THE
PASTA SHOPPE: See it, Eat it, Love it!
Many
of us remember fondly standing by our mother in the kitchen
watching her prepare family favorites for dinner. This is actually
how most people have learned to cook, and learned how to appreciate
good food. I have recorded the words of countless great chefs
over the years who said they learned to cook in their mother's
kitchen as small children, including French-American award winning
chef Daniel Boulud.
Well,
get ready for some de je vous if you're planning a visit to The
Pasta Shoppe in the newly opened Santa Barbara Public Market.
You will find yourself straining to see Pasta Master Ottavio Gnazzo
making the pasta, and Head Chef Brian Dodero whipping up magical
dishes like Pappardello Ragu Coda di Bue or purple potato gnocchi
covered with lavender lemon butter sauce with shallots as your
appétit sours with eager anticipation.
Squid, Beet, Spinach Pasta To Go
We
all learned from the sushi wave that hit the US over twenty years
ago that everyone enjoys watching their dinner being prepared
before their eyes by talented chefs, and quickly realized how
much better it seemed to taste when it finally was set down before
us due to the amazing visual tease. The experience at this delightful
Italian Pasta Shoppe in Santa Barbara is no exception.
The
pasta chef Ottavio Gnazzo studied his craft in Milano, Italy and
he grew up in an Italian restaurant family from NewYork, learning
his craft from his dad who immigrated from Milan as a young man
and has owned a successful Italian restaurant in New York for
many years. According to Pasta Master Gnazzo "people stop
and watch me making pasta, and have so many questions on how to
make their favorites. It is very rewarding."
Head Chef Brian Dodero & Pasta Chef Ottavio Gnazzo
Head
Chef Brian Dodero has a strong history working in some wonderful
restaurant kitchens, including The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa
Barbara. Chef Dodero loves shopping at the local Farmer's Market
to purchase items he uses in the preparations of his Italian dishes.
His sense for combining flavors to create new dishes is really
flawless. The 'bar with a view' counter set up makes it easy for
patrons to watch, ask the chef questions, and just get to know
more about the art of creative Italian cuisine.
The
star of the primi menu is the Lacinato (kale, pine nuts, kumquat
and ricotta slata, with grapefruit vinaigrette). This is an outstanding
prelude to the Cannellini e Safumi (white beans, cured meat and
tomato in herbed broth), or any one of the exceptional pasta dishes
on the menu. I am hoping to return soon for dinner to try the
spaghetti with clams, mussels, garlic, white wine, red chili and
lemon; for certain it will be outstanding!
Pappardelle Rago
Imported
Italian wines are perfect for paring with these dishes. Manager
Michelle Quinn and owner Diane Harding put great effort in selecting
just the right wines to compliment their menu. They include white
(Carletto "Ricco", Veneto - Castello della Sala "Bramito"
Chardonnay, Umbria & Campogrande, "Orvieto", Umbria),
red wines include (Pipoli Anglianico, Basificata - Villa Antinori,
Toscana & Sabazio di Montepulciano) as well as three nice
Spumante wines (Lamarca Prosecco Split - Prosecco "Mionetto",
Veneto - Brut Rose, Col de "Salici, Piave). They serve Bellini's
and a Mimosa as well as La Rossa Moretti or Oro di Milano Doppio
Malto beer.
Italian Style Kale Salad
There
is a quote from the late Italian Film Maker/Director Federico
Fellini on the back of Diane Harding's card that says "Life
is a combination of Magic and Pasta," and this icon of the
Italian film industry was renowned throughout the world for his
full appreciation of la dolce vita. I recommend you treat yourself
to a little of the sweetness of life soon and have lunch or dinner
with The Pasta Shoppe team in the Santa Barbara Public Market.
Their 'to go' case is filled with amazing squid, carrot, spinach
and beet pasta, along with sauces and Italian breads to take home
and share with your loved ones. Salute!
The
Paste Shoppe
Santa Barbara Public Market
38 W. Victoria Street (at Chapala)
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805)770-3668
http://thepastashoppellc.com
By Bonnie Carroll