Eats in the Western Gateway: Centro, The Walnut

An intriguing Boulevardier at Centro, left, with Campari, sweet vermouth, and rye whiskey. Bittersweet and seductive. I adore it! A fat slice of orange compliments the Campari base, but I'm more game for a wide sliver of lemon peel for an olfactory contrast. Center and right: Half-price Pizza & Peroni at Centro on Monday nights. An absolute bargain!

Half-price Pizza & Peroni also include Centro's calzones. Here, I enjoy a Quattro Formaggi calzone with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, provolone, garlic, olive oil. Crispy, cheesy; the Gorgonzola goes a long way in flavor!

The Completo at The Walnut, left, a split all-beef frank topped with pico de gallo, avocado, sauerkraut, mayo, cojita cheese, nestled in a toasted bun. There be some cumin on this dog! Its tasty, no doubt. Makes me pine for a proper Sonoran Dog, of which this build shares some ingredients. For the same price, I could get a couple of chili dogs from Jim's or Ted's with change to spare. I enjoyed The Completo very much, but it will be an infrequent pleasure with my lackluster income. Right: A side serving of mac & cheese. Creamy, savory, cheesy sauce; al dente macaroni & penne pastas. This should be an entrée; pair a proper bowl of this with a big enough piece of garlic bread to wipe up the remains.