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Why pastaRAMEN Has Become a Culinary Phenomenon

by Lauren Wire September 23, 2023

written by Lauren Wire

Have you snagged a reservation at New Jersey’s most coveted restaurant, pastaRAMEN?

Head to Montclair for an incredible Wafu dining experience…. if you can get in! Chef Robbie Felice is at the helm of pastaRAMEN, a genius restaurant concept from Montclair Hospitality Group that blends Italian and Japanese. Robbie is also the Chef and Restaurateur of the acclaimed establishments Viaggio and Osteria Crescendo, and over the years has brought his talents to several Michelin-Starred restaurants across the globe. If you are lucky enough to be there with Chef Robbie, you’ll get to witness him in his element. Every moment of the meal is curated based on the masterful planning of the Chef and his team.

Image by Jeffrey Elkashab

Reservations open in monthly increments and are a hot commodity. If you are lucky enough to snag one, you’ll be in for a treat. From the moment you walk into the inconspicuous restaurant located off the main street, you are transported into a vibey graffiti hideaway. Music is pumping, the staff is hip and everyone dining is palpably excited that they finally get to go on this dining journey. Pasta Ramen is BYOB so roll in with your favorite drink and be prepared to want the whole menu. The talented team will help guide you through the menu.

Chef Robbie Felice Image by Jeffrey Elkashab

Appetizer recommendations include Cold Ramen Insalata; Calamari Fritti; Kanpachi Crudo and the Polpette “Parmigiano” Bao. For pasta the Temomi Ramen Shrimp Scampi and Mochi Ramen Carbonara Tsukemen while main dish favorites are the Pork Chop Scallopini and Black Cod. Many of the dishes are theatrically delivered, such as the over-the-top shower of truffle added to your pasta by your server. Dessert is a must — Bao Bun Zeppoli’s Special.

So why has pastaRAMEN become a phenomenon in the dining scene? Well, it’s the whole dang experience.

September 23, 2023 0 comment

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Flushing’s Shaku Ramen Unveils an Intimate Speakeasy

by Ishan Wankavala November 20, 2022

written by Ishan Wankavala

Stepping into Shaku Ramen, located in the heart of Flushing’s Koreatown, one is immediately met with the inviting scent of standard Japanese fare—the location boasts an impressive menu bolstered with sizzling skewers, tantalizing donburi, and enough ramen options to fill a book. To further separate itself from the neighborhood’s saturated ramen scene, however, Shaku has implemented an exclusive new speakeasy—directly beneath the original restaurant. I took a look with my visit.

A variety of delightful food options available

To commemorate the opening on November 17th, 2022, Shaku staff presented an assortment of finger food and small plates as a tour de force of their culinary prowess. Amongst the pickings were pork bao buns, mexican-style pork belly tacos, and a delectable kimchi. The delicate intention the chefs had taken to represent traditional Japanese fare with new, more diverse fusions was obvious, and as for inclusivity, the chefs specially prepared tacos without meat for my vegetarian self.

The restaurant’s staff pours homemade Soju

To complement the food was a varied selection of drinks, centered around traditional Saké or Soju. A staff member courteously offered three varieties of house-made Soju: a strawberry, a lemon-lime, and a yogurt, all served from charming golden kettles. The tables were lain with brand Saké, including sparkling Banzai Bunny and Yuki Tora, among others. For me, the round, creamy flavor of Shaku’s yogurt Soju was simply too much to pass up, and I helped myself to a second glass.

After the initial ceremony, the guests were invited to enter the speakeasy, accessible through both the kitchen for the staff and through a clandestine unmarked door outside of the restaurant for future guests. We were assured that there would be a camera system atop the door from which the team could surveil the exterior and let in invitees. A short downward flight of stairs later, and I stood in the speakeasy—a chic, dimly-lit space with a full bar and a live DJ, and several booths in which to lounge. Staff were lightheartedly making drinks and conversing with the attendees. The overall atmosphere was relaxed but intimate, akin to peering into an experience not many will get, and simultaneously surrounded by family.