FrenchItalian

Pasta Fever (Boca Raton)

Posted on August 2nd, 2013 · Boca Raton French Italian

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Pasta Fever, 4251 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 338-0012.

My mother use to say…”If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.”–With that in mind, this Jeff Eats’ “review” should end right about now…

Imagine the 3 Stooges running a “hole in the wall” Italian joint (with a handful of French dishes)—and you “got” the picture…wrong entrees delivered to the table, 3 out of 4 entrees over-salted, veal parmigiana so bad that it was inedible, cramped table setup, amateurish service…a colossal waste of time and money. This evening’s dinner was such a mess that Jeff Eats couldn’t wait for the meal to end so I could get the hell-out of Pasta Fever. Roughly 140 bucks (4 people) down the drain…and the owners and waiter seemed oblivious as to how poorly they had performed.

Look! I could go on and on about this “debacle” but I won’t…all I know is that some clown-waiter tried to convince me that the chicken parmigiana he delivered was veal parmigiana–give me a freaking break!…and by the way-waiter…Moe-Larry-Curly-Shemp-Curly Joe whatever your name is, water glasses are designed to be occasionally refilled…also tell your fellow “Stooge” in the kitchen, that a croc of French onion soup doesn’t require SALT and I do mean SALT! One other thing, the owners of this joint should know that when you are “in a rush” to replace inedible veal parmigiana with 4-cheese ravioli in an Alfredo cream sauce…it’s not such a “hot move” (pun intended) to deliver the dish with hot sauce on top of ice-cold pasta—trust me-I know, it don’t taste too good! Capice! Then again, I understand that the owner-chef is a born and bred Frenchman–so just maybe he doesn’t capice.

In all fairness, the bread which came with olive oil was decent.

Be smart…

Don’t even think about eating in this joint…www.pasta-fever.com.

73 Comments to “Pasta Fever (Boca Raton)”

  1. Clarence says...

    Guess you didn’t like the restaurant?

    • JeffEats says...

      Definitely one of the worst dinners I’ve had in the last several years.

      The onion soup that I had was salty.

      The waiter delivered chicken parmigiana and tried to convince me that it was veal parmigiana. Whatever the dish was, the cheese on top was burnt and one bite of the “meat” found a tough tasteless -something.

      Look, I could go on and on about the dinner’s missteps–but I won’t bore you.

      Suffice it to say, Jeff Eats won’t be back.

      Thanks for reading…

      • Dina says...

        First of all I want to tell you myself and the other 3 stooges as well as the clown waiter we have never laughed so hard in our life the way we did after we read your review! Anyway, if you are going to write a review you should be honest . You said you did not like the raviolis but YOU ATE EVERY LAST ONE on your plate!!! So who would listen to your bullshit review??? All of us stooges remember exactly who you are. We do not care what your review says , you are one negative review out of 1,000 .. As the saying goes ” you can’t make everyone happy”!!!

        • BOBBY G says...

          Dina,
          I have been reading Jeff Eats since 2006.
          If you notice, Jeff Eats actually published your negative comments about him. Since he is the ADMINISTRATOR he didn’t have to publish even one single word that you wrote, but he did. That’s because he is a straight shooter.

          If Jeff says the meal and service were NO GOOD, that’s good enough for me. Why would he say such negative things if they weren’t true? Nothing in it for him. Now, you as either theowner or an employee have a vested interested in saying only good things.

          I’ll stick with Jeff, you LOSE.

        • NMC says...

          lady you must be smoking crack or something.
          you got a couple of handful of reviews on trip advisors and some of them are really bad. one even accuses you of being a CROOK.
          Jeff says it stunk and that’s the call. See Ya!.

          • Dina says...

            We are in the business for nineteen years in Boca and have opened five restaurants.we have hundreds and hundreds of customers to come to eat in our place and everyone is happy. All your stupid reviews make us and all our customers laugh….we are too popular your nasty negative comments won’t hurt us….

          • Louie G says...

            So stop posting and don’t worry about what Jeff had to say.

          • NELL says...

            I thought his first wife opened those restaurants with him. You had nothing to do with them. You know crap about the restaurant business.

        • NELL says...

          Your food stinks.
          So does your service.

          • gerry hoffman says...

            Is NEL an adult.? Somehow only a teen-ager would use the descript5ive word you did. Your next review will probably be scatologic.

          • LOLAJONES says...

            Looks like Jeff got your goat.

          • MURRAY HELD says...

            I thought you just married the guy in 2011, so how are YOU in business 19 years? You are new to being a mgr and it shows.

        • Don T says...

          I think laughing about this review is a bad way to see things. The internet is a very very powerful media outlet and a negative review like the one Jeff slapped on you can only hurt it can’t possibly help your business. In setead of LAUGHING you should be calling or writing to Jeff apologizing for the bad meal and offering him another meal to correct things. What you did is just call him a liar. Havng been to this site countless times the one thing I know to get a NEGATIVE REVIEW like you did, things must have been really bad. You should stop the laughing and apologize.

        • Larry K says...

          Why would you be laughing?
          Jeff Eats has a huge following and we all know that he is 100% legit.
          You never address any of the issues that he raised.
          No ifs or buts in my mind that your food and service must have been really bad because Jeff doesn’t makeup stories for the sake of just writing something.
          The smart business owner would invite him back on the house for another outing.

        • Slip Mahoney says...

          The laugh is on you.
          I’m sure that Jeff Eats could give a rat’s ass about what you have to say.
          Since his review appeared he has written a handful of new ones.
          Unfortunately for you, you ‘re stuck with what he wrote.
          No mattter what you think or for that matter do thousands of his readers will read what he wrote wrong or right.
          What you should be doing is to lay low. Just hope the review fades.
          For right now folks like me read your comments and we comment on you which stokes the Internet fire.

        • Cl D says...

          You shouldn’t be laughing. Actually you should be crying. A respected food blog site with thousands of daily readers thought that your food and service was a disaster. You should stop laughing and get your place straightened out. If Jeff Eats gave you the thumbs down your restaurant must be really bad news.

        • vinny h says...

          hey lady, here’s a review from trip advisor that I found, I thought everybody loved you. guess you missed this one where they call you a crook.

          “WARNING”
          1 of 5 stars Reviewed March 30, 2013
          We were a party of 4 and when our check came it was scribbled and illegible. There were items on it that we didn’t have. I called the waitress over and showed her the errors. She went to the owner’s wife who then did a lot of crossing out and changing and still the bill was wrong. The owner’s wife then bellowed “What’s the problem?” She then took the check back again and rewrote it this time for the correct amount. It went from $106 to $96 and finally to $90 which was correct. She never apologized for the “mistakes” which I have to believe were intentional. We dined her with a party of 4 last week and the bill totaled $180 with tip. I now believe that that bill must have been incorrect as well, because we didn’t have that much to eat and drink. It was our fault that we didn’t check it. I can never go back to this restaurant nor can our friends. It’s a terrible feeling to think that someone is intentionally cheating you. And no apology

          • vinny h says...

            hey lady, looks like you missed another negative one from trip advisor.

            liked nothing, disliked everything in sight, especially what was served. it was like mcdonalds, nothing like the picture on the menu

            Visited July 2013

          • dinkyharry says...

            SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THE WIFE HAS NO IDEA AS TO WHAT SHE IS DOING.

        • Tony A says...

          Jeff has thousands of readers. I guess somebody must think he knows what he is talking about. Why would you and the other Stooges be laughing your heads off after reading his Review? The guy buried you. Also if you check he very seldom buries anyone so your restaurant must have been a total disgraceful disaster. You aren’t very smart are you? I say Jeff called it right.

        • SidRidesABike says...

          To Diane,
          I guess this Yelp reader and Jeff are some how in cahoots. Right!
          This reader had the same experience as Jeff did.
          12/30/2013
          1 check-in
          Listed in 100+ Reviews of 2013
          If I could rate Pasta Fever for the food, it’d get three stars… maybe four. However, the whole experience was not what I expected based on the other reviews, which sing Pasta Fever’s praises.

          The good is limited. There’s a lot of parking in the shared lot in the strip mall. The ambiance of the place is very very nice – Italian and French, without being tacky. However, the negatives outweigh the positives, unfortunately.

          To start things off, we had two different waiters, and I have no idea which of the two was our actual waiter and got the tip. One guy who seated us took our drink orders and brought us bread and olive oil. Next, a guy (who was very jumpy and scatterbrained) came over asking us if someone already took our drinks. When we said yes, he said, “Oh, just so you know, I’m your waiter, not him!” The second guy took our food order, but the first guy brought out our appetizers and refilled our waters. My baked clams were burned on top and were atop a bunch of burned breadcrumbs that must have fallen off when plated.

          My fiance’s spaghetti arrived before the rest of our meals (brought by the second waiter), and didn’t have the meatballs that it was supposed to have. They took it back and five minutes or so later, then first waiter brought out all four of our meals together. I ordered the sole, which had no mention of being served with pasta (although, I suppose I should’ve assumed it did, given the name of the restaurant; but all it said was that it came with vegetables). If I would’ve known it came with pasta, I would’ve asked for the veggies to be doubled-up instead. Similarly, there was no mention of how the sole was being prepared, but I had assumed since it came with a lemon-butter sauce that it was poached, grilled, or baked. However, it was breaded, so when the sauce was poured on it, it was like eating soggy bread. I scraped off all of the breading and ate most of the fish that way.

          Luckily, the coffee was good and my tiramisu was delicious. I also appreciate that they have a three course meal option for just over $30, which is a good price. However, the entree options for the three course meal are mostly fish, and only includes one pasta option (which happens to be the only vegetarian option). If you’re looking for variety, this menu does not have it. (For what it’s worth, our dessert orders were placed with the second waiter, but the first waiter brought it to us.)

          Our check came quickly, but took over 10 minutes for either waiter to see us waving at them to take it away. However, they did clean the table behind us twice in that time…

          Overall, this experience was not a good one. I don’t understand the love for this place that a lot of the other reviewers had.

      • gerry hoffman says...

        My wife ande I and another couple eat here last night, the other couple for the first time. They thought it was sensational. We have eaten Eric’s cooking since he worked for Christian 30 years ago and enjoyed it.
        I respectfully rerquest that you edit comments only eliiminating the puerile derogitory(sp) comments by your responders.
        You ]are entitled to your opinion. please respond as an adult

        • This guy is obviously a plant by the owner.

          He doesn’t know how the game is played at Jeff Eats.
          Comments are printed as received with no censorship.

          • gerry hoffman says...

            why do you say I am a plant? I respect your opinion,; please have the maturity to respect mine

        • vbuy says...

          GERRY,
          IF YOU LIKE THE FOOD, GOOD FOR YOU.
          I THOUGHT IT WAS LOUSY.

    • Rosey says...

      Ive eaten there several times and find it wonderful Good food and Personable. Maybe Jeff Eats is too picky about his Eats

  2. Blue and White says...

    Hey Jeff, just curious did you pay for your meal? Did you tell the manager, just what did you do? All the best!

    • JeffEats says...

      Blue and White:

      Just had a chance to read your comments.

      Dinner for two- 67 bucks…down the drain.

      Too long to give you details, but I think that the two owners and the waiter were too stupid to realize how poorly they performed.

      I did call them The 3 Stooges didn’t I?

      You win some and you lose some…on this one Jeff Eats lost.

      How this joint has so many favorable Yelp and Trip Advisor recommendations is beyond me…my money says there are some bogus positive reviews in the batch.

      This restaurant stinks.

      Thanks for reading…

      • Blue and White says...

        Sorry to hear that…. I always think of Maggiano’s when I’m in Boca and craving very tasty Italian food. Love your blog!

    • Dina says...

      The only complaint was the “real stooge” who wrote this bogus review. Everyone else at the table said the food was very good when I stopped by to check on them. Yes, they paid the check , they ate everything on their plate!!!

      • Rhonda D says...

        I think you got it all wrong. There is nothing bogus about Jeff’s review. He calls it as he sees it. Just because you don’t like what he wrote doesnt make it bogus. For Jeff to have written as he did you must have really served up a real bad experience. I also see where he had to order pasta because your kitchen screwed up his veal parm. So the way I see it he was forced to eat an entree he didnt want in the first place. Boy oh boy did his review hit home. To his credit as usual Jeff published your rant even though he controls the site. Now I wasn’t there but Ill bet you really screwed up and that Jeff has this one called right.

      • GIno says...

        What’s so bogus about this review?
        Jeff ate there and this is his call.

      • Kyle says...

        I wish we would have read this review earlier. It was spot on, worst food and service I have ever had. Not only that but it was over priced, rude waiter, slow service, and dirty kitchen. What a huge waste of money, I am surprised people eat that disgusting food!!!! Never again will I go there.

  3. LLB says...

    Jeff
    My wife and I ate there a few months ago.
    Not a good situation to say the least.

  4. Alfred says...

    Jeff

    You gotta try Pasta And… in Margate. Superb pasta.

  5. JeffEats says...

    Alfred:

    Just had a chance to read your comments.

    See Jeff Eats’ 11/13/08 Pasta And writeup.

    Guess I beat you there!

    Thanks for reading…

  6. LindaW says...

    How come this place has such good yelp, trip advisor and open table reviews?

    • Len A says...

      Easy to answer.
      Look at the people who eat there.
      They all look like Woody Allen.
      They wouldn’t know top food if it bit them in the ass.
      I know this chef owner from Bistro Provence where his food also sucked.
      Friends insisted on trying this one. Same crap.

      • gerry hoffman says...

        This is the alleged “plant” If you did not like his old place” (bistro
        provence), why did you go here?
        There seems to be a lot of “dumping”
        I acept you opinion but please I ask all reviewers to not be puerile but disagree in an adult respectdul manner
        For thoss\e over 70, think of Sam Rabur\n and Everitt Dirksen. They fought like hell until 5:00 and the went to the “Board of Education.” Or Tip neill and Ronald Reagan who totally disagree but behaved as adults. Thank you for listening to my rambling

  7. WazzUp says...

    jeff, I see where you are coming from on this one. I ate there a few weeks ago and the food was ok but nothing great. The service is what I would call annoying. The owner’s wife is like the hostess telling you the menu, then they got one Italian waiter who takes the order and brings the food. There are no bus people and the waiter really isn’t to service. he brings the food and you’re lucky if you see him again. The table are literally on top of each other. Some people may find this whole episode charming. Like you I found it annoying and not enjoyable. I definitely wouldn’t go back. There are way too many really terrific restaurants in the our area that know how to make good food and have great professional service.

    • LOIS T says...

      I liked the food and service.
      A lot of quality food for the price fixed 25 bucks.

      • Dina says...

        Louis, I am happy to hear you enjoyed Pasta Fever. Thank you for your visit and see you soon… Dina & Eric

  8. Arnie G. says...

    I once ate at the owners other place Bistro Provance that he use to own with his first wife same amateurish service. Food was passable but nothing great.

  9. robertw says...

    There are a few positive yelp reviews and they did not appear fake. I do not criticize people who review a place they like. There are some places that can have a bad night etc. One thing I feel is Jeff overall writes more positive reviews than negative ones. I have never had a lousy meal from his recommendations.

    • EFR says...

      Rob
      If Jeff ragged on the joint it must have been really bad news.

  10. Eric says...

    When you don’t know the difference between veal and chicken just eat babyfood…

    • Dellman says...

      As the owner the customer relies on you to know the difference between veal and chicken. From what Jeff has told us, you don’t. So I guess you have been eating baby food.

  11. ER says...

    Jeff
    Food is fair.
    Service is very poor.
    Not going back for a second outing.

  12. JoshA says...

    All I know is like Jeff I found my onion soup way too salty as was my shrimp scampi.
    My apple cobbler was good and the bread they serve was delicious.

  13. Lorna says...

    We have gone to “the best” restaurants and have often found something that doesn’t please us. We feel that Eric is a fine chef, and like, if not LOVE the food he prepares.
    And, please tell me, what intelligent person writes like some of the silly (if not STUPID) replies that I have read here? A little manners, a little common sense and a bit of courtesy please.

    • Corkysam says...

      Obviously Jeff didnt like the food or the service.
      He made his call and that’s it.

  14. GTO says...

    This restaurant won’t last another year.
    Food isn’t good. Service isn’t good.

  15. Eric says...

    Visit us in a year…

    • GTZo says...

      For a little old blog with stupid reviews that your wife claims you and every customer laughs at you sure are spending a load of time posting here. If this blog means nothing why are you so concerned about the negative comments here?
      My guess is Jeff got you figured just right crap food and crap service. You’re just trying to put a good face on your failure of a restaurant.

      • FV says...

        My wife and I ate there.
        Nothing special.
        Won’t be going back.

      • Lou c says...

        Very well said. The owner’s posts tell you that they are scared sheetless of Jeff’s review.

    • jy says...

      WHERE SHOULD WE VISIT YOU AT SINCE THE RESTAURANT WILL BE CLOSED? PLEASE GIVE US YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS.

      • gerry hoffman says...

        Is this not the most juvinile statementr Jeff – I think you should do some editing to keep comments relevent and to the subject

    • Sonny Colombo says...

      Out of business.
      Jeff called it.

  16. Della Lynn says...

    crap food, crap service, small rinky dink restaurant with tables right on top of each other. why the owners think that they have something special going on here is beyond reasonable comprehension.

  17. CoolmanLuke says...

    Jeff,
    On Friday your review was on page 5 of AOL. Now it’s o page 3. All of the hits and comments are moving the review up real fast. If the owners keep up their nonsensical comments which then generate readers’ rebukes your review will be on page 1 and then anyone looking for info on this restaurant will be sure to read your negative take on this place. The owners ought to quit while they are ahead before that review gets to page 1.

  18. BRP says...

    Food is average.
    Service is haphazard.
    A real mom & pop restaurant.

  19. TAW says...

    This place is a joke.

  20. RAY D says...

    Hey, why are we wasting all of this time on a little dinky nothing restaurant in a bombed out shopping center in Boca Raton, Florida? Jeff said it stunk and that’s the call. Let’s not waste anymore time trying to convince this Dina and Eric to do better. Obviously they think they have a great place going. So let’s just move on and let them struggle trying to make nickel and dimes.

  21. HEYYOU says...

    Ate there.
    First, the service isn’t very good.
    The wife is the maître de. There was one waiter and no bussers.
    The waiter barely spoke English and when our main dishes came, 2 out of 4 of them were wrong.
    I had the onion soup. It was very salty.
    The veal parmigiana was like shoe leather.
    Won’t be back, that’s for sure.

  22. POSNER says...

    Never been there.
    Read review and comments here and elsewhere. Kind of mixed.
    Not on my list to try. Owners’ posts are too nasty for me.

  23. Sid L. Turner says...

    food, service and ambiance stink.
    huge mess.

  24. LKU23 says...

    I and my wife ate there.
    the 25 buck price fixed dinner draw me.
    what a mistake.
    the food is terrible.
    the service is even worse, if that’s possible.
    how anyone can say that this restaurant is good is way beyond me!
    don’t go near this restaurant.

  25. W.M.H. says...

    My wife and I ate there.
    Once was quite enough.
    Enough said!

  26. Jeff In Boca says...

    food is fair at best. service is non existent.

  27. Klein says...

    Jeff,
    Good and correct call here.
    This joint is amateur hour personified.

  28. Tom T. says...

    Food stinks.
    Service is terrible.

  29. KSR says...

    Jeff
    Since you were there this joint has changed hands a handful of times.
    It sucks.
    I ate there once and the service was like a clown show.
    The food was just fair.

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