Critic's Review
When you first come to South Florida, you'll hear all of the deprived palates down here rave about Anthony's, and if you're from NY your first pizza will be a huge disappointment; not because it's not a decent pizza, but because it's not pizza the way NYer know pizza. But there are other things at Anthony's that are unique and good; I like their eggplant; today I was craving some of their spicy Ribs.
All of Anthony's places are about the same on the inside; dark wood tables and chairs, a bar, an open kitchen, lots of TVs and wall decorated with pictures of sports figures and celebrities.
Service usually reminds me of Brooklyn, which isn't a good thing, but my server here was excellent. When I ordered iced tea she informed me that it comes in a bottle, and when I ordered the ribs she made sure I understood how they make them. She was cognizant of the fact that people might have expectations of something different.
They have splenda and I got extra lemon as requested. The ribs and the small meatballs came out together.
Not bad for $5.25, considering that a lot of places are charging $4 for a small meatball slider. The meatballs are very dense, with a light tomato sauce.
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza's meatball sauce
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 whole garlic cloves
2 fresh basil leavesUsing a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring ingredients to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer 15 minutes.
Makes about 1 1/2 quarts.
Nutrition information per 3/4-cup serving: 81 calories, 26% calories from fat, 2 g fat, trace saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 15 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 553 mg sodium, 4 g fiber
It seems to me that there's something missing from the recipe, because this sauce is smooth, so they must puree it. There's also no detectible basil, or any green at all. It's a good sauce. Not great, but good. I didnt think there was anything remarkable about the meatballs; I won't order them again.
The ribs here are very different, although they use jar cherry peppers, which could be better if they has a custom recipe. The peppers really aren't edible.
6 ribs this time, sometimes you get an extra rib or 2. I like the ribs. The focaccia was better than at the Fort Lauderdale location; it seemed fresher and lighter.
Service at this location is much better. A manager was around to check on each table. Unusual for Boca.
