Ben R.
Yelp
I am from Pasadena, I think we have ALL there is to offer here. Why ever leave!
I am enjoying seeing the new businesses pop up. It's exciting. I had high hopes for this one, not sure why exactly, but I did. After getting a coffee at Stumptown, I moseyed over. This review is not about ST, but I would like to mention that I loved their music selection (music nerd here) I can't say the same for Ferrazani's Pasta & Market!
Upon entry, the shop seems charming, in it's own way. Not to go full gay male stereotype, but I certainly did question the bright oompa loompa green choice of paint, but I digress. I digress!
On a whim, I ordered some "fresh" pasta for my husband and I. When I got home, I brought my salty water to a roaring boil, and plopped the pasta nests into their bath. As I was handling the pasta, I was a little concerned by the level of dryness, but I tried to trust the process. I briskly moved the pasta around, in an attempt to break it up the nests. Once done, I added the pasta to my lamb ragu. I noticed that the pasta was broken and not in tact. Very surprising to me. In my experience, fresh pasta has some give to it. Not so much here. For "fresh" pasta, she sure was dry as a bone!
As for the sandwich options: well rounded, but only pork for meat. I ordered the Proscuitto sandwich despite being concerned about the walnut "spread". I was not aware that the sandwich would have vinegar on it, I did not care for that flavor combination. The Proscuitto itself was delicious, but the sandwich ingredients do not sing harmoniously, IMHO.
As someone who has worked with the public, I make sure to give workers freedom to engage with me or not. I don't expect them to make small talk with me or bend over backwards catering to me. I like to keep my interactions "short and sweet", for everyone's sake.
I believe...the owner rang me up at the register? While Elliot Smith sang (keep all razors away, girls!) she pushed beverages onto me and also suggested the idea of me needing other things to "make a sauce." I suddenly felt pressured, it seemed like she had an expectation of me spending more money. It was...unsavory, and left a bad taste in my mouth. In the short time that I was there, it seemed that this business owner is trying HARD to make a customer connection, but misses the mark. I won't get into the exchange, it doesn't really matter. It was just over the top with telling me things about her day that frankly, I do not care to hear! Let's keep it short, honey! Unprofessional and weird behavior.
In short:
The actual pasta was disappointing...isn't that their specialty?
I regret buying the soda that was sort of pushed on me!
I wished I knew about the vinegar on the sandwich!
Shame the music made me wanna curl up and cry!
Please don't overshare.
But, the green. Darling, the greeeeen.
I am not a lonely guy on Yelp writing for attention, I just want to share my experience as Pasadena grows and these new spots pop open for us to gobble up. I think it's important to support businesses that deserve it.
I just think this place should be MUCH better.
Anyway, as the youth say, it's giving "off".
Certainly doesn't give you that feeling of finding a hidden gem.