Papa Pastas: A Slice of Italy in Nightfall Bay

 

Papa Pastas isn't your average chain restaurant. Sure, it has multiple locations sprinkled across Nightfall Bay, but each feels distinct and welcoming, a testament to Papa Pasta's dedication to bringing a genuine Italian experience to his adopted city.

The Ambiance:

• Warm brick walls adorned with travel posters of the Italian countryside and family photos of a younger Papa Pasta with a twinkle in his eye.
• Red and white checkered tablecloths with comfortable, worn leather booths.
• The air is filled with the aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomato sauce.

Papa Pasta:

• A spry gentleman in his late 60s with a thick head of salt and pepper hair.
• A wide smile that seems permanently etched on his face.
• A booming voice that often greets regulars by name and newcomers with a hearty "Benvenuti!" (Welcome!).
• He's not afraid to break into a song, usually a classic Italian love ballad, while prepping in the kitchen.

Menu:

Papa Pastas boasts a menu that rotates seasonally based on fresh, local ingredients. Here's a glimpse of some of their staples:

Antipasti (Starters):

• Bruschetta al Pomodoro (Classic Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic)
• Fritto Misto (Lightly Fried Calamari, Shrimp, and Vegetables)
• Burrata con Prosciutto (Fresh Burrata Cheese with Sliced Prosciutto)

Insalate (Salads):

• Insalata Caprese (Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Olive Oil)
• Insalata Mista (Mixed Greens with Seasonal Vegetables and House Vinaigrette)
• Caesar Salad (Papa Pasta's twist on the classic)

Primi Piatti (Main Courses - Pasta):

• Spaghetti alla Carbonara (Creamy Egg Yolk Sauce with Guanciale (cured pork cheek))
• Lasagna al Forno (Classic Layered Lasagna with Meat Ragu)
• Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Sauce with Pancetta)
• Gnocchi al Gorgonzola (Potato Dumplings in a Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce)
• Seasonal house-made ravioli with various fillings

Secondi Piatti (Main Courses - Entrees):

• Saltimbocca alla Romana (Veal Scallops with Prosciutto and Sage)
• Pollo al Mattone (Brick-pressed Chicken)
• Branzino al Limone (Sea Bass with Lemon)
• Vitello Marsala (Veal Scaloppini with Marsala Wine Sauce)
• Bistecca Fiorentina (Thick-cut grilled T-bone steak) (for the heartier appetites)

Dolci (Desserts):

• Tiramisu (Coffee-flavored Ladyfingers with Mascarpone Cream)
• Panna Cotta (Light and Creamy Custard)
• Gelato (Various flavors made fresh daily)
• Cannoli (Crispy Shells filled with Ricotta Cream)

Drinks:

• An extensive wine list featuring Italian varietals
• Classic Italian sodas like San Pellegrino and Perrier
• Homemade limoncello
  

*GM Note: This came up in our Co-Op Actual Play of Nightfall Bay, issue 10 I believe so we decided that there would be a chain of these around Nightfall Bay.