You long-time readers know how much I love finding — and telling you about — new restaurants that open (or will open) in our area, especially when they’re hidden Mom-&-Pop gems that I think deserve to build a following.
Although I liked Mpanitas, the Venezuelan empanada & arepa spot previously located in the building behind the Mobil gas station at 10865 Cross Creek Blvd., the new Pasta Flame restaurant that has been open in Mpanitas’ old spot for only a few weeks definitely has my attention.
The halal pasta place, which looks from the outside like it could be a chain (but is just the first link of a possible future chain), owned by my new friend Saif (pronounced “Safe”), offers truly delicious-looking burgers and other sandwiches, but the stars of this show are Chef Muhammad (who previously cooked at Marriott and Hilton hotels) and his excellent al denté pastas, like the creamy tomato rosé pasta shown here (right), which has fresh tomatoes, onions and yellow peppers. I added grilled chicken to it and made it a combo with fresh, warm sliced ciabatta bread.
I definitely need to try the truffle chicken Alfredo pasta next time. It’s actually made tableside (left photo) in a wheel of parmesan cheese, like a cacio e pepe at a fancy Italian place, with chicken, sautéed mushrooms and rich truffle cream sauce. The place itself isn’t fancy, but the food is delicious, so please visit Pasta Flame ASAP!
For more info, visit PastaFlame.com or call (813) 599-3310 & tell Saif I sent you! — GN
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