dining
Wafu Italian Cuisine is Here PastaRamen builds a gastronomic movement in Montclair WRI��EN �� �I� �O�NSON
One of North Jersey ’ s most anticipated restaurant openings of the year became areality when Pasta Ramen opened its doors onSaturday , Jan . 28 . The restaurant specializes in an emerging cuisine inAmerica : Wafu Italian . Wafu means “ in the Japanese style ” — and that ’ s exactly what the menu promises : food cooked in the Japanese and Italian styles . Cacio e Pepe �yoza Fritti . Tonkotusu Ramen with Porchetta . Porcini-rubbed Strip Steak with Nori Cream .
It ’ snot fusion , but its own style of cuisine altogether .
“ Every time wetest adish , we ’ re letting someone try it and really saying , ‘ �ey , what do you think this is , Japanese or Italian� ” says chef-owner Robbie Felice .“ And if there ’ sthat uncertainty of � , � , 5seconds before answering — we know we nailed it .”
And it will evolve . The restaurant group — Montclair �ospitality �roup — isplanning new restaurants and different concepts aroundWafu , including new locations on the West and East Coasts , a steak and �orean barbecue restaurant , and atraveling multi-course omakase concept , says Joey Simons , the CEO of the group , which was founded by Pasta Ramen co-owner Luck Sarabhayavanija . The group also has under its umbrella several other restaurants , including Ani Ramen �ouse , Mochinut , Sushi by Bou and �ai Yang .
“ I think the brand has endless potential and possibilities ,” says Simons .
PAS�ARA�EN
6S . FULLERTONAVE . MONTCLAIR ( 973 ) 337-6956 PASTARAMEN . COM
WONDERS OF WAFU Chicken Paitan Ramen with parmigiano shoyu broth , chicken katsu , capers , kikurage , lemon and parsley .
“ Because both cuisines on their own have so many different off-shoots .”
Pasta Ramen evolved from asecret speakeasy-style omakase ( tasting menu ) pop-up conceived during the pandemic . It is one of only four or five restaurants in the country focusing on Wafu Italian , which originated in the 1950s in Japan . The Pasta Ramen pop-ups started in New Jersey , then travelled to New York , Miami , Los Angeles and Seattle .
“ The food , an idyllic fusion of
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SPRING 2023 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE