Subscribe to RSSMany of us remember fondly standing by our mother in the kitchen watching her prepare family favorites for dinner. This is actually how most people have learned to cook, and learned how to appreciate good food. I have recorded the words of countless great chefs over the years who said they learned to cook in their mother’s kitchen as small children, including French-American award winning chef Daniel Boulud.
Pasta Shoppe Counter
Well, get ready for some de je vous if you’re planning a visit to The Pasta Shoppe in the newly opened Santa Barbara Public Market. You will find yourself straining to see Pasta Master Ottavio Gnazzo making the pasta, and Head Chef Brian Dodero whipping up magical dishes like Pappardello Ragu Coda di Bue or purple potato gnocchi covered with lavender lemon butter sauce with shallots as your appétit sours with eager anticipation.
Squid, Beet, Spinach Pasta To Go
We all learned from the sushi wave that hit the US over twenty years ago that everyone enjoys watching their dinner being prepared before their eyes by talented chefs, and quickly realized how much better it seemed to taste when it finally was set down before us due to the amazing visual tease. The experience at this delightful Italian Pasta Shoppe in Santa Barbara is no exception.
The pasta chef Ottavio Gnazzo studied his craft in Milano, Italy and he grew up in an Italian restaurant family from NewYork, learning his craft from his dad who immigrated from Milan as a young man and has owned a successful Italian restaurant in New York for many years. According to Pasta Master Gnazzo “people stop and watch me making pasta, and have so many questions on how to make their favorites. It is very rewarding.”
Head Chef Brian Dodero & Pasta Chef Ottavio Gnazzo
Head Chef Brian Dodero has a strong history working in some wonderful restaurant kitchens, including The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Chef Dodero loves shopping at the local Farmer’s Market to purchase items he uses in the preparations of his Italian dishes. His sense for combining flavors to create new dishes is really flawless. The ‘bar with a view’ counter set up makes it easy for patrons to watch, ask the chef questions, and just get to know more about the art of creative Italian cuisine.
The star of the primi menu is the Lacinato (kale, pine nuts, kumquat and ricotta slata, with grapefruit vinaigrette). This is an outstanding prelude to the Cannellini e Safumi (white beans, cured meat and tomato in herbed broth), or any one of the exceptional pasta dishes on the menu. I am hoping to return soon for dinner to try the spaghetti with clams, mussels, garlic, white wine, red chili and lemon; for certain it will be outstanding!
Pappardelle Rago
Imported Italian wines are perfect for paring with these dishes. Manager Michelle Quinn and owner Diane Harding put great effort in selecting just the right wines to compliment their menu. They include white (Carletto “Ricco”, Veneto – Castello della Sala “Bramito” Chardonnay, Umbria & Campogrande, “Orvieto”, Umbria), red wines include (Pipoli Anglianico, Basificata – Villa Antinori, Toscana & Sabazio di Montepulciano) as well as three nice Spumante wines (Lamarca Prosecco Split – Prosecco “Mionetto”, Veneto – Brut Rose, Col de “Salici, Piave). They serve Bellini’s and a Mimosa as well as La Rossa Moretti or Oro di Milano Doppio Malto beer.
Italian Style Kale Salad
There is a quote from the late Italian Film Maker/Director Federico Fellini on the back of Diane Harding’s card that says “Life is a combination of Magic and Pasta,” and this icon of the Italian film industry was renowned throughout the world for his full appreciation of la dolce vita. I recommend you treat yourself to a little of the sweetness of life soon and have lunch or dinner with The Pasta Shoppe team in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Their ‘to go’ case is filled with amazing squid, carrot, spinach and beet pasta, along with sauces and Italian breads to take home and share with your loved ones. Salute!
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By Bonnie Carroll
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The Paste Shoppe
Santa Barbara Public Market
38 W. Victoria Street (at Chapala)
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805)770-3668
