Pasta is one of the great joys of life. We’re convinced that’s not up for debate. So we here at St. Augustine Social would be remiss if we didn’t share with you just a few of our favorite pasta dishes from around St. Augustine. From the light and fresh perfect for summer (or year round here in Florida) to the creamy and cozy that will warm you up on a chilly day, local chefs are creating pastas both traditional and unusual. So pull up a chair, put your napkin in your lap, and get ready for something tasty.
MUSSELS MARINARA
Nonna’s Trattoria
A little eatery tucked away on Aviles Street, Nonna’s Trattoria feels like the home of your petite Italian grandmother (well, it would if we had a petite Italian grandmother). And the cooking is no different. Try the Mussels Marinara – fresh Mussels sautéed with white wine, garlic, onions, parsley, and marinara sauce then served over linguini.
www.nonnasfl.us
RIGATONI ALLA VODKA
La Strada Italian Restaurant
A classic but also a slight deviation from tradition, vodka sauce has an unexpectedly peppery and herbal flavor. It’s a must-try on your pasta sauce bucket list, so we suggest sitting down at La Strada for their Rigatoni Alla Vodka topped with green peas and prosciutto.
www.lastradaitalianrestaurant.com
FRENCH MARKET PASTA
Harry’s Seafood, Bar, & Grille
Fantastically flavorful and with a little bit of everything, the French Market Pasta gets a personal recommendation from our intern Tiffany. Farfalle pasta is tossed in a basil cream sauce and served with spinach and bacon then topped with fresh shrimp and chicken.
www.hookedonharrys.com
BAKED EGGPLANT ZITI
Elkhouse Eatery
A cornucopia of delicious vegetables and cheeses, the Baked Eggplant Ziti is a can’t-miss even for the most hardcore carnivores of the group. Ziti is tossed with roasted eggplant, spinach, wild mushrooms, tomato cream sauce, fresh Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheese and then baked to perfection.
www.elkhouseeatery.com
MAINE LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE
Blackfly the Restaurant
Mac and cheese was, of course, a necessary addition to this list. But why settle for ordinary mac and cheese when you can treat yourself to some out-of-this-world Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese? A generous portion of lobster and sauteed red onion are tossed with creamy truffle and white cheddar sauce and served with farfalle.
www.blackflytherestaurant.com
RAVIOLI DI ZUCA
Terra & Acqua
No pasta roundup would be complete without an appearance from Terra & Acqua. Made fresh in-house, their pastas will make all your pasta dreams come true (yeah, we have pasta dreams too). Though any pasta on their menu would satisfy, we’re partial to the Ravioli di Zuca this time of year. It’s a rich butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, sage, and balsamic glaze.
www.terraacquarestaurant.com
ANGEL HAIR SALSA CRUDA
A1A Ale Works
Harry’s may have the personal recommendation of our intern Tiffany, but the Angel Hair Salsa Cruda gets my mom’s vote (she insists we go get it every time she comes to visit). This light and fresh dish smoked tomatoes and onions tossed in a basil and garlic-infused olive oil then served over Angel Hair pasta and topped with crispy basil and shaved parmesan.
www.a1aaleworks.com
MANICOTTI
Pizzalley’s Chianti Room
When you’ve got a craving for a lot of cheese, stuffed pasta is always the way to go (according to my personal life philosophy). And when you’ve got a craving for stuffed pasta, turn to the Chianti Room’s Manicotti. This hand-rolled pasta is stuffed with a ricotta and spinach mixture then topped with a silky smooth Pomodoro sauce and mozzarella.
www.pizzalleyschiantiroom.com
Don’t see your favorite St. Augustine pasta on the list? Let us know in the comments below!