-Courtesy of Cashman & Associates
feature image: Mac and Cheese with butter poached lobster from The Wayward
In case you haven’t heard, October is National Pasta Month. In fact, tomorrow, October 17th, is National Pasta Day! Did you also know there are over 600 unique pasta shapes? Philly is filled with every type of pasta dish you can imagine- from perfectly executed classic Italian staples, to creative interpretations with unique flavor profiles. What are your favorites? Here are some recent picks if you’re looking for inspiration.
Dolce Italian – Center City, located within the W Hotel
For the ultimate Pasta Day destination, check out Dolce Italian for a menu anchored by fresh, handmade pastas. From an elevated take on spaghetti and meatballs, to truffle topped pastas and hearty sauces, Dolce Italian has a pasta to please every palette.
Pasta dishes to try:
1) Spaghetti Al Pomodoro- Tomato, basil, parmigiano and an optional add-on of house made meatballs
2) Rigaroncini All ‘amatriciana- Guanciale, san Marzano tomato, grana padano
3) Tagliatelle Alle Vongole- Littleneck clams, Calabrian chili, parsley
4) Pappardelle Alla Bolognese- Braised beef, veal, pork ragu
5) Pasta, Truffled Spinach Ricotta Ravioli- Sage, parmingiano, reggiano
Talula’s Garden – overlooking Washington Square Park, Philly
Talula’s Garden is a celebration of cuisine done right, with local dishes aligning in harmony with the season. This fall, the menu includes a hearty pasta dish, perfect for a warm and comforting meal.
Pasta dish to try: Lamb Bolognese, featuring fresh rosemary pappardelle, basil ricotta, fragrant tomato sauce of lamb, spinach & Italian breadcrumbs
The Wayward – located in Center City’s East Market neighborhood, within the Canopy Hotel
The Wayward is a French-inspired American Brasserie; a destination for approachable, yet elevated dining. A sleeper hit on the menu is their ultra-cheesy, cheese-pull-y mac and cheese!
Pasta dish to try: Mac and Cheese with butter poached lobster
Parc- Rittenhouse Square
Parc is one of the most popular restaurants in Philly, and for good reason – the menu is filled with consistently delicious items, including a lighter take on a pasta dish perfect for vegetarians!
Pasta dish to try: Pasta Jardinière, broccoli, asparagus, warm cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and basil.
Revolution Chop House – located within Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA
The amazing steakhouse Revolution Chop House has a large selection of steaks, fresh seafood, and a sizable wine list in a cozy, welcoming setting. While meat is a large focus on the menu, they also take pride in their house made ravioli.
Pasta Dish to try: House-made ravioli, asparagus, lemon ricotta, tarragon beurre blanc
Stir – the premier restaurant located within the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Stir’s seasonally inspired menu offers a unique dining experience, where each dish is carefully thought out and plated as elegantly as the art displayed in the museum it’s housed in. Try their seasonal take on pasta for a dish with a unique, Asian-inspired twist.
Pasta Dish to try: Zucchini gnocchi, roasted cherry tomato, garlic chive, squash blossom tempura, golden sesame oil
Pizzeria Stella – located at Headhouse Square in the Queen Village
Pizzeria Stella is a charming mainstay restaurant within the quaint Queen Village neighborhood. Decadent pizza the restaurant’s specialty, but the menu extends beyond the pie to include antipasti, salads, and some of the best pastas in the city.
Pasta to try: Linguine Cacio e Pepe (black pepper, pecorino, parmesan)
Kpod – located in University City, Philadelphia
Acclaimed chef Peter Serpico is head of the kitchen at Kpod, the new Korean restaurant from STARR Restaurants in University City. Stop in for bold, Korean American staples and creative interpretations – including the glass noodles, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. This is a gluten free option!
Dish to try: Stir Fried Glass Noodle (Shiitake, red bell peppers, carrot, onion, sweet soy, black pepper)