Tucked away in the heart of downtown Syracuse, Pastabilities presents a much wider range of cuisine than its name suggests. The oldest restaurant in Armory Square is located at 311 S. Franklin St. and combines a plethora of culinary styles, ranging from Italian to Pan-American and Asian, to create an array of unique and surprising dishes.That diversity, coupled with a cozy atmosphere, makes it a perfect location for an intimate meal.

Groups are seated in one of three strategically separated and uniquely designed areas depending on the size of the party. With walls featuring magnetic poetry, a booth is perfect for three or four people and provides a private setting during even the most hectic nights. Across the restaurant food is prepared in an open kitchen, directly connected to a well-stocked bar.

For an appetizer, the fried calamari was accompanied by a sesame-inflected sauce, which proved quite complimentary. Asian-style crab cakes came with Asian coleslaw, pickled ginger and a wasabi aioli. When combined, the additions created a unique texture that blended flawlessly with the crab cake. Every table also receives fresh bread with a hot tomato dipping oil that combines both spicy and sweet.

Thai-style pork was cooked perfectly with lime and sliced over rice noodles resting in a pool of Prig Pow sauce, peanuts and peppers. Pairing the loin with the special coconut sauce made the dish feel exotic, but unfortunately wasn’t enough to save it. The addition of the peanuts gave a cluttered feel to a pasta dish that tries to be an entre.

The peppercorn-crusted filet mignon in a zinfandel sauce was presented wonderfully, topped with a skewer of bacon-wrapped cipollini onions and served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The dish was indeed pleasing, but it accomplished nothing more than a good, home-cooked meal. The penne with vodka sauce, skewered shrimp and scallops featured grilled portabello mushroom, a personalized addition. This proved a wise move, as the mushroom added much-needed diversity to the otherwise plain dish.

A warm, soothing cup of coffee was a perfect accompaniment to an item from the dessert tray. A slice of ricotta pie, a house favorite, was presented on an aesthetically pleasing swirl of caramel and cream sauce. The taste was rich, and although it soon got old, it left an excellent taste on the palate.

Although most entres on the ever-changing menu are priced between $10 and $20, it’s quite possible to eat a satisfying meal for under $10. The customizable combinations of pastas, sauces and extra items are endless, and the delicious flatbread pizzas provide a cheap and filling alternative to a full dinner. The service throughout the night was impeccable. A server made sure to be well-aware of every need. Pastabilities provided an enjoyable meal in an enchanting atmosphere, an experience worth every penny.

Published on November 5, 2003 at 12:00 pm