75604 Thu Nov 17 18:01:29 -0800 2005 1 2 Los Angeles Area 0 416242 Where the heck is Pasta Primavera, you ask? It's an intimate, but surprisingly roomie, inexpensive Italian eatery in downtown, on 7th Street, near Hope. It's the kind of place you waltz past a million times on your lunch break and quietly ponder whether or not it's worth a visit. My workmates and I have eaten there three times now, and although it certainly does not break the bank, it really is quite impressive; thus, the latest dining experience warrants a Houndish review. Place: Pasta Primevera, Thursday, 11/17 - 12:45 PM Myself + 3 guests Ratings in brief: Ambiance - B (it's kind of cheesy, kind of classic, but very warm in an aesthetic fashion - and the whole place smells like fresh garlic. That doesn't suck.) Service - B- (our first visit was unbearably slow, but service has increased dramatically in recent visits - prompt and courteous these days) Food (Taste) - B+ (this isn't high-end top shelf goods, but very solid and tasty) Food (Presentation) - B (portions are large and always look pretty) Wine/Drinks - C (not fond of the drinks I've had - soda not carbonated enough, lemonade too sweet - but I have never ordered alcohol, so I can't speak to the wine list) Value - A- (for the price - on average $9 a dish - this is an amazing value) Overall Experience - B+ Dishes I have had/sampled: Several varieties of chicken breast - parmesan, cacciatore (the absolute best), and a pepper/veggie mix - always with penne on the side. Isalate di Calamari - the true test of a seafood place - how is the squid? Soft, tender, flavorful, fresh. Perfection. Linguine with Putanesca - SO good - bursting with olive and tomato and garlic yumminess. Today, I had the special - Jumbo Shrimp in Penne Pasta with a Tomato Pesto sauce. What? Marinara and pesto together? YES! And it worked - the pesto came through with more punch, but the basily/olive oil flavor finished with a tomato twang, and I found it delicious. Couple that with the fresh mushrooms and asparagus spears, and you have pasta heaven. Before tip, the total for 4 people - $48. You can't beat that. No sir. Or ma'am. Pasta Primavera 611 W. 7th Street Downtown LA Phone: (213) 688-0808 Ciao, 'Hounds! poetkitty Thu Nov 17 18:01:29 -0800 2005 0 PoetKitty 1 416254 Wow! Sounds like a place I need to try. Thanks for posting! Thu Nov 17 18:51:03 -0800 2005 416242 0 dork