Foodstuff

Italian restaurants are a lira a dozen, but every once in a while one stands out. Al & Jay's Pasta Kitchen (2399 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, 561-392-6770) is just such a place, and not because the storefront trattoria is pleasant and colorful and the classic Italian dishes well executed...

By Jen Karetnick

November 4, 1999

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Italian restaurants are a lira a dozen, but every once in a while one stands out. Al & Jay's Pasta Kitchen (2399 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, 561-392-6770) is just such a place, and not because the storefront trattoria is pleasant and colorful and the classic Italian dishes well executed. A couple details make this place rise above the rest: All pasta dishes, either baked or tossed in sauté pans with sauces, are served in said pans, which keeps them hot long after they've been brought to the table; and for an extra $4.50, you can add lobster meat to any item. Fans of the fall season who miss the changing of the leaves up north may also want to take advantage of my favorite concoction: pumpkin-stuffed tortellini in a creamy sage sauce.

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Jen Karetnick is an award-winning dining critic, food-travel writer, and author of the books Ice Cube Tray Recipes, Mango, and The 500 Hidden Secrets of Miami.

Contact: Jen Karetnick