Choosing a pasta restaurant requires many considerations. You have to consider their expertise in preparing pasta dishes along with the freshness and quality of ingredients. Some will have authentic dishes with the traditional flavour profiles while others will focus on more speciality artisan dishes. There are also restaurants that will offer a combination of this. You as a consumer, also have a say when it comes to the dining experience.
Whether you are planning for a dine-in or takeaway pasta Ocean Grove experience, you need to visit the official website or social media profile of the particular restaurant to find their menu. This will give you an idea of the pasta sauces, shapes and other accompaniments offered. Make sure to go through the menu carefully so that you can have a better idea of what the restaurant specialises in. You can also read about options that are not your usual favourites. You can only fin new flavour combinations when you step out of your comfort zone. By taking the time to read the menu along with the ingredients used, you can better gauge whether this is something you will enjoy. You can also ask the servers to recommend something based on your preferences as they will have a good idea of the menu and the crowd favourites.
You should have a good understanding of pasta shapes and their textures
Different shapes will interact with sauces differently and this will have an impact on the dish’s overall taste. You can select the pasta shape that you prefer. It is also important to choose the right sauce for the pasta. For example, you will come across light sauces such as those that as olive oil based, creamy sauces like Alfred or rich Bolognese sauce. All of these have unique taste profiles and you can pair them with different combinations to see how it suits your palate. If you are planning to experiment, it is best to ask ahead whether the restaurant can tailor the dish by having you choose the sauce, pasta shape etc. Some restaurants will not allow this so you should always be respectful of their policies. Ask about the ingredients that the restaurant uses in their menu.
Look for a restaurant that has a varied menu with many options
Some will offer the option to add more ingredients to the dish. This can also be a great way to tailor the dish according to your taste. For example, you can add a protein or a vegetable you like or even certain herbs and spices to elevate the flavours. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, make sure to call ahead and ask whether the restaurant accommodates these. For example, if you are looking for gluten free options, there are restaurants that will offer alternative pasta dishes. You can also check out the menu to see whether they have many plant based ingredients and vegetarian dishes. Some restaurants will allow you to customise the doneness of the pasta such as having a slightly firmer or softer texture. You have to communicate this clearly to the server.
