Pick of the Month: Pasta da Pulcinella
The best little pasta joint in Midtown still offers one of the most delicious dishes around
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
Pick of the Month:
PASTA DA PULCINELLA
When I lived and worked in Midtown Atlanta, I had a two-story cross-over unit at Colony Square on 14th Street. That gave me easy access to walk most everywhere to eat. One of my favorite spots was around the corner on Crescent called Pasta da Pulcinella. It was a cozy small place with just the right number of tables. The kinda place you would want for a date night with a booth in the back in the corner in the dark. There, you would find the pasta of your dreams.
SOME HISTORY
Operating since 1994, the place found its way into the renowned Zagat Survey and Frommer’s Guide to Atlanta. You never knew who might wander in with it playing host to an ever-widening circle of Italian food lovers. They made all their own pasta, and the menu was and still is very original with their own ideas of specialty dishes.
You might think all good things must come to an end but not so as we found on a recent visit. The big developers came knocking for the land on Crescent and the little pasta restaurant that could moved to a new location at 1100 West Peachtree across from the Forth Hotel keeping its Midtown sensibility with a newly updated contemporary vibe that somehow manages to still feel cozy.
KEEPING IT ORIGINAL
Tables still sport linens while paintings of Tuscany hang on the walls. Classic tunes mix well with the fresh smells of sauces, pasta and garlic. Head Chef Bibbiano has been with the place for over fifteen years. He continues to provide the original recipes that made the spot famous while devising additional specials each week that only add to its reputation. Quick with a smile, you can see the joy and laughter he brings to the kitchen since it is open to the diners while they prepare the antipasti, salads, flat breads and more that will be coming to your table.
COCKTAILS & FIRST COURSEs
There are lots of fabulous choices on the menu that meet the simple prep and fresh ingredients test that are a staple of Bibbiano’s. You’ll want a signature cocktail while studying on it. We sipped our usual martini because they know how to make it; precisely chilled and very very dry with a little extra on the side. Munching on the fresh bread with the best in peppery olive oil and balsamic vinegar will get you started.
They make a fabulous chilled and very dry martini
Pair the martini and bread with a nice antipasti selection like crispy calamari with egg white breading and tomato caper sauce. This is not the rubber band dish you have had elsewhere-trust me! It is tender and crispy fresh with a delicious bit of heaven in that bright tomato sauce on the side. A cheese platter with three choices or grilled asparagus with prosciutto also make excellent first dish picks.
SECOND COURSE
The second course has got to be a salad and their classic Caesar is one of the best you will ever have. Super chilled romaine is dressed perfectly with a killer recipe made with real anchovies and topped off with aged, shaved parmesan and fresh crunchy croutons. Arugula dressed with lemon, topped with pine nuts and feta cheese is also a favorite of the foodies who visit while a caprese would surely please with freshly made mozzarella and sliced juicy tomatoes.
Chilled romaine perfectly dressed with a killer dressing with real anchovies
You might consider one of their flat breads with your salad if wanting to eat on the lighter side. Pepperoni and basil come with provolone and a garlic pomodoro that the kids will love. Foodies will veer towards the fig, shallot and prosciutto or the frisee with lots of garlic, cheese and fresh greens dressed in lemony dressing.
THIRD COURSES
Since our second course was light, we decided to go with a pasta dish for our third course. I went for my usual which is the best dish on their menu in my opinion. It is a specialty they have been known for from the beginning. Tortelli di Melli is a house made round ravioli filled with a sweet Granny Smith apple, sausage and parmesan filling that has been browned in butter with sage.
Tortelli with apple, sausage and parmesan filling is the best dish on the menu
I have tried and failed to replicate this beautiful dish at home. It is simply fantastic! Sweet meets savory holiday meets love on a plate. It never fails to please after all these years. Also a specialty, my husband went for the Ravioli di Funghi. Wild mushroom stuffing with black garlic and rosemary infused oil topped with chopped tomatoes and veg, the fresh simple ingredients key to the success of the dish. Lovers of mushrooms must pick this one for real pleasure in food.
Classic linguini, Bolognese with tagliatelle and chicken cannelloni with gorgonzola cheese sauce are on offer as other pasta choices. You can also pick from several different meat dishes such as a pan seared rainbow trout, fettuccine with sauteed shrimp or black pepper gnocchi with grilled chicken and eggplant. There are always flavorful choices for vegetarians as well.
DESSERT AND AFTER DINNER
Since we were celebrating and the restaurant knew that they brought over a wonderful chocolate ganache cake with fresh cream on the side. It was moist, decadent and delicious reminding us of old European styled desserts. Of course we also ordered a couple of espressos and grappas to go along with it for the perfect finish to a delightful Italian meal.
A WORD ABOUT WINE
This little place offers a fine list of wines. There are Italian Varietals, Super Tuscan, Chianti, Pinot Noir, Cabernets and more in the red section. Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Brunello, Piedmont and Sauvignon Blanc round out the white. Of course there are a few Zins, Malbecs and some great sparkling selections. You will be suprised at the choices you have if you want wine instead of signature cocktails are.
CONCLUSION
Pasta da Pulcinella has not lost a thing in all these years and through all the changes in location. It is still one of the best places to hang out for lunch, brunch and date night dinner in Midtown Atlanta. Being included in Frommer’s Guide is well deserved and if you want a cozy spot to linger over some of the best pasta dishes you’ll ever eat, make your reservations today and go visit. You’re in for a special treat!
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…
Cheers!
ArtsyChowRoamer
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