There’s a new Italian restaurant in Toronto that lets you customize your perfect bowl of pasta right down to the noodle shape.
A true connoisseur would tell you that there’s a rhyme and reason for why each pasta shape is paired with its respective sauce and toppings, a formula which may at no point be strayed from. It’s why your vodka sauce is always served on rigatoni, or why Terroni doesn’t let you put Parmesan on your spaghetti in canna a mare.
Sometimes, though, you just need to do whatever you feel like.
Particularly when it comes to pasta, I’m a firm believer that, while there are certain combinations that work especially well together, you also can’t really go wrong. The team behind Queen West’s latest Italian restaurant, Pastalia, seems to agree.
When it comes to the pasta shape, however, you actually don’t get a say. Every bowl starts with Fettuccine Alfredo tossed in a gigantic wheel of Parmesan — you know, for the vibes — but from there, it’s totally up to you. It’s kind of like visiting Subway, only you won’t find a sandwich bun here.
You can choose from two pocket-pleasing sizes (The Teaser at $10.99 or The Showstopper at $13.99) and add your choice of five sauces, including the likes of “Pesto Perfection” and Bolognese, meats, and additional toppings at an added cost.
Additions range from less than $1 to around $3, so things can really add up, but I wouldn’t fault you for wanting to load up your bowl as much as possible. Some people dream about decorating their dream house or assembling new outfits; others dream of the perfect bowl of pasta.
If deciding what toppings to add feels like too much pressure, you can also choose from four pre-designed signature pasta plates, like “The Truffle Trouble”, which is priced at $16 for a Teaser or $18 for a Showstopper, and features truffle mushroom puree, grilled chicken, roasted mushrooms and parmesan.
Even your furry friends are covered: the restaurant offers a dog-friendly bowl of fresh pasta topped with salmon sprinkle or savoury liver dust for less than $5. Step aside, Puppacinos.
According to Pastalia’s website, the restaurant is all about pasta without pretense: “Just really good pasta, made with amore — and a little cheek.” That’s something I can get behind, even if they charge extra for Parmesan.
Pastalia is located at 1180 Queen St. W.
Dining and Cooking