Romance is in the air in E.V.'s own little Venice
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Venice Ristorante Italiano, 4747 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee Foothills Happy hour: 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

The vibe: We're greeted by a friendly and talkative Italian man who, we can only assume is the owner, when we arrive at the Italian restaurant on an early Thursday evening. The man seems to be on a first-name basis with the majority of customers in their 30s to 60s that fill the bar area. After we're seated, a server brings out complimentary crunchy rounds of bread and whipped butter. The walls are painted in a deep burgundy and the bar area is dark and lit with candles. Italian music plays in the background making us feel like we're on a gondola ride in Venice. If my sister wasn't sitting across from me, this setting would be quite romantic.

The food deals: Half off appetizers

The drink deals: $3.50 house margaritas and martinis, $3 well drinks, $2.50 import beers, $2 domestic beers, $1 off house wine and 20 percent off wines by the bottle.

The review: The food is exceptional. We start with the hot antipasto for two ($5.50), which is a mix of shrimp, scallops and stuffed clams. It's absolutely delicious. I wish the dish came with more scallops — one of my favorite foods — but it's an appetizer so I can't complain too much. The fried crab cakes ($4.50) are stuffed with crab meat, come in an order of two and are dipped in a creamy sherry mustard sauce. The seasoned stuffed mushrooms ($3.50) are equally delicious and are filled with chicken, sausage, beef and cheese. I'd like to return to this cute restaurant and bar for another taste of Venice, but next time I'm leaving my sister at home and bringing a date.

The inside scoop: If you have room for dessert, which I highly suggest leaving room for, try the light and creamy creme brulée ($5). Info: