The Ravioli Rumble

Posted by lushlife

Posted: March 7, 2008 - 9:39 am

I’ll be honest. I love pasta in all forms. In fact, I would eat it every day if I had the metabolism of a hummingbird. But the tasty carbohydrate is often served in such large, decadent quantities it’s tough to finish the meal in one sitting. And if you do, you end up regretting it. But when you have the option of tasty noodle tidbits in a smaller form, it’s pasta-stic. That’s why I love ravioli.

Ravioli is an appetizer that surpasses all genres. Unlike the hot wing or the potato skin, it isn’t relegated to sports bars or chain restaurants. It’s a clean slate of pasta folded over filling for any app-happy chef to use as a palette for culinary inspiration. Luckily, there are three places in town with very appetizing offerings — and none is remotely close to Chef Boyardee.

First is the fried ravioli at Orso (737 W. Fifth Ave., 222-3232, www.orsoalaska.com). There are several things that make this not only great ravioli but a great all-around appetizer. It’s deep-fried. It’s served with marinara and basil pesto sauce on the top. It’s crispy, warm and gooey. And it involves cheese (a house-made five-cheese stuffing). The tasty snack also goes perfectly with a bold red wine, $6 to $10.25 a glass. The fried favorite is $8.50, but a half order is only $4 from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Watch out if you order it to share; fork marks can sometimes show up on your partner’s hand when it comes down to the last crispy piece.

Second is the lobster ravioli at Kinley's Restaurant (3230 Seward Highway, 644-8953, www.kinleysrestaurant.com), for $10. Lobster plus ravioli? Yum. The first time I tried it, I had it as an entree because it looked better than anything else on the menu. And oh, is it good. But it’s also very rich, served in a pool of roasted shallot and basil cream.

The lobster pasta goes perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine, ranging from $5.25 to $10 a glass. Ask for a recommended pairing when ordering.

Finally, there’s a fried ravioli option to be found at the friendly, local and casual bar at Piper’s Restaurant and Lounge (3333 W. International Airport Road, 249-4444). For $8.95 (half price from 5 to 7 p.m.), Piper’s offers the most dressed-down version of ravioli of the three choices. It also offers the largest pasta specimens, simply presented with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

These aren’t ravioli you eat with utensils. These are large, greasy circles of goodness that require the use of your hands. The best complement to this ravioli version — and to the venue — is a cold beer ($4-$4.75).

Whether you like a cool and classy place like Kinley's, the fancy and fabulous bar scene at Orso or a laid-back, local vibe at Piper's, here’s hoping you find your favorite place to fill up before getting footloose. Buon appetito!

-- by Jessica Bowman

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