Vigo Baby's Rhapsodies

Under the Roof of Pasta Pomodoro

A fine Friday afternoon found VB under the roof of Pasta Pomodoro. Under normal circumstances Pasta Pomodoro is not VB’s top choice to while away a sunny warm early summer afternoon that came after an extended wet and chilly winter followed by a 15-minute spring.

But this was not VB’s usual afternoon; it was an afternoon a) full of coughing and sneezing and itching associated with common cold and allergies, and b) when a restaurant certificate arrived via email to wish VB a happy birthday -- How could any one resist an invitation to a complementary appetizer?

Twenty minutes later and with the above justification, VB was seated in the post-modern deco of the neighborhood pasta house which VB frequents, at an odd hour between lunch and dinner -- no, they don’t serve afternoon tea -- when the restaurant was 90% empty and its wait staff had slowed down the rush hour buzz.

The new laminated menu carries the same favorites with improved prices. After the waitress took VB’s order, VB sat back, basking in both the (shaded) early June sun and Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun.

At the end of Acknowledgement came Focaccia and dipping sauce -- parsley, garlic, parmesan in olive oil;

In the middle of the 6th page arrived Cozze -- steamed clams with white wine, herbs, garlic and butter, served with grilled bread;

Followed by Insalata di Spinaci -- baby spinach with grilled red onions, tomatoes, pancetta, ricotta salata and walnuts. (Photo depicted VB’s improvised version: topped with clam meats and grilled bread from Cozze.)

Room for dessert? The waitress asked. Not this time -- Did I mention that VB’s birthday is coming VERY SOON?

Update: Vongole -- linguine with manila clams and white wine sauce

posted by Vigo Baby at 4:22 PM