il Pastaio

Three of us were supposed to drive to Beverly Hills to see the movie Noviate (which by the way was a very good movie). Sujata bailed out when she found out her Tom Brady was going to be playing yesterday. She actually ditched us for Mr. Brady. Honestly, I can understand because I would ditch anyone for Richard Gere.

I made reservations day before yesterday for a late lunch at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills. This place is always crowded and sometimes service can be slow. Even with reservations, we did wait a bit. We could have gotten a table earlier if we had chosen to sit outside. Though they had heaters, we chose to wait since pasta usually gets cold fast. We ended up sitting in the bar which was fine with us. They already had balloons set up for New Years celebration.

Domenick, the bartender, was attentive and on the ball. We promptly ordered as soon as we got our menu. It took 10 seconds to decide we were going to split a Caesars Salad and have an order each of their wonderful Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. The salad was perfect to go with our pasta. I can now confirm 100% that their Cacio e Pepe is the best in Los Angeles. Sandi agreed with me. We have had this dish at other Italian restaurants and none have been as good. Everything about it is just perfection. It is aldente, not too creamy, lots of pepper but not overly peppered.

By 5:00 p.m., Sandi and I had celebrated New Year's Eve and even had spaghetti which is what one should eat for New Year for a long life. Though technically it isn't Jan.1st yet, it is Jan 1 in the Philippines and in the orient where they have this superstition.

I have blogged about this restaurant numerous times. You really cannot go wrong with this authentic Italian restaurant. Il Pastaio is located at 400 N. Canon Dr. in Beverly Hills, California.