As the only stall that sells pasta in JSEC, Pasta La Vista serves the market of Ateneans looking for a noodle fix in campus. The idea of pairing their signature pastas with sausages, though, makes each dish a hefty meal that can stand up against the usual rice-and-ulam combinations surrounding it.

Taste

The Giovanni features penne pasta coated with a pumpkin sauce and pieces of Luganighe sausage. The creamy, but light pumpkin sauce that clings to the pasta pairs perfectly with the meatiness of the sausage for a balanced pair. It is the pumpkin’s subtle sweetness that perfectly complements and balances out the saltiness of the cheese. Peppery notes garnish the dish, too, making for a complex and well-rounded dish.

On the other hand, their Alessandro is a classic aglio e oglio with vegetables strewn about the pasta. Cooking the pasta al dente is laudable. There are hints of garlic well-distributed throughout, but the anchovies in the dish barely come through,  resulting in a slightly bland flavor. Bits of eggplant and tomato also give the dish a bit of earthiness and color. However, the Italian sausage doesn’t pair well with the pasta, but it does have a commendable juiciness that is satisfying.

One of the options for a side dish is the Loaded Baked Potato, a surprisingly sweet and hearty serving of carbs. It doesn’t necessarily pair properly with the pasta, but it’s executed well. The potato is tender and the cheese on top gives it a distinct saltiness.

Concept

The owners of Pasta La Vista wanted to bring the premium pasta experience closer to the Atenean. Its branding and logo deliver exactly that, and pairing sausages and pasta elevates their food even further. Ingredients like pumpkin and eggplant stand out in JSEC, making Pasta La Vista a one-of-a-kind stall that can’t go unnoticed.

Value for money

Truthfully, Pasta La Vista might be a little pricey to some. Php 120 for a solo meal seems expensive compared to the rest of JSEC, but the pasta and sausage pairing does make for a filling meal. The premium ingredients may be worth it, but the budget-conscious Atenean may think otherwise.

Final Verdict

Pasta La Vista is what a pasta-serving JSEC stall should aspire to be. Its interesting and fresh take on pasta makes it a welcome addition to the JSEC roster. If they can tweak some minor details in their dishes, Pasta La Vista may be on its way to be the best pasta-serving stall JSEC has seen in recent history.

Rating: 4.5/5