Basta Pasta

Finally had the chance to come back here after wanting to for so long. Like I remember, it felt like the best pasta I've had to date, and of course I needed to justify this.

Basta Pasta

It's always nice to see the open kitchen. Typical japanese where hygiene is something that they take care of very well.

Complimentary Starters

The exact same complimentary starters as last time.

Ravioli di Vitello, Proscuitto e Mozzarella

A homemade veal, proscuitto and mozzarella cheese ravioli with fresh tomatoes in parmesan sauce. The parmesan appeared to be a little oily from that initial taste, but otherwise it was reasonably well done.

Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare

My choice of a light pasta meal. Spaghetti with fresh sea urchin, fresh tomatoes and jalapenos in a garlic hot oil. Serving size was reasonable, but somehow I managed to get through this pretty quickly. Either I was really hungry or it tasted really good... or both. The spaghetti was definitely done perfectly, and with the sweet essence of sea urchin spread across the pasta, it was delicious. One of my favourite pasta's to date, and this isn't served in many places.

Cloud

Couldn't say no to dessert, and I had to try the daily specials of grapefruit pannacotta with ricotta gelato. Now I originally thought this pannacotta would have an infused flavour of grapefruit, but instead... there were actual pieces of grapefruit. The presentation didn't seem to workout well, with the off whites on white... not great for photos or presentation. Taste was a little weird too, just didn't feel that the grapefruit matched the pannacotta right, nor did it go well with the ricotta gelato.

Bluebird

Luckily there was backup in a second dessert. Best when it's all there to share. This was the blueberry almond cake tart and honey gelato. Definitely a better choice. The tart was a lil hard on the crust and base, but otherwise nothing to really complain about.

I'm sure I will come back again... just a matter of time. I guess the main thing to note is that I'll be satisfied on the pasta, and not the desserts.

37 West 17th Street
(Between 5th and 6th Avenue)

Basta Pasta

Having walked past this place a few times, it looked like a place that was worth trying. Seemed like a fusion of japanese and italian pasta that had recently opened up - and of course, seeing them hand make the pasta through the window in the early afternoon... definitely wanted to go and try.

Basta Pasta

What I didn't know was that this place originally started in tokyo in 1985, designed after iron chef for an open theatre type kitchen! No wonder every time I tried to book (even if it only was for 2 people) the only availability was like 10pm on a weeknight...

Basta Pasta

Some bread as complimentary starters... with a relatively large selection of different breads =)

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Compliments of the chef...

Spaghetti con Proscuitto e Parmigiana

With the open theatre type kitchen, this definitely caught my eye. Spaghetti con proscuitto e parmigiana. Essentially spaghetti with parmigiano reggiano and parma proscuitto served in a half wheel of parmesan cheese. I originally thought they'd give you the half wheel on your table to eat out of... but i'm sure that's not very practical

Insalata d'Anastra

Given the late start with the bookings, was definitely hungry and went for the smoked sliced duck breast with watercress and arugula. Duck was soft and tender, and not too chewy. The watercress and arugula was light and went well with the duck. A much larger serving that expected for a starter!

Linguine alle Pescatore

Linguine with clams, mussels, shrimp, squid and sea scallops served with white wine sauce. Definitely the best pasta I've had to date. Pasta not over cooked, and the freshness of the seafood in the sauce complements its nicely.

Dream Boat

Opted for the daily special of the dream boat to end off. An orange cream panna cotta with mint sorbet and orange campari sauce. Presentation wasn't that appealing, but the panna cotta was definitely worth going for! Mint flavoured sorbet to top it off, a great refreshing way to end!

Definitely the best pasta place I've been to... and I would say its decently priced. Given the prices some other places have listed, this is reasonable! The ambiance and feel to this place, with the open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant... definitely worth going for and going back! I know I will be going back =)

37 West 17th Street
(Between 5th and 6th Avenue)