Pastificio! A Pasta & Wine Tasting @ Zooma

While very different than the first event, Brianna put together another great Unilocal elite event. I felt like a queen being served a wine and pasta trio with explanations from the chef himself. My favorite was definitely the goat cheese ravioli– so decadent.

Ohhh PVD Unilocal… you fancy huh?
Absolutely loved this event! I saw familiar faces, and met new wonderful Unilocalers over a very classy meal. A special thanks to Zooma Trattoria for completely taking care of us. I am in love with the Goat Cheese Tortellini and can’t wait to come back again and have a full plate of that delicious pasta. A special thanks to the guy on the waitstaff who «took the grenade» and took my shot, washed out the glass and gave it to me! (I am not a drinker but I wanted the souvenir, :D)
I am really enjoying these monthly meetups. Everyone is refreshingly friendly and easy going and I always have a great time. Thank you Briana! Hope to see all of you lovelies soon Unilocal Providence!

Sangria? Pasta? Wine? Federal Hill? YES PLEASE!
This was my first Unilocal Elite event, and I had an absolute blast! The food was beyond delicious, the company was fantastic, and the event was perfectly planned and executed by the amazing Briana!
I’ve eaten at Zooma once before last night (I had the gnocchi, obviously), and they were already near the top of my list for delicious, authentic, handcrafted Italian food. I think it’s safe to say that Zooma has officially shot straight to the top of my list of favorite Italian restaurants after last night’s religious experience!
We started off with some delicious and refreshing red sangria, fried calamari, and grilled pizzas, all of which were spot-​on delicious. For the main event, we had tasting sized portions of the lobster raviolis, the goat cheese tortellini, and the pasta Bolognese, which were paired with a white wine and two reds respectively. All of the pastas were soft and perfectly cooked. Upon trying the lobster ravioli, it was pretty clear that these guys know what they’re doing. Next up was the goat cheese tortellini, and I’m not sure I can ever look at regular tortellini the same way ever again after tasting them! The filling was so creamy and rich, and the orange butter sauce was exquisite. Finally, we were presented with a pasta Bolognese that blew all other Bolognese dishes out of the water. The pasta was of course handmade and cooked to perfection, and the sauce… ohmygawd the sauce! It was made with pork, veal, and beef, and had fresh horseradish shaved on top for a little kick. Normally, I’m not big on horseradish… but in this case, it gets a standing ovation from me! These guys are geniuses when it comes to their pasta!!! The wine pairing with each dish was also spot-​on. It was all just so good… I wanted it to never end!
The service was beyond friendly and welcoming to us, catering to our every need. We also had the pleasure of meeting the GM and the executive chef, both of whom are clearly passionate about their work.
So, Zooma… thank you so much for hosting us, and please keep doing exactly what you’re doing! Bravissimo!!!
And Briana, thank you for spoiling us! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

Such a fab event last night organized by Briana and hosted by the generous Zooma.
This was my first trip to Zooma, so without a sense of the lay of the land I was curious how we would be arranged for an event. The natural division of the restaurant had the back half taken over by the friendly but discerning Unilocal Elite, mingling in clusters around a central long table of pizza and calamari nibbles and plenty of passed glasses of tasty sangria — it worked perfectly for a social gathering. It’s rare that an area reserved for a group feels separate but yet still part of the restaurant.
Invited to take our seats, the crowd was giddy for the three pasta courses and wine pairings to commence, introduced each time by Chef. There is no mistaking the soft texture with a satisfying bite that only fresh pasta can deliver. And I love how Zooma makes certain patrons make no mistake about the freshness by stationing the pasta-​making process behind glass at the Atwells Ave entrance. Pairings were spot-​on. The highlight was the middle course of goat cheese tortellini in a brown butter and orange sauce, not the most beautiful to look at but the zesty fresh citrus with the silky cheese was unexpected and delicious. The manager came by our table during this course and pointed out that since the dish can be so rich and intense as entrée, Zooma will gladly serve half plus a half of another pasta item. I was glad for the tip, but couldn’t help wonder why serve it as a full entrée if they know it works better in small doses?
Service start to finish was attentive and efficient — every person passing drinks, serving food, checking in exuded that «we’re happy that you’re here» glow that we so crave and are too often disappointed in when dining out. Thank you, Zooma, for your generosity!
Shame on me if I miss another Unilocal Elite event! The bar’s been set high; I’m too curious to see what else is in store.

Unilocal!!! Zooma!!! Briana! Grazie!!! Ero un po ‘sopraffatta dalla sangria senza fondo, la pasta incredibilmente audace e decantazione dei vini mescolati!
I was a little overwhelmed by the bottomless sangria, amazingly bold pasta and decantation of blended wines! (rolling eyes back) hmmmmmmmm soooooo gooood! Hmmmmmmmmmmm giggity giggity…
Décor — The presentation of a venue often says a lot about their establishment. I like to associate this methodology to your first important date… ya know what I mean– trying to make a good impression; taking a shower; brush your teeth; even wearing underwear like your momma always told ya. Zooma is graceful with a superior vibe — luxurious and elegant. I love the exposed kitchen towards the back room. I love the non-​isometric layout of the whole restaurant. But sadly, the most awesome décor are often cover-​ups of their bad food/​service… BUT WAIT A MIUNTE! This isn’t one of those places… Zooma’s décor might be top notch, but their food and service will supersedes any other spot on the hill. Yeah that’s right— you think they can only be fancy with their aprons and smiles?! Well think again!
Food — I am gonna rank this from «best» to the «wow still amazingly good». (#1) Goat Cheese Tortellini was my flavor fav for the night. The strong, bitter yet wonderful sharp cheese slap my taste buds in every direction– in a good way ^_​~! (#2) Fried Calamari — the texture and preparation that took place to make that brilliant dish is outstanding. I just can’t put it to words how good it is. (#3) Lobster Ravioli — from where I’m from, when you have lobster … oh boy, it’s a special occasion… like an anniversary dinner occasion. So it was a big deal for me. I would taste lobster once every six months back in Chicago… so it was truly a treat for me. But oh no – not you rhody-​ers… I think ya’ll fancy… having soooo much lobster everywhere. Ya’ll to fancy for me. (#4) Tagliatelle Bolognese — I sometimes like to think I’m on a strict carnivore diet, thus this plate was perfect for me. (#5) Neapolitan Pizza — Pizza Pizza Pizza Pizza… Pizza… it is everywhere! Nevertheless it was simply remarkable… providence has good pizza.
Recap
1. Goat Cheese Tortellini
2. Fried Calamari
3. Lobster Ravioli
4. Tagliatelle Bolognese
5. Neapolitan Pizza
Service — I’m going to be a bit bias, they liquored me up… but their wait staff was simply amazing. I would often assess and reassess their service to my water glass… will it ever reach haft empty?! Nope… it never did. The same thing holds true to my sangria… (evil laugh HAHAHA) I was a bit tipsy. WHO EVER SAID THAT CHIVALRY IS DEAD hasn’t been to ZOOMA. The servers would go out of their way to serve food and drinks to the females first; a very chivalrous act. As the wine snob I try to be, I requested a decanter for my red blend. — I got it. :)
Recommendation?
I recommend everyone and their momma to become an elite member of Unilocal! So you can join the fun!!!

Last night’s event at Zooma was my first! I’m super honored to be able to be a part of such a fun group of people.
Thanks thanks!
The food was fantastifico! I’ll definitely have to make a special trip to the restaurant! Happy Noms, Everyone!
–J

I am so excited to be part of the Unilocal Elite crew — what a great group! We had a fabulous time at last night’s event, and can’t wait to try Zooma again as regular customers (we had never been there before last night). I’m really looking forward to future events; thanks to Brianna for all her hard work!
The goat cheese ravioli with orange reduction sauce was so yummy; the manager told us the sauce is brown butter + reduced orange juice and I foresee many nights at home trying to recreate it. That was definitely our favorite dish of the night. A couple nice service touches: serving the ladies first (what can I say? It felt nice!) and getting us a decanter for the wine when it was asked for.

So settle down all of your rowdy Unilocalers. If you read, you will see why it is 4 Stars. Man, cut a guy some slack will ya.
First, though, the review of Zooma. This was the first trip there and I thought it was really good. The staff was very gracious and friendly. The service was fantastic. I would recomend the place for other small parties and gatherings. And the food was …
Pizza apps were really nicely done. Loved the tomato and rocket (arugula). I am not a Sangria drinker, nor a wine drinker for that matter, but I did like the Sangria. And I was told by my significant other, over her 6^th cup, that it was really good. The calamari was also nicely done.
As for the tasting portion, I am a huge fan of the goat cheese with orange reduction. I agree with Sohini, there will be many attempts to replicate. So for me this was the highlight and I will be back for this meal alone. The lobster ravioli was fantastic. It was full flavored and full of actual lobster, not cheese with a hint of lobster like so many other places. The last item, was so unforgettable for me that I have, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
My only constructive note to the Chef, I would have liked to have knowen why he selected the paring he did and what the process should have been. wine — food, food — wine, both together…
Now, for the event itself. I am giving this a 4 as well. Hay, put it back in the holster. The reason for the 4 is that we are just getting started. This was my first rodeo with this crowed. I would hate to think it will never get any better. I had a great evening with my +1, met some great folks last night, met Ms. B, had an over all fantastic time. All of this was in a confined space with a small crowed. Just think of what Ms. B can do with more space and a larger crowed. OMG, the possibilities. There might actually be puking in the dirt, now that is a party. Sorry, I think that one must have gotten away from me.
So there you have it.

Magnifico!!!
Props to Briana for setting up this intimate, inviting, and most enjoyable night out in Providence. While I’ve lived near the city my whole life, would you believe this was my first experience delving into Federal Hill? What a great place to start my exploration of the area.
Having attended many Boston Elite Events in the past, I was beyond excited to be attending my first in Providence! I always knew we had lots to offer the Unilocal Community (and hell.. . its mighty convenient to drive down the street and not an hour north into Mass). This event packed a punch and I’m eagerly looking forward to future get togethers.
Us Providence Unilocalers are a talkative bunch and make for good company! Great meeting familiar faces from online and making friends with new ones. What better way to bring people together than over excellent food and tasty wine selections. I enjoyed the presentation of each plate and genuinely felt as though staff were pleased with our presence (which is a feeling sometimes difficult to obtain with our easily overpowering presence :-P).
While it seems that I’m going against the grain with my selections, my favorite plates were as follows:
#1 Tagliatelle Bolognese
#2 Fried Calamari Appetizer
#3 Lobster Ravioli (.. .and I don’t even like lobster!!!)
#4 Neapolitan Pizza Appetizer
#5 Goat Cheese Tortellini
Each plate had exquisite flavor all its own and opened up a new world of flavors to my palate. The free flowing sangria and wines were a welcome benefit, warming my innards from the bone-​chilling winds outside.
Thanks to Zooma staff for their wonderful hospitality and grace!!!

The event last night was wonderful! Thanks to Briana for organizing it and to Zooma for hosting! The drinks were plentiful, the crowd was awesome, and the food was fantastic. Food highlight of the night was the goat cheese tortellini. i could have eaten a giant bowl of them! SO good! and the Malbec paired really well with it.
Also, super delicious cappuccino martini in the super cute Unilocal shot glass was so cool!
LOVE IT!!!

Pastificio! was my first Unilocal event and it was awesome! I think I’m hooked.
The food was phenomenal, the drinks were great and the other Unilocalers were lovely!
The good people at Zooma really took care of us, and I’ll definitely be going back there again. Real soon.
A huge thanks to the awesome Briana for organizing the event.