Who Serves the Best Whole Wheat Pasta in Los Angeles??

[gauchosi]

I've found that the majority of Italian restaurants in LA do not serve whole wheat pasta. Thus, I'm curious what restaurant serves the best whole wheat pasta? Any suggestions?

[maxzook]

I haven't yet been there, but it certainly sounds like this is the best whole wheat pasta around:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/552864

[gauchosi]

Thanks for your suggestions on what whole wheat pastas to buy, but how about RESTAURANTS that serve whole wheat pastas. Where's the best?

[Pigeage]

Compared to what?

[Servorg]

My guess. To the worst.

[DrBruin]

Well, the worst has got to be Fritto Misto (two locations, the south bay and santa monica). I think they made a raddiatore whole wheat pasta... which was just unappealing looking... and mushy.

The best? Well, my wife who loves whole wheat pasta, still enjoys the whole wheat linguine at the Olive Garden (gasp, I know). It's actually not that bad.

Thank you Judi AU (earlier post).... I tried to find DeCecco at my local markets without any luck... since there isn't a Gelson's within a reasonable drive. I'll keep an open eye for it..

[lambrusche]

That is because whole wheat pasta is disgusting... Those who eat it have convinced themselves otherwise

[PurpleTeeth]

It's depends on the brand and how it is made. I find that Barilla and DeCecco make wonderful whole wheat pastas. For casual dining I like the whole wheat pasta at Cheebo

[JudiAU]

The De Cecco is the best I've found locally. Somehow the shape seems to make a difference. The rotini seems to be the best. Gelsons is one of the few places that carries.

[lambrusche]

and what sauce does one use for this whole wheat pasta to make it palatable

[westsidegal]

the sauce that they use at il forno, of course.

[Das Ubergeek]

Whatever you like. Even a simple sauce like oil, garlic, a splash of the cooking water and Romano cheese is fine. Of course, it requires that you actually be able to cook the pasta, since it does not behave like normal pasta... but that is not a discussion for here.

I actually really love the nuttiness of it, especially with pesto.

[JudiAU]

In my experience, the nuttiness pairs best with the following:

olive oil, galic, chili, cheese
pesto
tuna, lemon, chili, and chard
gruyere and nutmeg-heavy bechemal, baked lighty for a healthier mac n' cheese
any dressing featuring a nutty component or a chard/spinach element

We eat whole wheat pasta about 1 in 5 times but the toddler always eats it for the occasional pasta lunch so I've now cooked and dressed it many times.

[Das Ubergeek]

Funny, I make it at home (from scratch, thank you very much) and I don't agree with you at all. Certain brands of dried pasta are fine in whole-wheat versions -- Barilla is OK, DeCecco is fine. Ronzoni, however, is plain chaloshes.

[PurpleTeeth]

I will agree home made is by far the best. Never liked Ronzoni. Also Barilla makes one called plus that isn't whole wheat but is very high in fiber and nutrients because of the addt'l of flax seed.

[westsidegal]

i concur with every point you make here, das ubergeek.

[DrBruin]

I agree with Das... and, thanks to judiau, it's nice to know where to find the de cecco brand. I have to put in a nod for Trader Joe's whole wheat penne... it's surprisingly good. Where'd you get your Whole wheat pasta recipe, DU? Care to share?

[JudiAU]

DrBruin, Give the De Cecco a try. I find it much better than TJs version which we used prior to trying the De Cecco.

DC is more expensive but Gelsons has it on sale occasionally.

[wienermobile]

Sammy's Woodfire Pizza at Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance now has all pastas on it's menu available with whole wheat pasta, also all the pizzas on the menu are now available with whole wheat crust. It's really good too.
www.sammyspizza.com

[westsidegal]

i forno in santa monica on ocean park and 31st or so, serves an excellent pasta primavera made with whole wheat pasta. (note: i am NOT talking about il fornaio, the chain)