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“Pasta Mia” and Contestare Nostra
It all started with my friend Priscilla boasting about being able to out eat most of the guys in our crew. Despite being vivaciously feisty, Priscilla is a small girl and doesn’t strike one as being particularly voracious. I smelled a bet and jumped on it. Friday night; Six o’clock; Adams Morgan; Pasta Mia; Gnocchi in Gorgonzola sauce; me, you, and four witnesses. After preliminary discussions we came to terms of the contest – Gnocchi, but not necessarily Gorgonzola sauce. It was a compromise that I would grow to regret.
Who hasn’t heard rumors about that pasta place in Adams Morgan where people stand outside for hours just to sample the homemade concoctions of the lady some refer to as “The Pasta Nazi”? The place is called Pasta Mia, my friends, and some rumors are truer than others. Yes, you do have to stand in line and I suggest arriving around 6:10 so that you could be one of the first to get in once the doors open at 6:30. My original inclination that the lines would be shorter because of the winter cold proved to be false and we had to brave the January wind for twenty minutes. The restaurant itself is quite cozy – try to get the table on the second level, there is a nice window that provides an excellent view of the hapless folks on the street waiting to get in and jealously eying you as you toast their health with the superb house wine ($5 per glass). The service does leave something to be desired, but the matron of the establishment, an elderly Napolese lady named Antoinette, is very nice as long as you order on time, don’t give her any ‘tude, and don’t ask for cake when she offers you bread. There is a cash only policy and the price is $14 per person, so sharing really doesn’t make sense. That’s a pity because the size of the portions would leave Shaq satisfied.
The first plate that arrived was that of my friend Aaron and we had to have a moment of silence as we mourned the heard of cows that was slaughtered to prepare his Penne Bolognese. Meat lovers out there – if you get this dish on Friday night, leftovers for Saturday and Sunday lunch are guaranteed. My dish came next – Gnocchi in Gorgonzola sauce. This seems to be the favorite of the majority and it doesn’t disappoint. Homemade Gnocchi are notoriously difficult to prepare and so is Gorgonzola sauce, but if you don’t mind gaining a couple of pounds then this dish is a must-have. My buddy Chris had the Tortellini Rosa - tomato cream over tender cheese pasta pockets – another universally beloved entree. The Canadian Connoiseur was next and will tell you all about her Tortellini Arrabiata in her section. My friend Eduardo had the Spinach Fettucinni with Porcini mushrooms. Finally, Priscilla’s Gnocchi was laid in front of her. The girl hadn’t eaten all day and dug in with the furor and gusto of a starving banshee. Still, about half way through her meal I thought that I had the bet won. Her eyes were watery, her breathing heavy, she had to unbuckle her jeans. But never underestimate those Krazilians (ethnically Korean Brazilians) – Priscilla gave it a final push and won the bet. I had to pay for her diner. The loss would have left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I managed to wash it away with some of the best Cappuccino I ever had ($3 per cup). It was a long walk back to Foggy Bottom, but it did little to relieve the feeling of complete satisfaction in my belly.
As the connoisseur, I wanted to try all the dishes, of course…but at last, I was able to narrow it down to something with the spicy Arrabbiata sauce, and finally, I chose the cheese tortellini to go with it. While most of the pasta dishes are $15, if you choose a simple sauce plus pasta combo, it’s just $13. Even the most expensive pasta dishes are still only $18, such as the Spinach Fettuccine with Porcini Mushroom Sauce. The Washingtonian chose Pasta Mia as one of the best “Cheap Eats” in the District…and we completely agree! They do have a wine list, but if you want to stick with the low budget theme, their house red is a great table wine.
On this particular night, I had a hard time deciding which dish I liked the best. Our friend’s Gnocchi Sorrentina (tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella) was amazing. The gnocchi are as fluffy as marshmallows, and when Pasta Mia says an ingredient is fresh – it is. Although the Gorgonzola sauce is also delicious, given the portion sizes, it can be a little heavy – especially if your goal is to finish the entire dish. My Tortellini Arrabbiata, however, was near perfection. I know that “all’Arrabbiata” means angry style, but this meal gave me the opposite reaction! The tortellini was al dente, and the red pepper gave the sauce the perfect amount of kick. It might have been even better when I finished it the next day!
Now, let’s be clear about expectations: you’re not going to Pasta Mia if you want lots of personal attention or a romantic setting…you’re going there for the great pasta, right? So, enjoy it! Yes, you have to wait in line, and yes, the tables are close together and a little cramped – but only because everyone wants to get in and it happens to be a small place! Don’t expect to get pampered by waiters – just tell them what you want to eat (straight from the menu, please) and then wait (yes, wait – it’s homemade, remember?) for some amazing pasta! Also, keep in mind that going here for dinner is more of an event, as opposed to a quick grab and go place. Order some wine and an appetizer if you’re the type that gets antsy while waiting. Enjoy the bread and olive oil on the table, too – but whatever you do, don’t fill up before your pasta arrives!
I’ve heard that the desserts are great, but I haven’t been able to cut myself off from the delicious dinner in order to save room for it…yet.
Pasta Mia is located in Adams Morgan at 1790 Columbia Rd (between 18th and Champlain). No reservations are accepted. Get there before 6:30. Cash only.
Open for dinner only – Tuesday through Saturday.
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