Pasta Mia

Pasta Mia is one of those restaurants that has rules, probably set in place by Mama Mia (you'll know who she is if you go). You must obey the rules in order to eat at Pasta Mia without a) being embarrassed or b) starving to death while you wait. And wait. And wait some more for your dinner.

The rules are:
1. ONLY COMPLETE PARTIES WILL BE SEATED. This means you better coordinate well if you're supposed to meet someone there. If I were meeting someone and it was my turn to be seated and they hadn't shown up yet, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to dine alone. When it comes to Pasta Mia, it's every woman for herself.

2. NO SUBSTITUTIONS WILL BE MADE. Don't even think about ordering the Linguine with Clams with a butter/garlic sauce instead of a red sauce. They've perfected their dishes, thank you very much, and they don't appreciate your tampering.

3. CASH ONLY!!! NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS. Luckily there is an ATM right around the corner.

And then there are other rules, which aren't written but ARE absolute.

4. GET THERE EARLY. VERY early. Pasta Mia opens at 6:30 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday). By 6:00, there is a line outside. You're pushing your luck if you get there later than 6:15, and trust me when I say that if you do not get seated in the first wave of people, you should just go next door to the Mexican restaurant or something. You will be waiting for AT LEAST one hour.

5. THE SERVICE IS SLOW. DEAL WITH IT. Don't complain or you'll get the Mama Mia smack down! I do suggest, if you're feeling antsy, to avoid Pasta Mia on Friday and Saturday and shoot for a Tuesday through Thursday visit. They are (sometimes) less swamped on the weekdays so are a little more attentive.

Jared, Lo, and myself went to Pasta Mia on Friday, followed all the rules, and had an excellent dining experience.

My dish: Fusilli with eggplant. Delicious with red sauce and large pieces of mozzarella cheese melted throughout. I get this every time now.


Lauren's dish: Fusilli with Sausage. VERY SPICY. They went a little nuts on the red pepper flakes with this one. Still, very good, if you like a kick.


Jared's dish: Tortellini al Ragu. The tortellini is filled with cheese, and the meat sauce is delicious, with a really interesting flavor that makes me think they use quite a bit of wine. I think this is the best dish (that I've had) on the menu. I myself don't order it because it consumes my faux-vegetarian's soul with guilt. But you can bet I sneak a few bites from Jared.


And, to top it off, delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and this:


Tiramisu. So good, it rivals Biramisu.

Not only that, but the prices are reasonable (generally $12 a dish) and the three of us had two snacks and an entire meal with the leftovers. That is not an exaggeration. The portions are huge.

Anyway, go to Pasta Mia, but be prepared!