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| - Haven't been in years.
I was amazed that although It's been years since my last visit here, not much has changed.
The massive ficus tree at the entry looked as good as ever and I noticed that the landscaping surrounding the building were nearly perfect. I also noticed the patio was under utilized, just a bunch of plastic patio furniture scattered about. This might be my only beef with this place. They should fix it up, cover and set those tables, and add some shimmering lights. It might have been so because it was a Monday night but I don't remember the patio ever being used to its amazing potential.
We were greeted promptly and with a warm friendly welcome. It felt so inviting like we come every week. A nice old school booth was camp for the next hour or so. Mature service was prompt friendly, and professional, Its a nice change from the 19 year olds in Scottsdale that don't care about what they are doing or serving.
as far as the food goes everything started with some fresh baked bread and foil wrapped butters. soup and salads preceded main dishes and there they were, the sliced canned beets and as expected a pool of a delicious tangy red wine Italian dressing topped by Ice berg olives and those slice beets. Gratefully some things never change!
Main dishes included Stuffed eggplant that was covered with a half pound of mozzarella and swimming in marinara, it smelt delicious! My buddy had a $15.00 pizza after adding 3 toppings, $15 10 inch pies are becoming the norm around town so it didn't seem too out of line and 1/3 of that pizza made its way home for a snack later. My pasta dish was called Half and Half and included delicious beef ravioli and spaghetti with meat sauce, the sauce was as good as my own, and the pasta was cooked to absolute perfection.
Deserts were declined, and our garden party soon came to an end. Thank you's and good bye's came from all directions and that's old school at its best!!!
Riazzi's is that touch of nostalgia and the part of Tempe you always want to remember after so much around town is building up, modernizing and going corporate.
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