so that you can see your food being made fresh. On the menu you will find traditional Italian items such as spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli, and some other classics that most Americans do not embrace in the typical Italian chains.

This is a very good place to take an evening or lunch date. You will also be pleased as your checkbook will appreciate the very reasonable prices that seldom reflect the high quality and uniqueness of the food.