Pasta Pot in Hackensack, what's in a name?

[Rachel Perlow]

We headed to Capri Mia in Hackensack about a week ago, a place we've been meaning to try for quite a while. When we arrived we were surprised to find that it had changed names, to the anxiety arousing "Pasta Pot" (complete with lighted sign including a picture of a pot of water over fire with ziti logs). "What the heck?!" we said as we decided to try it anyway, we were hungry and they weren't busy on the weeknight. In summary, it was worth the risk.

The same people who've owned Capri Mia for about 10 years, had recently decided it was time to downscale the operation. It was previously a relatively formal place, located right across the street from a Target department store (which opened last year). Loyal customers had commented to them on more than one occasion that they had thought of going there for dinner after shopping, but didn't feel dressed for it (and other words to that effect). Rather than stick to their guns and die a slow death, they decided to adapt to the times and the neighborhood.

They now serve a moderately priced Italian-American menu. Traditional favorites, like veal parmesean ($14.95) and chicken francaise ($10.95), pasta fagiole soup ($3.95) and rigatoni with meat sauce ($9.95). Seafood is represented as well, we've tried the Spaghetti Pescatore ($14.95) an excellent version with mussels, squid and shrimp, and the Sole Provencalse ($15.95), the filet topped with a light tomato broth and clams. What really makes their more casual approach work is that the food is delicious.

The chef has made the rounds of the dining room on both of the occasions we ate there, saying hello to returning customers as if to reassure them that although the menu has changed, he is still there to take care of them. A table next to ours on our first visit was obviously regulars who looked nervously as the revamped menu. The waitress reassured them, saying if they have the ingredients they'll make any of their old favorites they wanted.

On our second visit we really tested their new casual approach, by coming with a toddler in tow (our god-daughter and her parents). On a Saturday night no less (we're evil)! However, it was "no problem to have a high chair ready" they said when we called ahead. The staff were all very accomodating and the baby loved all the bits of food we put in front of her, as did the adults.

We have been told that all the desserts are homemade, but have yet to sample them. On our Saturday night visit, specials were offered as a menu insert (with prices). They do have a liquor license and a moderately priced wine list (six choices by the glass for $5 each, bottles ranged from $17-$32). The only dish that we've tried so far that has not been steller was the veal piccata, I didn't care for the strong wine taste. Other than that dish we are very pleased to recommend the Pasta Pot.

Pasta Pot Restaurant and Grille

70 Hackensack Avenue

Hackensack, NJ 07601

201-489-0743

[jtphjl]

La Posada is closed for vacation so we took refuge from the lightening storm at Pasta Pot--not the best of choices -

we were seated promptly and delivered a basket of warm bread with a delicious crust however, wonderbread texture --

Entrees were ordered from the night's special(s) - a cappellini (overcooked) with plump, fresh, cooked to perfection shrimp - in a week , non descript red sauce - I had the grilled swordfish - served to perfection, tender, tasty and looking rather lonely on an oversized plate (a potato, rice or an offer to order a side dish would have been appreciated!) - salad arrived slightly before the main course -- a thin, bland, warm, wilted w/bleu cheese cluster of greens - our mistake for not ordering an appetizer --

We enjoyed the "old" Capri Mia - the service was friendly as usual, though not professional - we waited out the storm, not on purpose but because our server lost track of us -- or was involved in a very loud argument in the kitchen , clearly heard thoughout one side of a well maintained restaurant... by then we were tired and had coffee, tea or dessert been offered , probably would have said no... Stopped at the B&W bakery just as they were closing and that made night!

[Rachel Perlow]

Sounds like your experience was not as positive as ours has been. I usually take the listing of side dishes on the menu as an indication that the entrees are without. Of course, you are also in the position of being able to compare the difference between Pasta Pot and Capri Mia, which we were not.

Please tell more about B&W Bakery.

[jhlurie]

I tried Pasta Pot. It wasn't bad.

Then again, I only had parts of two side dishes and one main. The rigatoni with meat sauce was indeed fairly good. The pasta was not al dente... but neither was it overcooked. The meat sauce was fairly hearty, with a decent body and bite.

The sides (spinach and broccoli, both cooked in garlic and olive oil) were reasonably good, if not spectacular.

I'm willing to try it again when the mood for affordable basic pasta hits me.

[Jason Perlow]

I like their basic pasta dishes better than their entrees.

[jtphjl]

B & W Bakery is where dreams are made! This is an old time, German bakery - Blackforest case stands proudly in the ice box section made with fresh whipped cream and european chocolate cake.

Known for their cheese twist, a yeasty, well textured dough serving as ribbons for a soft slightly sweetened butter encrusted cream cheese loaf -and their butter crumb, cinnamon scented crumb cake --- amazing assortment of cookes, and cakes, all baked in the European style, sugar used as an accent or flavor, not a primary ingredient.

B&B is across the Target parking lot (opposite Pasta Pot) on Main Street opposite Gilda's Club. hmmm they are closed on Mondays!

[ngatti]

I've always been impressed by the amount of streusel thay manage to pile on a coffee cake.

Nick

[shugga]

B&W, Palisades Park Bakery and Petit Patisserie are the best bakeries in Bergen County!!!!!

[ShawtyCat]

Thanks RPerlow I never knew this place was there. I know where B&W is but I've never gone inside. Usually just driving by to Brooklyn Pizza or to the Pediatric bldg.

[Rachel Perlow]

Pasta Pot closed in 2005. New owners, new name: Donn Pomodoro, same address & phone number. Closing this topic, click on the link to discuss the new place.