Since my first name, Bari, is a city in Italy, I’ve always especially loved dining at Italian restaurants and dreaming about having a famous chef in Rome prepare a meal just for me. Although I’ve yet to make it to the airport, I recently discovered the next best thing to Italy close to home in Aventura…Yes, Pasta!- the authentic Trattoria Italiana.
No need to pack a bag – I just brought a hearty appetite to Yes, Pasta!, nestled in North Miami’s Biscayne Commons plaza, where I was greeted by friendly proprietor Flaminia Morin, a native of Rome. She explained Yes, Pasta! serves many of her family recipes passed down for generations including her grandmother’s “You have to try this!” special marina sauce: Sugo della Nonna.
While my budget-conscious lunch partner applauded great lunch specials from only $9 including any small homemade pasta plus a cup of soup or side salad, I was fixated on the menu’s incredible lunch and dinner choices.
Practicing an Italian accent, I ordered “Dentice al Forno con Gamberi, Cozze e Calamari” (red snapper with shrimp, mussels and calamari); and my friend opted for a delicious gourmet panini. Then Flaminia stopped by to share her recipe for success. “We only use fresh, local and imported Italian ingredients; and we treat you like part of our family!”
After lunch (and indulging in fabulous Crème Brule) I came back the next day with my friend Donatella from Italy to see if she’d approve of Yes, Pasta! seven different freshly -made pastas, fifteen authentic sauces and many other “beyond pasta” entrees. Donatella is a big talker – so when she hardly said a word while enjoying every last bite, I knew she was very impressed (as a fitness fanatic, she especially liked the whole wheat or gluten-free pasta choices and vegetarian dishes). When Donatella asked me, “So are you ever going to take your dream trip to Italy?” I said, “No way – Yes, Pasta! is just like being in Italy – and they deliver!”
Yes, Pasta! is located at 14871 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach. For more information about Yes, Pasta! or catering services, call 305-944-1006; for delivery, call 305- 466-9300 or visit yes-pasta.com.
