AROUND TOWN: Prima Pasta an inexpensive treat in the southwest area

If you’re like me, and you live in Mountain’s Edge area, you know there’s not a ton of options for dining out. About a month ago, my husband and I stumbled across Prima Pasta, a small, self-proclaimed New York-style Italian restaurant located at 7435 S. Durango Drive at Warm Springs Road.

My husband and I first went in for lunch on a Saturday, intrigued by the promise of a bowl of pasta for $6.95. The cozy restaurant featured warm, yellow painted walls with charming paintings of chefs and Italian ingredients. The chef worked behind an open kitchen, where yummy smells of garlic wafted out.

I ordered angel hair pasta with fra diavolo (spicy tomato) and chicken. My husband chose his all-time Italian favorite: fettuccine alfredo. The bowls came heaping with pasta, and we also had complimentary, unlimited garlic knots — twisted rolls drenched in olive oil and garlic. After two sodas, our bill totaled under $20, a good deal when we walked out with enough leftovers to bring to work the next day.

Since then, I’ve been there about five times with various people. This place is great for a lunch or dinner with a group of friends, particularly if everyone likes to share their meals.

The pizzas there are tasty. At less than $10, they are a bargain. And, the single-sized portion, in my opinion, is enough to share with a smaller appetizer. Also, try the calzone – definitely big enough to share, and they are a full meal!

The restaurant’s Web site advertises live music on Friday and Saturday nights, with prices just a few dollars higher for dinner portions. With non-chain Italian food just a few blocks from home, I know my husband and I will add it to our inexpensive dates list.