Pasta Fever Boca Raton

Okay, I don't like the name either, but who cares? What's in a name when the cuisine is THIS good? Frankly, I would have called it "Pasta Amore". Background and Details: We finally made it to PF for my girlfriend's birthday last night. She goes back a long way with Eric since he first opened Bistro Provence in 2000. I have known him about two years now myself. The concept is about the same as "BP", a cute, small, storefront restaurant. BP eventually expanded to an additional store next door, but Eric said he's content with what he has now. "Small place, small problems". BP is still in business under the auspices of his former wife, Claudine, and it's not that far away on N. Federal either! Eric is here with his new wife, Dina, who is the host, and likely does a ton more too, like running the checks, cashing out, paying bills, etc. Eric handles the kitchen and, I would assume ordering. Yup, it's a "mom and pop" place; same formula as he had before. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Atmosphere is cozy with about 12 tables or so, seating up to 8 people at a large table, but they could probably arrange something larger if necessary. We reserved on Open Table for 7:30, and Dina seated us promptly at a lovely deuce in the corner up front by the window. Our server, Brian, was a delight, and we had fun with him, especially when I put on my Jerry Lewis voice! We went to see Eric in the kitchen right away, and he was most happy to see us. He's a low key, very cordial gentleman. "I wish you had come sooner" he said. Better late than never! PF is best described as an Italian / French restaurant, with the emphasis on Italian (the menu is on line). Frankly, there are only six pasta dishes! Of course, it's all about quality, not quantity, and Eric always delivers on the former. Dinner: We went for the Pix Fixe menu at $32.50 each. I had the duck terrine for appetizer, which was superb, every bit as good as the one he had at BP. My girlfriend had the Escargot, the preparation and serving of which was even superior to what Eric had at BP. Wow! I then had Chicken Parm with Pene pasta. Now, on Thursday 11/5. I had the same at Matteo's in Boca, and it was very good, but Eric's was just in another league, between the sauce, seasoning, everything. I kid you not, the BEST Chick Parm I have ever had anywhere. He turned what some might consider a "pedestrian" Italian dish into a gourmet one. If the Pene pasta was any clue, his other pasta dishes should prove just the same. My girlfriend had the Lemon Sole Livornese; outstanding! Desert was chocolate mousse for me, and an apple caramel dessert for my girlfriend, plus Cappuccino and Espresso. All outstanding. All-in-all, 5+ stars for our experience, especially when the cost was considered. If you cannot enjoy a meal here, then your standards are either out of bounds or just delusional!