Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza - Pembroke Pines

Nothing goes together like Love and Marriage quite like Pizza and Beer. If you've been to Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, you know what I'm talking about. With several locations throughout the United States, particularly in Florida, they're hard to miss. It all started back in 2002, when Anthony Bruno, the owner of Fort Lauderdale's restaurant Anthony's Runway 84, decided South Floridians were in need of experiencing the taste of a good coal-fired pizza. Cooking their pizzas in an 800 degree oven for just four minutes, has produced the trademark "well done" flavor he is known for. Add to that the laid back atmosphere, and you have the ingredients for a great time.

Although pizza is what they're known for, they serve up a lot more. They even offer beer pairings on occasion. We recently signed up for one they hosted with Cigar City Brewing at their Pembroke Pines location, at 11037 Pines Boulevard.  It featured Anthony's "Well Done" pizza along with other Italian Soul Food paired with a variety of Cigar City craft beers. Exciting, huh?

Phil Palmisano from Cigar City Brewing hosted the event



Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salad



Anthony's Classic Italian Salad



We started our first course with Anthony's Classic Italian and Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salads. It was a light, refreshing way to begin our dinner. The salads were paired with Hotter than Helles Lager, an all grain beer just four months old. It takes about a month and a half to make this brew (the longest of the night) and was my favorite.

Hotter Than Helles Lager

Coal Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings

Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese

Our second course consisted of Coal Oven Roasted Chicken Wings and Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese paired with a  Florida Cracker White Ale. While there was a mixed consensus at the table, I loved the chicken wings. They had a smoky taste and a bold flavor which went very well with the beer, a highly carbonated brew with a lemon-like finish. I also thought the meatballs were an excellent choice, since the citrusy taste accentuated the marinara sauce and distinct ricotta flavor. It was harmonizing to the palate.  

Concentrating on my Chicken Wings

Next up, we sampled the former best seller at Cigar City Brewing: The Maduro Brown Ale, a brew initially made to drink while smoking cigars (thus, the name). Because of its roasted chocolate and coffee aftertaste, it was paired with a more full-flavored dish, Pork Ribs with Vinegar Peppers. If you like darker, stronger ales, this may be your cup of tea (or glass of  beer). Personally, I prefer lighter ales. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the ribs. They were meaty and nicely seasoned. I wouldn't have thought to order these in a pizza place. You see, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Maduro Brown Ale

Vegetarian Options

Pizza Time

Last but certainly not least, out came their famous pizzas. There were a variety served and we wasted no time in grabbing them off the boards. My favorites were the Meatballs and Ricotta, and the Fresh Mozarella, Sliced Tomato and Basil pizza. There is definitely something to be said about the unique taste you get from the coal-fired ovens. Very good. I noticed the beer was getting stronger and darker with each pairing. We enjoyed the pizzas with a nice, cold Jai Alai IPA. 

You should definitely look out for these events at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in the future. You can find the location nearest you at http://www.acfp.com or if you're interested in contacting their Pembroke Pines restaurant, call 954-443-6610.