There are advantages to getting older; you become wiser, more comfortable in your own skin, more confident in your abilities and develop loyal friends. Zartletti’s Rustico Pizzeria has done just that.

Since my first visit last summer when it had just opened, it seems as though Rustico has really hit its stride; from the quality of the service to the flavor of its food.

I was there on Thursday night and despite the world’s largest music festival raging blocks away, the bar was packed, the windows, wide open to the Third Ward and the Riverwalk, bustling.

The cold Peroni beer, light and crispy calamari and sweet tang of the pizza sauce was such a perfect combination on a warm summer night.

Join Rustico to celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 pm and enjoy free food, $20 all-you-can drink Peroni or Sangria and live music on the Riverwalk.

If you can’t make it on the 11th, check out their Web site for daily specials, they’re amazing! I especially like Tuesday: half price bottles of wine and Thursday: free pizza with a pitcher of beer from 4-6 pm and 9-close.