Get ‘Sex in the Desert’ at Pizza Picazzo in Gilbert
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Pizza Picazzo, 1065 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert

Happy hour: 4 to 7 p.m. daily

The vibe: Pizza Picazzo — which opened on June 4 — is mellow on an early Friday evening. A few small groups dine in the bar area where happy hour is offered. We notice a small tray filled with Trivial Pursuit cards with questions such as “What former Fugee was the first female to grace the cover of Time Magazine?” that help customers pass the time while waiting for their food. The answer is Lauryn Hill, by the way.

The food deals: Half off appetizers.

The drink deals: $1 off drinks.

The review: My dining partner in crime and co-worker Adrienne Frank advises me that I have to try Sex in the Desert. I'm wondering where she's going with this, but soon discover she is referring to one of Pizza Picazzo's cocktail specialties. And she was right on the money. The frothy pink and super fruity drink ($5.50) — cremé de banana, Malibu coconut rum, Midori and Bacardi 151 served on the rocks with cranberry and pineapple juice — is exceptional. Unfortunately, Picazzo's food isn't nearly as good as the drink. The hummus platter ($3.75) is just plain gross. The nasty hummus crumbles like cookie dough and makes us miss Pita Jungle's yummy dish. The baked portobello ($4.25) — large portobello mushrooms baked with ricotta, fontina and olive oil — is bubbling with cheese and absolutely delicious.

The inside scoop: The restaurant offers a guest card to its frequent customers who receive pizza points for every dollar they spend. After 125 points, customers receive a $10 gift certificate.

Info: and www.pizzapicazzo.com

Where is your favorite happy hour destination? Send suggestions to Kelly Wilson at or .