At the newly relocated Pasta Pasta Pasta (the room, on Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North’s “The Shops at NorthCreek” development, is just a couple of blocks from its previous digs, but is an emphatic upgrade), you’ll still find one of Denver’s most delightful lunches — a plate of today’s tortellini, with a side salad and a glass of wine. Small squares of velvety, fresh pasta are carefully pinched around dainty clusters of flavorful fillings (on one recent visit: a basil- rich pesto), then tossed with sauce, perhaps a nearly sheer dressing of chopped tomato and herbs, and served warm with, naturally, a chunk of bread and butter. With a glass of wine, you’ll pay no more than $15.
Despite its name, Pasta Pasta Pasta also offers salads, sandwiches and one or two more substantial entrees, perhaps baked salmon or chicken marsala, depending on the day. What’s best about these items isn’t their singularity or exoticness, but their simplicity. Baked salmon is just that, baked salmon. Yum.
Order at the counter, then take a table and wait for your plate. Sit outside if it’s sunny for the best people watching, or bring a magazine for a solo lunch in the pleasant room. And do come for lunch, because Pasta Pasta Pasta is not open at suppertime. (Unless suppertime, for you, happens before 6 p.m.)
PASTA PASTA PASTA
Lunch and takeout. 278 Fillmore St. (on Fillmore Plaza), 303-377-2782. Open six days for lunch and afternoon takeout.
