When you dine at Trattoria Il Panino in the North End of Boston, you will find one thing that stands out from the rest of the restaurants in the area – the pasta dishes are served in hot stainless steel pans rather than on regular plates. This method of presenting pasta dishes has become a staple of authentic trattorias, and many of you may have noticed it at other Italian restaurants in the area as well. However, you may be curious as to why this method of serving pasta is used by so many of the local Italian restaurants. Below is a brief history and tradition of serving pasta in a pan at Italian restaurants.
Why Do Italian Restaurants Use Pans to Present Pasta Dishes?
Italian restaurants use two methods to present pasta dishes in pans. First, stainless steel pans retain heat much better than ceramic plates. As soon as pasta is placed on a regular dish, it begins to cool rapidly. Most people want to eat hot pasta, so the pan presents a solution to this issue. Second, there are some aesthetic and ambiance reasons. When pasta is presented in the same pan in which it was cooked, it creates a feeling of an authentic Italian kitchen being brought directly to the table. This approach is rustic and informal and creates a sense of authenticity to the meal that simply cannot be replicated with regular plating.
Does the Pan Retain Heat Longer Than A Plate?
Yes, and the difference is substantial. Stainless steel is both a good conductor and retainer of heat. When your pasta arrives hot in a pan, the metal continues to emit warmth until you finish the dish. Ceramic or porcelain plates are poor conductors of heat and therefore lose heat quickly due to their porosity.
In addition to losing heat quickly, pasta tastes better when it is hot. The sauce adheres to the pasta properly, the flavors are more vibrant, and the texture remains in place. Cold pasta becomes gummy, and the sauce separates. The pan provides a solution to these issues, especially for dishes that contain cream-based or oil-based sauces that require them to remain emulsified.
Is Using a Pan To Present Pasta More Authentic?
The pan method of presenting pasta is certainly a traditional method of presentation found in trattorias (casual Italian restaurants); however, it is not a method of presentation that is commonly practiced in Italian homes. In fact, the majority of Italian homes cook pasta and serve it in shallow bowls or on a regular plate. The use of a pan to present pasta is not a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations; however, it is a common method of presentation used in many trattorias in Italy. The authenticity of using a pan lies in the type of dining that occurs in trattorias. Trattorias take great pride in providing uncomplicated yet delicious meals in an informal setting. Therefore, using a pan is consistent with this philosophy. While it may not be the manner in which your Italian grandmother serves dinner at home, it is the manner in which authentic Italian restaurants have provided for years.
What Types of Pasta Dishes Are Presented in Pans?
At Trattoria Il Panino, all pasta dishes are presented in pans. Regardless of whether you choose lobster ravioli with crab sauce, spaghetti carbonara, or penne arrabbiata, each will be presented in a pan. The presentation of pasta in a pan is most effective for saucy dishes. The pan allows the sauce to remain at the ideal temperature and consistency. Cream-based sauces such as Alfredo, Carbonara, and Pink Sauce all require remaining warm to remain smooth. Oil-based sauces such as Aglio e Olio also perform well in pans as the heat prevents the oil from solidifying. Even tomato-based sauces are more flavorful when they are kept warm throughout the meal.
Does the Pan Contribute to the Flavor of the Pasta?
The pan itself does not contribute to the flavor of the pasta; however, it does create a better experience of the pasta. When food is kept at the proper temperature, our taste buds can detect the flavors more clearly. In addition to detecting flavors more clearly, hot pasta produces more aromas. The aromas produced by the pasta are a significant portion of the overall flavor of the pasta. There is also a psychological element to consider. When your pasta arrives sizzling in a pan, it appears more appetizing and aromatic. Our brains recognize this as a fresh and expertly prepared meal. The presentation of the pasta in a pan establishes an expectation for the quality of the meal. These expectations establish the basis for how we perceive the taste of the meal. The presentation of the pasta in a pan does not add flavor to the pasta; however, it enhances our perception of the flavor.
Ready to experience authentic Italian pasta served the traditional trattoria way? Make your reservation at Trattoria Il Panino today and discover why our pan-served pasta has delighted guests for over 30 years. We’re located in the heart of Boston’s North End and serve lunch and dinner every day.