18 Park Ave, Clifton Park, NY 12065

From the first pull of the heavy, bronzed door handle, the lovely and elegant rustic feel of Tuscan art fills the room. The hungry customer is immediately introduced to the style and hearty expectations of the restaurant from the first instant they enter the building. The structure follows through with a rustic Italian experience: stone walls, metal fencing that separates the different areas of seats, wooden shutters that contrast the dim lights of the overhead chandeliers along the line of seats. In the middle of the harmony is the bar, creatively lit up in the center with an array of glasses, as well as artwork surrounding it at all angle.

It was quite charming to be greeted service that held a warm smile welcoming me from the second the bell rang as I entered. The host that took me and my significant other to our table, as well as the waiter who seemed excited to take our drink orders, were energetic and professional in attending to our service. Our seats were by the wine rack, and occasionally a waitress would come by and take a bottle or two, perhaps for a customer. It made you feel as if you were a part of the routine in the kitchen and with the staff. Although a little crowded, the place was quite nice.

I loved the candle that was placed on the table by the bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. That little touch popped out to as a unique feature to leave a satisfying appeal to the customer; it made the scene romantic. When it was time to order, both of us ordered pizza. She got the Margarita, and I got Salsiccia e Funghi (sausage and mushroom). The menu was nicely organized and small, two pages in total. It made decisions much simpler, as usually it takes me forever to decide. Before the order, we were presented with crisp, fresh bread while we wait for the food, which was actually quite short. Upon the presentation of out pizzas was the option of finishes. The waiter handed me a wooden bowl with red pepper to personally dress my pizza as he shredded parmesan on my girlfriend’s Margherita.

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The presentation was very promising, looking truly to what a pizza is supposed to look as. The crust was slightly blackened at the ends, and the bitterness of those edges are accompanied with the smooth and strong taste of the tomato sauce. The stretchy mozzarella was not overbearing, as I find that many restaurants have a larger ratio of cheese over the sauce. The basil on the Margarita felt fresh and as it was quite intense with the silky feel of the mozzarella. the sausage and mushrooms were a perfect and flavorful topping. It was a bummer that the crust felt almost stale other than the blackened parts. I was looking forward to a Neapolitan style, as it would match the revolving theme. It tasted similar to the standard crust available in the many other areas in the region.

The menu is full of a variety of classic recipes served with passion and care. From the simple pasta and meatballs to a hearty bolognese, or even a classic chicken parmesan, it is a welcoming place to bring in the family for well crafted meal. Although a bit pricy, there is something for everyone at Pasta Pane.

Price: $$

Service: 8/10

Setting: 8/10

Food: 7/10