The menu at Pammy’s is continually changing. Sometimes dishes come back on a seasonal basis, but often they don’t. Looking at the current menu, it has changed significantly since my last visit.
Things I have had and enjoyed on the current menu include the Lumache pasta (this is one of the longest running items on the menu); and Cavatelli (excellent if you don’t mind the kale, they usually do a great job braising their greens and not serving the late season tough stuff, which makes your experience even more unfortunate); octopus (I have generally stopped ordering this anywhere as it has become somewhat ubiquitous and I overdid it, Pammy’s generally cooks the mollusk perfectly though). The antipasti was added about a year after they opened and is now a permanent item. They do a good job with the salumi and accompaniments.
Generally, their specials are always worth ordering, and then I pick small plates and pastas that look good to me. The past few summers they have had a dish of heirloom tomatoes over garlic toast which is simple but incredible. They do a great job with artichokes. There was a seared foie gras on the menu this winter that was a beautiful dish. I’ll order any crudo on the menu. They often have different bruschetta varieties on the menu which are usually worthy. The pastas are ever changing. A few I can recall liking are their rabbit malfaldine; spaghetti 2.3 (basic with red sauce and cheese, but well done); nodi marini (with guanciale, rabe and an egg). The used to have half portions of some of their pastas but seem to have gotten away from that unfortunately.
As I mentioned I don’t order many entrees, but that isn’t specific to Pammy’s. It’s more of a general trend for me lately. I’d rather taste lots of small dishes. I have found several of their seafood entrees not to be my preference, with the fish cooked more than I prefer.
Their cocktails are usually well done, but I generally stick with the negronis on tap. I rarely drink wine these days, but Pammy’s has a great list both by the bottle or glass, and reasonably priced. I do really enjoy the lighting, decor and space in general. Also, they may have the best bathroom situation around.
I hope you have a better overall experience if you get back there.
How was the soft shell? I pretty much have to order it anywhere where available this time of year. Cafe sushi had it as part of their omakase last week…delicious.
