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| - A disappointing cacophony of in-your-face flavors. Having tried two of the pastas and the gnocchi, my impression is that these dishes are the food version of jazz improv - discordant and overwhelming. Like the music, I can see how the Pasta Bar dishes may appeal to many, particularly those who favor flavor intensity and/or creativity over all else. For my taste buds, this was overload. Interesting yes, but I can't say I found it good.
Here are some details:
Pasta and gnocchi - both are quite heavy and substantial. I prefer a more tender pasta and pillow-light gnocchi. Maybe after running a marathon the high-density pasta would hold more appeal.
Sauces - Here is the in-your-face part. The gnocchi sauce is spicy, overwhelmingly so for me (although I do freely admit to being a hot chili wimp). Despite my personal intolerance to hot food, a more delicate approach would have been better.
The le Sarde sauce sounded interesting, mainly because I love sardines, but my taste buds could not get over the bizarre combination of strong flavors vying for attention. I could not even pick out the taste of the sardines amongst the culinary noise. And what is with the dried hunks of bread? I could not get beyond the oddness of this one.
The carbonara was an intense combination of garlic and black pepper flavors, and probably the dish I enjoyed most of the three. Even on this one, the garlic was out of this world in intensity.
On the good side, the staff was genuinely pleasant and enthusiastic - a real treat. The atmosphere is modern and hip, while maintaining a touch of coziness. The ingredients all appeared fresh and high quality. And the food is indeed interesting - this is no boring spaghetti/lasagna place.
As a matter of taste, I'm going to have to pass on Pasta Bar. For the price, I'll be looking for more of a flavor symphony. If culinary improv and high-density pasta is your thing, check it out.
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