Friday, Mar. 12, 2010

Anthony's Returns with Old Favorites

ANTHONY'S PIZZA AND PAN PASTA

By Becky Billingsley -

Setting the Table

Anthony's Pizza and Pan Pasta first opened in 2000, and it was a neighborhood gathering spot for hundreds of residents in neighborhoods around the U.S. 17 Bypass/Glenns Bay Road intersection near Surfside Beach. They came for pan pasta, which was a novelty in this area, and for pizza and other Italian specialties.

Over the years the ownership changed, and the restaurant closed for a while during December and into February. Now one of the original partners, Dave Walter, owns it again with new partners Eric Payne and Jim Harrigan. Their families are helping run the cozy eatery.

Before reopening Anthony's the new crew did a major pull-everything-out-and-scrub-it-within-an-inch-of-its-life cleaning. Booths were reupholstered, new carpet was laid and everything looks shiny-new again.

A fun part of dining at Anthony's is checking out all the memorabilia on the walls in the L-shape space. Just about every collectible hobby is covered, from sports and old movies to farm implements and vintage toys.

Down the Hatch

It's nice to have Anthony's back the way it used to be: A safe, clean, affordable restaurant serving Italian comfort food.

My friend and I shared a Bruschetta appetizer. The Anthony's version has diced tomatoes marinated in a tangy vinegar dressing on top of toasted Italian bread slices. They have a lively flavor and are easy to eat without being messy.

For our entrees my friend had Shrimp Alfredo ($14.75) and I opted for Eggplant Parmesan ($12.95). My dish had four thick eggplant slices cooked perfectly with a delicately crispy breading and smothered in creamy melted mozzarella. It comes with a side of pasta and marinara, and you get a choice of what pasta shape you prefer.

The add-on values just kept coming; I also received a basket of warm crispy/soft Italian bread and a house salad. The salad was an appropriately sized portion with exceedingly cold and crispy iceberg lettuce and a few veggies.

My friend's Shrimp Alfredo had an extraordinarily creamy and rich sauce. You know how sometimes Alfredo sauce doesn't taste cheesy or it had a tinny flavor? Not this one - it's the real deal and you can taste the Parmesan and garlic.

If you want to go a little more casual than an entrée, Anthony's has loads of choices. You can start with Pepperoni or Italian Sausage Rolls, Broccoli Bites, Wings, Garlic Knots, or opt for a $10.95 appetizer sampler with five choices.

Pan Pasta is always a nice choice where you pick your pasta shape (angel hair, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne), your sauce (marinara, Alfredo, garlic & oil) and two toppings (long list, think pizza topping choices). You get an enormous portion, easily enough for two meals, with salad and bread for $10.95.

There are also pizzas such as the yummerlicious Steak Tip Pizza with red onions, Strombolis, Subs and more entrees such as Lasagna, Pasta Primavera and Shrimp Scampi.

Check Please

As of press time Anthony's didn't have its liquor license, but it is expected any day. Once the taps are flowing again the operation hours will expand.

If you have a crowd to feed, this is a great place to bring them. Sports teams often go here after their games.

Don't feel like stepping out? An Anthony's staff member will bring the dishes to you within a reasonable delivery area.

Anthony's Pizza and Pan Pasta is at the intersection of U.S. 17 Bypass and Glenns Bay Road in Surfside Beach. The old Anthony's phone number has been replaced with a new one: 215-5500. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Becky Billingsley serves up fresh news daily at MyrtleBeachRestaurantNews.com.