Pasta plus (From Ealing Times)

Pasta plus

4:41pm Wednesday 14th December 2005 in Food and Drink By Sandra Carter

YOU might think we've seen all the possible variations on a pasta theme. But Pasta Ate has come up with something a little different.

The whole idea at this new trattoria on Chenies Parade, Little Chalfont, is that you mix, match and share your choice of dishes.

So you might choose a pasta dish plus a couple of sides' to share between two or a selection of pastas and extras for a bigger group. All very conducive to a sociable meal with friends.

I popped in with a friend for lunch recently and began with a marvellous starter: hot tossed roast vegetable salad' (£6) which was a mix of parsnips, courgettes, aubergine, peppers, tomato and fresh spinach tossed with olive oil, lemon, pine nuts, pickled ginger, mozzarella and avocado. What a welter of super flavours, and there was plenty for the two of us.

There are nine pasta dishes (from £6), including smoked salmon broccoli pasta; fettucine with mussels, prawns, linefish and calamari and wine sauce; and bolognaise. We chose a simple fettuccine Napolitano, with roasted crushed tomato, herbs and spices: authentic in style and generous enough for two.

The side dishes on the menu include fresh fish, chicken sauteed with parmesan, prawns, mussels, and our choice lamb shank. This had been casseroled in red wine and herbs for seven hours until meltingly tender, and was plenty generous enough for two. Chef Jordan Iliev told us they get best quality lamb from the butcher next door, and everything is cooked here in the kitchen. It was a delicious meal.

Vegetarians should beat a track to the door of Pasta Ate as it has lots of veggie options. A meat-eating partner simply orders a meat or fish dish on the side.

You're welcome to bring your own wine here for a corkage of £2, or if you fancy an Italian treat at home, any of the dishes can be picked up as a take-away.

Pasta Ate has been set up by the owners of The Famous Fish Company in Old Amersham.