Queens Tribune

80-00 Cooper Ave., Glendale
The Shops at Atlas Park
(718) 417-1544
CUISINE: Italian
HOURS: Mon-Wed.: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Thurs.: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sat.: 3-11:30 p.m.; Sun.: 3-10:30 p.m.
PARKING: Paid lot
DELIVERY: Group deliveries
www.pasticcionyc.com

Even if my last name didn’t end in a vowel, I’m convinced Italian cuisine would be a bliss I could not live without at least once a week. Last Saturday I discovered a buried treasure at the Shops At Atlas Park.

Pasticcio has its niche in the outdoor shopping center and offers a friendly reprieve for patrons of all varieties; from love struck couples to families doing the out-to-dinner tradition, the restaurant has something for everybody.

You are met with a friendly hostess to your left and a spiral staircase to your right upon entry. The former brings you to your table, the latter ascends to the wine cellar (or should I say attic?). The indoor seating is spacious, and the outdoor tables, though lacking intrinsic imagery, are welcomed on a warm night.

My first impression upon scanning the menu was the affordable pricing. Whether it is lunch or dinner, your wallet will leave smiling and – like you – full. A meal for two – assuming it involves appetizers, entrees, desert and drinks – likely won’t run you more than $75 depending on the combination of platters, which is reasonable for a romantic night out.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pasticcio offers a $12.50 price-fixe lunch menu that features four courses and a combination of 25 items from which to choose. The bruschette and panini range from $7-9, too.

Dinner menus allow for a $20.95 price-fixe menu for parties of four or more, and the regular dinner menu gives a variety of 43 items. Whether its fish, pasta or both that you crave, Pasticcio likely touts it on its vast menu.

Pasticcio is known for its signature platters which are marked with asterisks. The seasonal antipasto contadino that is served with homemade mozzarella and basil is the lone signature dish of the 13 appetizers featured. The bruschette also has imported broiled ham under this classification.

Pasticcio puffs out its chest with its artisan pasta specialties, which feature lobster, shrimp, ravioli and tortellini dishes, to name a few. The orecchiette pasta sautéed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and broccoli rabe, topped with grilled pork sausage, is an appetizing special, as is the Italian arborio rice sautéed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, scallions, broccoli rabe, mascarpone and gorgonzola.

Pasticcio’s steak and chicken dishes are also elaborate and highlighted by medallions of pork tenderloin sautéed with butter in a peach schnapps glaze, topped with a peach confit. That will run you $18.

The four fish dishes offered are captained by the filet of grouper broiled with garlic flavored oil and lemon juice topped with seasoned bread crumbs.

In all, Pasticcio’s affordable menu makes for a delightful night out. Its portions are healthy and the pasta dishes are not swimming in sauce upon serving. Rather, the sauce complements and does not overwhelm you.