The new Italian eatery at The Square, near the airport, is owned by Dessi Sarabosing and her brother, Boris Mitrev. She is a well-known local businesswoman; he worked in the London food scene. We chatted with Sarabosing.
What was the inspiration behind Pasta Viva?
My brother and I grew up in Bulgaria in a restaurant setting. We were our parents’ first employees. I told myself I’d go to college so I wouldn’t have to do this. Twenty years later, I became global corporate controller for Taco Bell – and fell in love with hospitality.
Why cheese wheels?
We wanted to preserve Italy’s greatest culinary tradition – the cheese wheel dates back 900 years to Italian monks. We make fresh pasta using Italian flour. We use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Aren’t cheese wheels high end?
This is not white-glove service. The signature dishes are expressive, not expensive – the Godfather, the Gladiator, the Dreamer. And chocolate pasta for dessert.
More New Italian spots
Mr. Moto Pizza
The Square
Hand-tossed, New York-style pizzas and slices feature secret recipe dough, crispy bottoms, fluffy edges and creative toppings. The top seller isn’t actually pizza. It’s the stuffed knot.
Sole Toscano
Crossroads
The stylish contemporary cafe draws with pizza-like pinsa Romano, house-made piadina sandwiches, pasta classics such as spaghetti alla carbonara plus pastries and espresso. Perfetto.
