I have recently returned to Union Standard for lunch with my family. Previously, I only went to happy hour, where the drink options did not color me entirely impressed. This time around, as I sat down for lunch with my family, I ordered the baked pesto rigatoni, while my family ordered options such as the halibut and burger. The service was good, albeit not as attentive as I expected as the water was not filled very often.
When my meal arrived, it was quite beautiful. The pasta was a beautiful kelly green color and a side salad made my plate burst with hues of green. The flavor, however, did not live up to its appearance. The sauce was oily and did not stick to the rigatoni. I suggest a noodle like angel hair or fusilli that can hold onto the sauce better than the large rigatoni. The vegetable mix inside the pesto bake was interesting as well. It featured potatoes, which I would not think to put in pasta, but it soaked up the pesto nicely. The ramps and cheese melted on top were my favorite parts of it, since the ramps wilted in the sauce, giving it a creamed spinach feel. The side salad was also delicious and featured a light dressing that did not mask the crunch or flavor of the greens.
My family seemed much more impressed by their meals. I have a feeling that this restaurant is better known for their meat options. Nonetheless, impressive menu and good service. A nice place to go for lunch with coworkers during the week.