Dining out: Good and abundanza at Pasta Mista
by Celeste H. Breitenbach
news@timesheraldnews.com
We almost thought we’d mistakingly gone to Grand Central Station the evening we ate at Pasta Mista, at 822 Dulaney Valley Road across from the Towson Mall. The crowd just kept coming and going.
I’d been told that the food is really good and not to be turned off because the place really is a carryout with a few tables. We were fortunate enough to secure one of those highly-sought-after tables that emptied just as we were placing our order at the counter.
Pasta Mista offers “pizza pasta & more…exclusively cooked by our own Italian chefs.” This includes New York Style Pizza available in 14 and 16 inch sizes as well as by the slice, Calzoni, Stomboli, Appetizers & Sides,
Entrees, Salads, Hot and Cold Fresh 9 inch Subs, and Italian Desserts.
My friend ordered Lasagna ($6.95). I went for something a little different than my usual Italian fare by opting for Gnocchi Napoli ($7.45).
We decided to share a Garden Salad ($3.25) – and a good thing, too! The attractive bowl was absolutely huge and almost overflowing with iceberg lettuce, tomato chunks, onions, carrots, cucumber slices and olives – all enhanced by the delicious house dressing and accompanied by two long pieces of buttery garlic bread.
It was ready at the counter almost as soon as we’d sat down. This in spite of the steady stream of carryout customers being served simultaneously.
Before we had a chance to finish, our entrees were ready. These also were gargantuan in size – no way we would finish them in one seating.
We wound up doing what everyone at the tables around did; we asked for take-home boxes. My gnocchi – luscious little lumps of potato dumplings – baked with mozzarella cheese in a good mild tomato sauce and his tasty layered lasagna would be enjoyed again another day.
Of course, we had to try dessert (especially when the girl at the counter told us they had cannoli and tiramisu). We ordered both ($5.78) and cut them in half so we each could have a taste. The cannoli was excellent.
Although packaged, the tiramisu was good, too.
With tax, tip and two serve-yourself sodas, our filling meal came to $29.78.
Pasta Mista is open Monday to Thursday 11-10, Friday and Saturday 11-11 and Sunday noon-9. Call 410-321-8855.
Restaurant’s Rating
Food - 3 forks
Service - 3 forks
Atmosphere - 1 fork
Cost: $3.25 – $16.25