D.C. Pasta Co.
FINALLY…I think we may have found a winner with D.C. Pasta Co.!! Everything that has been in this location over the past several years just seemed destined to fail with the closing of LeVolte Grille, Portofino’s, and most recently Palate’s (I may have missed a few in there); however D.C. Pasta Co. (getting it’s name from well-known chef Dante Boccuzzi and Carmella del Busso, the owner of the restaurant) is a true winner and we’re very hopeful that it will break the spell that this location seemed to have hanging over it. If the steady crowd they had on a Tuesday night, after having been open since February of this year, is an indication of how well they’re doing, then I’m betting (hoping) that D.C. Pasta Co. will be around for many years to come. While comparison in this case is really unnecessary, it’s hard not to compare it to it’s predecessors. The places that have come (and gone) before it just couldn’t quite put it all together. If the food was good, the service was awful; or vice versa. In the case of D.C. Pasta Co., EVERYTHING was outstanding. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and our server, Elea, was just phenomenal – knowledgeable, fun and very efficient! But the food….OMG – just unbelievable!! The menu isn’t huge, but it certainly offers something for everyone and the concept is very unique and interesting. They offer several hot starters, as well as individual meat and cheese plates and a few grilled entrees. The pasta entrees, though, are offered in three different sizes – “taste”, “appetizer” and “main”. Each of these is very reasonably priced, particularly considering the portions offered (larger than expected). By offering the items this way, you are able to “taste” several different dishes; or if you don’t want a huge meal, you can get a smaller size and maybe a starter or a salad. Additionally, they have a wide variety of different kinds of meatballs (priced at $1.50 each). We tried the beef, the pork and the ricotta cheese and all 3 were absolutely wonderful (and we’re both very tough critics when it comes to meatballs)! I have to say that we went in there expecting another disappointment, but from the minute we entered until we waddled to the car after eating, we just couldn’t stop raving about this place. The only downside, if there is one, is the location. It’s tucked way back in a non-descript little strip center right next to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Dairy Queen on Pearl Road and unless you know it’s there; it’s very easy not to notice. This is a definite MUST try and I can say with certainty that we will quickly become ‘repeat customers’!!!
D.C. Pasta Co. is located at 12214 Pearl Road in Strongsville, (440) 238-8500.