By Michele Laudig
Chef Wade Moises knows Italian food, and now he's preparing to give downtown a taste of his mad cooking skills.
I'm drooling at the thought of such mouthwatering news.
The executive chef of swanky North Scottsdale dining spot Sassi, whose resume includes stints at Mario Batali's New York restaurants Lupa and Babbo, and Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician, as well as extensive travels in Italy, tells me that he just gave notice at his current employer, and plans to start construction on Pasta Bar, his new eatery at 705 N. 1st St.
Sous chef Nicholas Gentry has also given notice, and will be a partner with Moises in the new enterprise.
The two hope to open in September, right around the corner from new Jamaican restaurant The Breadfruit, and next to Fate chef Johnny Chu's sleek new place Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar, opening in the next couple of weeks.
Moises is a master of homemade pastas, which will be the core of Pasta Bar's menu. At any given time, he'll feature five different pastas from about seven rotating selections. There will be a couple of entrees as well, with meats like sausage and meatballs available as side dishes.
Get ready, downtown: Somebody's heard your stomach rumbling, so don't spoil your appetite!
