Mmm... pasta heaven...
After a fun day with my neighbor, we decided we wanted to get something good to eat... and when we are together, we like to go all out. Pasquale's has been at the top of my list for a long time. It's located in downtown Auburn surrounded by other good places to eat and shop. The parking lot is tiny, but there is plenty of street parking available. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
When we walked in (close to 3), we were in awe of how beautiful it is in here. It was not busy, and we weren't at helped away, but that's ok because we were able to admire how gorgeous it was all around us. You can't help but notice the big cheese wheel in their display case. When I think of my favorite kind of pasta, it involves a cheese wheel... There is a bar top with high top chairs just waiting for you. They offer draft beers, wine and a full bar... but we decided we wanted a booth today. Inside Pasquale's is a brick wall interior with wooden flooring, where booths and tables are set up. It was cozy and very inviting.
We barely glanced at the menu and knew right away what we were going to order. Now, I normally do not order anything with alfredo from anywhere... but something told me not to pass it up this time. I ordered the Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo, and Mary ordered the Lobster Ravioli. We also wanted a couple of Expresso Martinis to start. I think we were both starving, so we also ordered garlic bread to come out first.
First, the Expresso Martini's arrived. They were in in a stemless martini glasses. They feature the same iconic, V-shaped as traditional martini glasses. I loved the way they were garnished with 3 coffee beans on top. The taste was rich with bold flavors that had a crisp kick of vodka. If I ever have an Expresso Martini from anywhere else, it'll forever be compared to this one. 5/5
Our garlic bread arrived shortly after we started sipping on our Martinis. They had the perfect crunch. The warm butter builds up with every bite to let you know it's there. Not overwhelming, or dripping, but it was just right. The garlic flavor was great 5/5
Mary's Lobster Ravioli was beautiful... the Ravioli was made with striped pasta dough; it looked stunning.
The sauce on my Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo was gleaming, and looked so smooth. The salmon looked perfectly seared, seasoned with s&p and garnished with a lemon. slice. We were ready to dig in.
My first bite was the delicious noodles... a savory, velvety cream sauce. It was like fireworks were going off. The Alfredo sauce coated every noodle flawlessly. Then I tried the salmon by itself... mmmm! Crispy, flakey, and moist!!! Now together... The contrast between the tender, buttery salmon and the hearty ribbons of pasta creates a spectacular mouthfeel... and the rich, buttery flavor of the fish went perfectly with noodles! Together, it was like the grand finale of a fireworks show on crack in my mouth. 555/5
Mary and I exchanged bites of our dishes. The Lobster Ravioli she ordered was delicious.. also garnished with a lemon slice. It was exactly how I felt like Lobster Ravioli should taste. This was a perfectly balanced dish as well, because it can be so easy to want to pack on the lobster to make a good dish, but then that's how you lose the rest of the flavor of the alfredo sauce and the tender taste of the pasta... but Pasquale's nailed that perfect flavor with the perfect amount of ingredients, getting us to crave the next bite. 555/5
After reading up on the history of Pasquale's, I found out it is owned and operated by Laura McGuire along with her daughter, Sophia. Laura was a former employee at the original Pasquale T's, which was a beloved Auburn staple in the 1980s and 90s. She brought the restaurant back to life in 2023, keeping it a true family-run establishment.
If you're craving a rich and comforting meal, the Fettuccine Salmon Alfredo Pasta is my go to... it is one of my ultimate indulgences. Whether you're coming in for lunch or enjoying a romantic date night, Pasquale's Italian Ristorante feels like five-star luxury. It's hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to leave you completely satisfied! read more