El Appetiz: Speedy Italian Takeout

I have always assumed that was a Mexican food joint.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered today that it is actually an Italian food eatery!  Not only that, but it is a drive-thru Italian food eatery.

You read that right—El Appetiz has a drive thru window.  If you order at the drive thru window, you will be directed to pull over to the parking lot to conveniently await your food.  You can also place your order at the walk up window or phone it in. 

I phoned in my order for a half order of Fettuccine Alfredo Primavera ($8.25) for the kids, a BBQ Chicken Calzone ($9.50) for the hubby and Grilled Chicken & Avocado Club ($6.75) for myself.

Only 15 minutes later, I was in the drive-thru picking up a scrumptious meal that I did not have to slave over a hot stove to cook myself.  Before even taking a bite, El Appetiz was racking up bonus points.

First off, my club sandwich was incredibly filling.  Not for the diet-conscious, it was a thick slab of chicken breast covered with melted mozzarella cheese, topped with slices of crisp bacon, fresh avocado, red ripe tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and (a bit too much) mayonnaise on a focaccia bun. 

As much as I wanted to, I could not finish my delicious sandwich and I could only barely make a dent in the fantastic shoestring French fries that accompanied it.  I probably should have selected the more health-conscious pasta or mixed green salad as a side.

My hubby’s calzone was hefty, but much of it was the thick, doughy crust.  The filling of diced roasted BBQ chicken, sliced red onion, smoked Gouda, mozzarella, fontina and ricotta cheeses was basic.  He said it was a satisfying calzone, but preferred the one at .  I was too stuffed from my sandwich to sample it and argue.

The fettuccine was a test of sorts, as it was not on the menu as I ordered it.  I asked them to make their fettuccine Alfredo without chicken and to add the vegetables from their other primavera pasta dish.  They happily complied, once they understood my confusing request. 

The kids happily devoured the creamy wide noodles with sautéed onions, mushrooms and shallots and munched on the broccoli florets.  Sadly, they selectively left behind the beautiful, colorful chunks of fresh zucchini, carrots and yellow squash.  I considered it a valiant attempt at trying to lure them into eating their vegetables.

All in all, El Appetiz has a lot going for it (outside of its misleading name).  The prices are reasonable, the food is quality and the portions generous.  You cannot beat its drive-thru for convenience, especially when you do not want to drag the kids in and out of the car one more time and you want something more substantial than the typical fast food fare.

For those times when you want a more relaxing sit-down Italian dining experience, El Appetiz has its original location in Baldwin Park.  Or send the kids to grandma’s house, set a nice table and have the Glendora location deliver for free if you order $25 or more so you can reenact your favorite romantic dining scenes from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.

El Appetiz

Address: 631 W. Arrow Hwy., Glendora, CA  91740

Business Hours:  Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Monday – Saturday, 10  a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone Number: (626) 915-5525

Website: www.el-appetiz.com

Price Range: $6.75 – $13.95
Type of Cuisine:  Italian
Standout Dish:  Grilled Chicken & Avocado Club Sandwich