OT/ Most Pasta for your Buck in Connecticut

[ConnMotors]

Prior to my mom getting sick, which eventually led to her passing away 18 months ago our family Sunday dinners were filled with food. Everyone was welcomed to bring guests. And, there was enough leftovers to feed the family for a couple of days afterwards. Yes, those days are missed.

At one time restaurants in our state used to give to you a pound of pasta with whatever sauce that you wanted for around $12.95. Nowadays that isn't the norm anymore. I go out and order pasta and barely get enough now to fill my gut for $18.95 or more.

Are there any of these Italian restaurants left around? If so, whom gives you the most Pasta for your Buck?

Looking forward to input. I live in the middle of the state so driving somewhere to try out shouldn't be an issue.

Chow!

 

[Bama fan]

Prior to my mom getting sick, which eventually led to her passing away 18 months ago our family Sunday dinners were filled with food. Everyone was welcomed to bring guests. And, there was enough leftovers to feed the family for a couple of days afterwards. Yes, those days are missed.

At one time restaurants in our state used to give to you a pound of pasta with whatever sauce that you wanted for around $12.95. Nowadays that isn't the norm anymore. I go out and order pasta and barely get enough now to fill my gut for $18.95 or more.

Are there any of these Italian restaurants left around? If so, whom gives you the most Pasta for your Buck?

Looking forward to input. I live in the middle of the state so driving somewhere to try out shouldn't be an issue.

Chow!

Ciao! Sorry about your mom, and I grew up with Italian kids who ate plates of spaghetti and marinara to die for. Not from Connecticut, but I wish you luck with your search. Mangia, mangia!

 

[vtcwbuff]

It's called inflation. If it's too expensive - make your own. A 1 lb box of Barilla pasta costs less than $2. Red and white sauces are simple to make and cheap. Jarred sauces (yucch!) fill supermarket shelves.

 

[dogged1]

Prior to my mom getting sick, which eventually led to her passing away 18 months ago our family Sunday dinners were filled with food. Everyone was welcomed to bring guests. And, there was enough leftovers to feed the family for a couple of days afterwards. Yes, those days are missed.

At one time restaurants in our state used to give to you a pound of pasta with whatever sauce that you wanted for around $12.95. Nowadays that isn't the norm anymore. I go out and order pasta and barely get enough now to fill my gut for $18.95 or more.

Are there any of these Italian restaurants left around? If so, whom gives you the most Pasta for your Buck?

Looking forward to input. I live in the middle of the state so driving somewhere to try out shouldn't be an issue.

Chow!

Nothing replaces Sunday diner with Mom. My sympathy for your loss. For solid, not fancy, Italian fare at reasonable prices try Bellini's in North Haven. Linguine and whole clams white is always good, chicken parm, most any pasta and tomato sauce. Best clams casino in the state.

 

[Carnac]

Prior to my mom getting sick, which eventually led to her passing away 18 months ago our family Sunday dinners were filled with food. Everyone was welcomed to bring guests. And, there was enough leftovers to feed the family for a couple of days afterwards. Yes, those days are missed.

At one time restaurants in our state used to give to you a pound of pasta with whatever sauce that you wanted for around $12.95. Nowadays that isn't the norm anymore. I go out and order pasta and barely get enough now to fill my gut for $18.95 or more.

Are there any of these Italian restaurants left around? If so, whom gives you the most Pasta for your Buck?

Looking forward to input. I live in the middle of the state so driving somewhere to try out shouldn't be an issue.

Chow!

Sorry for your loss. The old law of supply and d-e-m-a-n-d is rearing its ugly head again. I went through a local McDonald's drive thru 3 days ago. I ordered a Sausage egg McMuffin and a hash brown (no drink)....................$6.68. It's probably cheaper to order the "meal" which includes a drink, than those two items ala carte. I'll find out next time.

I asked the cashier if perhaps she made a mistake, she said no. Humph. I remember the "good old days" when you could get a breakfast sandwich, hash brown and coffee for less than $5.00. SMH, my friends those days are gone forever!! ☹️ Unfortunately in today's business of serving food to the public, the idea is "less is more."

 

[CL82]

I asked the cashier if perhaps she made a mistake,

Years ago (probably like 30) I went to a McDonalds. At the time let's say that price for a drink, fries, and burger were all $1.00 each. I ordered one of each. When the girl rang me up she said that will be $10. I said I think you've made a mistake it should only be $3 and change. She looked at the cash register and then back me and said "It's $10." I pointed out that if each thing is a buck and I got three things, that's $3 bucks. She looked back at me and said "It's on special." I laughed and said that's not feeling all that special to me. At that point in time the manager came over and showed her what she did wrong and gave me the correct figure. The thing that struck me was her absolute and unshakeable faith in the number on the screen.

 

[ConnMotors]

It's called inflation. If it's too expensive - make your own. A 1 lb box of Barilla pasta costs less than $2. Red and white sauces are simple to make and cheap. Jarred sauces (yucch!) fill supermarket shelves.

I will not disagree with you on this but eating at home by yourself isn't always fun, which is why I like to go out to dinner occasionally. And, being single having some to take to work the following morning for lunch is a benefit. Thank you!

 

[Zarathustra]

Consider RED LENTIL Spaghetti. Gluten Free , more nutritious , and a better/different
taste. Just don't overcook it!! Z

 

[mbr33ct]

I will not disagree with you on this but eating at home by yourself isn't always fun, which is why I like to go out to dinner occasionally. And, being single having some to take to work the following morning for lunch is a benefit. Thank you!

First of all, sorry for your loss. Comment on your OP, if you live in the middle of CT, have you tried Pagliacci's Restaurant in Plainville? Some restaurants serve "Family Style" courses? Prices will be higher but you will take home a big doggie bag for leftovers. If restaurant does not serve "Family Style" ask your server if they can make a family size to go for you. Myself being Italian and from the "old country", I generally do not order pasta dishes at restaurants, especially with either Bolognese or Marinara sauce. When I make pasta at home, it's always by the box and most of the time with a quick marinara sauce topped with grated Romano Cheese, will have leftovers for two additional days.

 

[triaddukefan]

This thread is making me hungry

The old law of supply and d-e-m-a-n-d is rearing its ugly head again. I went through a local McDonald's drive thru 3 days ago. I ordered a Sausage egg McMuffin and a hash brown (no drink)....................$6.68. It's probably cheaper to order the "meal" which includes a drink, than those two items ala carte. I'll find out next time.

I asked the cashier if perhaps she made a mistake, she said no. Humph. I remember the "good old days" when you could get a breakfast sandwich, hash brown and coffee for less than $5.00. SMH, my friends those days are gone forever!! ☹️ Unfortunately in today's business of serving food to the public, the idea is "less is more."

The Sausage Egg McMuffin is one of the few foods I could eat everyday if given the chance. Luckily for my health, I don't have that chance. Anyway... currently they are doing a special and its available for $2.00. Not sure if that's nationwide though. Man.... aint much better than 2 sausage mcmuffin's and a hashbrown on a Saturday morning.

 

[Pre-3]

This thread is making me hungry





The Sausage Egg McMuffin is one of the few foods I could eat everyday if given the chance. Luckily for my health, I don't have that chance. Anyway... currently they are doing a special and its available for $2.00. Not sure if that's nationwide though. Man.... aint much better than 2 sausage mcmuffin's and a hashbrown on a Saturday morning.

And I thought I was the only one that felt this way about the sau/egg/cheese mcmuffin.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

I will not disagree with you on this but eating at home by yourself isn't always fun, which is why I like to go out to dinner occasionally. And, being single having some to take to work the following morning for lunch is a benefit. Thank you!

In NJ when we lived there some of the best Pasta with sauces was at the local pizzerias. We lived in a little, blue collar town that had an excellent place; one town over was a little "classier" joint with some excellent specialty sauces and there were others that we ate at one time or another and rarely didn't enjoy it. In fact, one of the things we miss out here in Tucson is quality "red-sauce" Italian. We have done better in Phoenix area, although we are not often there for it.

My point is - just try some local pizza parlors. While I'm sure prices are steep, if you find one you particularly like it might be worth it.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Sorry for your loss. The old law of supply and d-e-m-a-n-d is rearing its ugly head again. I went through a local McDonald's drive thru 3 days ago. I ordered a Sausage egg McMuffin and a hash brown (no drink)....................$6.68. It's probably cheaper to order the "meal" which includes a drink, than those two items ala carte. I'll find out next time.

I asked the cashier if perhaps she made a mistake, she said no. Humph. I remember the "good old days" when you could get a breakfast sandwich, hash brown and coffee for less than $5.00. SMH, my friends those days are gone forever!! ☹️ Unfortunately in today's business of serving food to the public, the idea is "less is more."

McD's is not cheap. They have a $1.00 soda price, which works out for my wife and myself, as she prefers fountain soda and I end up buying near a dozen a day for the 2 of us (we put them in the refrigerator), and it would be less if she wasn't largely homebound plus the pandemic.

But - from time to time I pick up breakfast if I'm out early or my wife gets up late and opts for a fish sandwich for lunch and you are correct. Pricy. I've spent over $20 on nothing much.

A theory my wife learned years ago when she worked at the bank was that products can be any 2 of fast, cheap or quality but you cannot have all 3.

 

[bluedevil]

If you use your noodle you might find an Olive Garden with all you can eat bread and salad and you will only need a small amount of pasta..

 

[uconnfan68]

First of all, sorry for your loss. Comment on your OP, if you live in the middle of CT, have you tried Pagliacci's Restaurant in Plainville? Some restaurants serve "Family Style" courses? Prices will be higher but you will take home a big doggie bag for leftovers. If restaurant does not serve "Family Style" ask your server if they can make a family size to go for you. Myself being Italian and from the "old country", I generally do not order pasta dishes at restaurants, especially with either Bolognese or Marinara sauce. When I make pasta at home, it's always by the box and most of the time with a quick marinara sauce topped with grated Romano Cheese, will have leftovers for two additional days.

Second Pags. Homemade pasta.

 

[RowdyFan]

Head down to Groton City, 95N right after the Gold Star Bridge and hit up Paul's Pasta. They make their own pasta, and will cut it any way you want it(Fettucine, Linguine, Capellini, Pappardelle). As of right now, they are only doing curbside pick up, but you can order fresh pasta(5 or 6 different flavors). I used to get them for my Mom and Dad and pack their freezer. Trust me. The sauces and salads are to die for.

 

[CL82]

I will not disagree with you on this but eating at home by yourself isn't always fun, which is why I like to go out to dinner occasionally. And, being single having some to take to work the following morning for lunch is a benefit. Thank you!

I lived in Philly for a while when I was single. I know exactly what you mean. Especially with the neighborhood restaurants the connection was nice.

 

[Skeets]

Years ago (probably like 30) I went to a McDonalds. At the time let's say that price for a drink, fries, and burger were all $1.00 each. I ordered one of each. When the girl rang me up she said that will be $10. I said I think you've made a mistake it should only be $3 and change. She looked at the cash register and then back me and said "It's $10." I pointed out that if each thing is a buck and I got three things, that's $3 bucks. She looked back at me and said "It's on special." I laughed and said that's not feeling all that special to me. At that point in time the manager came over and showed her what she did wrong and gave me the correct figure. The thing that struck me was her absolute and unshakeable faith in the number on the screen.

Going off off topic. I remember when McDonalds used to advertise "change back from your dollar" for a burger, fries, and a drink. That didn't last very long.

 

[Bald Husky]

Going off off topic. I remember when McDonalds used to advertise "change back from your dollar" for a burger, fries, and a drink. That didn't last very long.

McDonalds, what a trip. I'm old enough to remember when McDonalds first opened in these parts, Berlin Turnpike in Berlin Ct. Hamburger $.15, Cheeseburger $.20, Fries,$.15, Drink I think was $.20. My girlfriend and I could eat out on a date for around a Buck, now my wife and I get a quarter pounder meal each for over $20.00. I used to laugh when my grandfather said he bought milk for $.10 and a loaf of bread for $.05. Also, I remember my mom driving up to a gas station and tell the attendant to give her a dollars worth of gas. At $.33 a gallon thats all she needed. Now my grandkids laugh at me when I tell them these things.

 

[mbr33ct]

Off topic again, since we're beating up on McD's...over the past year have stopped few times at Burger King's Drive Thru for their 2 for $5 Whopper deal and a large fry, under $10. Recently decided to give McDonald's a try for 2 Quarter lbs with cheese and large fry, was not expecting the sticker shock price of $14+.

 

[Bald Husky]

Off topic again, since we're beating up on McD's...over the past year have stopped few times at Burger King's Drive Thru for their 2 for $5 Whopper deal and a large fry, under $10. Recently decided to give McDonald's a try for 2 Quarter lbs with cheese and large fry, was not expecting the sticker shock price of $14+.

Right now Wendys has their Biggy Bag. Two slab bacon burger, 4 chicken nuggets, fries, and drink. Not bad for only 5 bucks.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Head down to Groton City, 95N right after the Gold Star Bridge and hit up Paul's Pasta. They make their own pasta, and will cut it any way you want it(Fettucine, Linguine, Capellini, Pappardelle). As of right now, they are only doing curbside pick up, but you can order fresh pasta(5 or 6 different flavors). I used to get them for my Mom and Dad and pack their freezer. Trust me. The sauces and salads are to die for.

Paul's Pasta is consistently ranked #1 on Trip Advisor. It's my favorite in SE CT. The only drawback is limited seating and parking. They feature a good variety of "retail pasta" where you can get a lb of fresh pasta for around $4.00. They also sell various sauces.

Speaking for myself I would much prefer cooking and eating by myself at home than going to a restaurant and eating alone.

 

[Vowelguy]

Quality not quantity

 

[McFly]

McDonalds, what a trip. I'm old enough to remember when McDonalds first opened in these parts, Berlin Turnpike in Berlin Ct. Hamburger $.15, Cheeseburger $.20, Fries,$.15, Drink I think was $.20. My girlfriend and I could eat out on a date for around a Buck, now my wife and I get a quarter pounder meal each for over $20.00. I used to laugh when my grandfather said he bought milk for $.10 and a loaf of bread for $.05. Also, I remember my mom driving up to a gas station and tell the attendant to give her a dollars worth of gas. At $.33 a gallon thats all she needed. Now my grandkids laugh at me when I tell them these things.

A dollars worth of gas? You people were pretty flush. I recall riding around with a couple of friends one evening when I was in high school; my buddy had to get some gas, and all we could come up with among the three of us was 25¢. In the 50's and early 60's, a buck's worth of gas was not untypical.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

we haven't been there in a year or so, but the 'log cabin' on rt 1 has a rep as a place where folks leave with a good amount for takehome. checking their menu, i learned that they sell a gallon of their sauce for $14.
micky d's (70 million folks a day) rules, and i had my usual 2 mcdoubles and a cup of water for $5 a few days back. used to be around $4 a few years back but no biggie.
along with many other things (got wood? got portland cement? got a used car? got chicken? got bacon? got paper? got hotel rooms? diapers? mulch? got shipping? trucking? metal? got ...?) gas price is also an input cost for the price of many things, and in Connecticut, the price in just the past 12 months has rocketed from $2 to $3.
self inflicted and unforced errors everywhere lately.