We’ve been eating pasta since at least 5000 BC and most of us believe Italy is the pasta capital of the world…but did you know the first reports of this dinner staple were in China?
We all know some of the basic pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine and lasagne - however you may be surprised to find out there are actually 60 different shapes, check out offerings such as caramelle, conchiglie and fileja.
As we celebrate all things pasta this week, here are four restaurants to say ciao to a plate to remember:
Known as one of the Eyre Peninsula’s most-loved dining destinations, head to L’Anse French Café on Liverpool Street in Port Lincoln for all things croissant. Eat, drink and relax at this stylish venue, where a glass-fronted bakery allows guests to watch the Chef in action creating delicious sweet and savoury treats.
While the name may be French, there are some delicious pasta temptations on the menu such as pan-fried gnocchi, with goats’ cheese and basil pesto sauce, rocket and pine nuts; or specials like black ink and Parmesan risotto, with King prawns.
For a taste of regional Italian flavours, organise to meet friends at Al Taglio restaurant, a Surry Hills establishment located on Albion Street. Filled with a lively buzz, a modern open plan interior draws a sleek crowd of Sydneysiders, while a relaxed outdoor setting is well suited to kicking back over after-work drinks through balmy evenings.
Start your culinary adventure with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and rocket; before pasta mains like pumpkin gnocchi, with pancetta and gorgonzola cheese, or caserecce with mushroom ragu and smoked scamorza cheese.
Generations of pizza making are on the menu at Dani and Fiori’s Gourmet Pizzeria on Homer Street in Earlwood. This Italian eatery proudly displays the family history with a black and white photo gallery on one wall, as third-generation pizza maker Fiori is behind the counter, using fresh local produce to tempt all who enter with tantalising aromas.
Chow down on pasta plates like penne Siciliana – grilled eggplant, Italian sausage, olives, roast capsicum and garlic, simmered in Napolitana sauce – or spaghetti marinara, with King prawns, bacon, red onion, garlic, shallots and a touch of cream.
The evolution of modern European cuisine awaits diners at Caleb Restaurant & Bar on Railway Road in Subiaco. Reborn from The Corner Italian with a new modern ambience, this brainchild of Chef Caleb Azuka boasts a simple warm décor in a beautiful heritage building, open kitchen and sky view rooftop bar for nightlife romance.
Say Grazie to entrées of arancini with 6-hour oven-baked beetroot and tomato sauce, goats’ cheese camembert, fresh herbs and balsamic glaze; then delve into butter poached lobster, scampi and prawns atop handmade spaghetti, in saffron champagne cream sauce, with chilli drops and mozzarella.
Still looking for a pasta joint near you? Click here for more restaurants.
