RESTAURANT REVIEW: PASTAMANIA | Sunday Observer

RESTAURANT REVIEW: PASTAMANIA

8 April, 2018

The restaurant has two levels and can seat 65 persons in total. Pastamania has a splendid array of pasta and pizza - which are the fundamentals of Italian cuisine, which centers on family and fellowship. The origins of pasta can be traced to ancient monasteries where clergy were the first people to bring about this innovation in cooking. One of the signature elements of the pasta sauce at Pastamania are the tomatoes: the chain has their own tomato cultivation in Italy. Event the high protein durum wheat pasta and extra virgin olive oil are sourced from Italy.

As passionate gourmets of Italian food waited in earnest, Pastamania launched its flagship restaurant at Colombo 3. The building itself captures the very essence of the franchise which is making raves in Asia. The bright red canopy extending from the main entrance brings out a fresh appeal to casual dining. Once inside the red brick walls and murals bring to life the rudiments of an Italian city square.

The restaurant has two levels and can seat 65 persons in total. Pastamania has a splendid array of pasta and pizza - which are the fundamentals of Italian cuisine, which centers on family and fellowship. The origins of pasta can be traced to ancient monasteries where clergy were the first people to bring about this innovation in cooking. One of the signature elements of the pasta sauce at Pastamania are the tomatoes: the chain has their own tomato cultivation in Italy. Event the high protein durum wheat pasta and extra virgin olive oil are sourced from Italy.

We begin the dining sequence by ordering a wild berry gelato smoothie, which is served in a large glass, the smoothie tastes divinely refreshing and is so perfect given our tropical weather. The menu has been creatively designed to capture every dish in its cooked form – showing you exactly what you will get.

Chef Dimuth Galagedarage is the man working behind the scenes. He has 14 years of working in Italy and is probably the only Sri Lankan chef to have cooked for the Pope. Dimuth has brought to life some spectacular combinations. The cheese sticks served as we waited our mains were crunchy on the outside and oozing with flavor on the inside. You can order your pasta and select from a choice of penne, fusilli, linguine and spaghetti. This makes your meal very interactive.

I opted for a Chicken cheese salcicia which was served at the right consistency whilst my friend ordered the carbonara. The honey garlic chicken was another delightful dish that adds zest to your main dish. The portions are just right, not too large and overwhelming.

Some of the signature dishes that are becoming hits among other guests are the Beef Zupa soup, Garlic basil barramundi and beef fillet parmigiana. The other half of the menu has an array of pizza- and you can also add on extra toppings at a small cost. The variety also extends to some vibrant dessert pizza: strawberry pizza, nutella pizza, blueberry pizza and apple crumble pizza. We selected the nutella and it turned out to be a rewarding choice. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a wooden board the visual is lovely. The nutella pizza is unique and unleashes a succulent sensation. Pastamania is located on a strategic stretch of the Galle road. Parking is a mild challenge; this is common in our busy city. The venue offers value for money portions. The young passionate team headed by Hilme and Imran Azeez has redefined casual Italian dining in Colombo.

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