 by guest blogger, Elise Hanks
The aroma of garlic wafts through the air, propelled by something simmering just beyond the swinging door to the kitchen. If it is night time, soft candles glow on each table and the city lights of New London wink and blink across the Thames. You have arrived, my friends, to a land of pasta where the choices and combinations seem to know no bounds. Paul's Pasta Shop, located on Thames Street in Groton, is a personal favorite of mine. So much so, in fact, that I applied for one of my frist jobs there when I was a student at Ledyard High School. With a varied fare, the restuarant is great for the whole family, a dinner party, or a date. Paul's is not an average joint; every order of pasta is cut fresh to order. The wonder of Paul's Pasta lies in the choosing, and, ultimately, in the devouring. A sample plate of pasta cuts displayed on the front counter alludes to the possibilities waiting to be dreamed into being by the customer. Long cuts include: angel hair, spaghetti, linguini, fettuccini, and paradelle. The pasta shop also makes penne, cavatelli, fusili, and various types of ravioli that range from lobster to spinach to pumpkin in autumn. For those looking for a dish to stimulated even the most diverse palate, it is possible to select flavored pasta; spicy habanera, tomato basil, spinach, whole wheat, and garlic herb can not only be used in any pasta dish on the menu, but can also be ordered by the pound to be cooked in only a few minutes at home. All of Paul's home-made sauces can be purchased to bolster your at-home Italian arsenal, too: tomato, alfredo, pink, pesto, diablo, red and white clam,and any mix of sauces. As an athlete who lived for team pasta parties in high school, I have to admit that there is no pasta I would rather eat. IN fact, I no longer order fettuccini alfredo at aother restaurants because they are all inevitably disappointing. Paul's fabulous pasta is not only available to the in-restaurant diner, but is also obtainable thorugh take out (call in the order or just show up!) and ready-made dishes and platters that can be ordered for catering are sure to make any event or gathering complete. Lasagna, the cherished favorite Diablo Chicken, salads, and mouth-watering desserts from Mystic Market are all on the list of possibilities. Just to illustrate my point, I'll let you know how I utilize the pasta: my family bought it and cooked it for pasta parties, my graduation party, and holliday dinners, and I also have bought the fresh pasta and ravioli (which can be frozen and preserved!) and sauce to give to friends and relatives for the hollidays. The final beauty of Paul's Pasta is that it is still fabulous even when the check arrives. A romantic date for two on the water is possible for even the thriftiest of couples and large families can order appetizers, salads, and desserts and may rest assured that they won't regret a single noodle ordered or penny spent. Think of Paul's next time you want to sit out on the covered deck for a delectable meal, feel like ignoring your oven and stove, or are planning to "cook" to impress. With all the fresh pasta, bubbling sauces, crisp salads, and infamous desserts (deep-fried, chocolate chip cookie dough with hot fudge and vanilla ice cream anyone?), I am sure you will find something, but more likely lots of things, you will love. Paul's Pasta Shop has been located at 223 Thames Street, Groton for twenty years and serves from 11-9 Tuesday through Sunday. Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog. |
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