Pastarama

More than Noodles has just that--more than noodles. Owner Ali (Javad) Peyravy, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 18 years, has developed a menu to "fit anyone's diet," he claims.

The menu is posted on a large board immediately visible upon your entry. Orders are placed at a counter. Peyravy says this is better for the customer, since there is no table service, and therefore, no need to add more money to the dining experience with a tip.

Menu categories take you around the world from American dishes to Italian and Asian dishes. There are also Starters (Garlic Bread, Thai Lettuce Wraps, Pot Stickers), Soups (Tomato Bisque, Soup of the Day) and Salads (Oriental, Caesar, Apple and Balsamic Spinach, Cranberry Spinach, Greek, Sun Dried Tomato).

A few of the Italian dishes include Basil Pesto, Margherita Pasta, Cappelini Primavera and Shrimp Scampi; Asian dishes include Sesame Lo Mein, Spicy Udon Noodles, Thai Peanut and Pad Thai Noodles. Beef Stroganoff, Butter Noodles, Spicy Cajun Fettuccine and Chipotle Pasta are the American selections. There is also a Low Carb section, which Peyravy admits is still very popular--Thai Curry Beef with Vegetables, Cheesy Chicken with Vegetables and Pesto Florentine.

Select dishes come in spicy and extra spicy, and some are even made with white wine. (Look for the special markings alongside the dishes for these designations.)

I was here for lunch one day and enjoyed a sampling of three dishes, one from each category: Spicy Udon Noodles ($6.59), Spicy Cajun Fettuccine ($6.59) and Basil Pesto with Shrimp ($6.59 and an additional $1.99 for the shrimp).

The Spicy Udon Noodles were indeed spicy, yet tame enough to eat without much pain. This dish had thick, Udon noodles spiked with sugar lime soy sauce and tossed with fresh broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms. This was topped with bean sprouts and a lime wedge. This was an Asian explosion of flavor and textures. It was very delightful and very fresh tasting.

The Spicy Cajun Fettuccine, which Peyravy says is the most popular dish, was very good, and could easily become a favorite dish of mine. This dish was fettuccine pasta tossed with a special rustic tomato cream sauce, fresh onions and red bell peppers, then garnished with fresh scallions. Just the right creamy blend of these flavors really brought this dish to a high level. Again, the fresh scallions--seemingly just cut--really accentuated this dish.

Finally, the Basil Pesto with Shrimp (6 ounces of shrimp are added to any dish for $1.99; also, chicken, beef or tofu are options as well). In this dish, farfalle pasta (bow tie shaped) is tossed with fresh mushrooms, tomatoes and their specially-made basil pesto cream sauce. This is garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

All three dishes were quite good and memorable enough to inspire a return visit. While I prefer a more al dente pasta, the pasta here is a bit softer, which is more in tune with mainstream diners. Peyravy did say the pasta can come firmer upon request when ordering.

Desserts include Triple Chocolate Cake, New York Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Cotton Candy and Tiramisu. I tried the Tiramisu ($2.49). It had a hint of coffee, liquor and was creamy and layered just as it should be.

What a great experience it was to dine here. This little inconspicuous location along Riverside is home to some very savory dishes, and dishes which have a depth few fast dine place do.

Peyravy proudly says he buys the best quality of ingredients for the dishes, and it shows, and fresh produce is brought in daily so all is prepared fresh each day. Lots of fresh butter and white wine are ingredients to many dishes.

Peyravy also give credit to his staff, who he says has been there since opening in 2003. The consistency with Chef Adilia, General Manager Teresa Sanchez and the rest of the staff definitely has the ability to maintain a strong level of performance and perfection in the restaurant industry.

More Than Noodles

9635 S. Riverside

299-5900

Hours:

Sun.-Sat. 11am-9pm

Rating:

Atmosphere ***

Food ****

Service ****