By Weston Kelly
I always ask my friends, “have you ever been to Chi-Chi’s?” but receive the same response from everyone: “what’s that?” Disappointment strikes every time I hear this, yet I still search for somebody, anybody, who’s shared this heavenly experience.
First of all, Chi-Chi’s has a very distinct feel. Vaguely similar to The Cheesecake Factory, but dimmer and colder. Located in Santa Clarita, it reaches over 100 degrees outside in the summer, yet the interior always stays cool. Filled with pleather seats and laminated menus, I am taken aback by how high quality they make the pasta. The flawless service also contributes to the semi-fancy and antique ambiance. Going in, you would not expect much, but once you have tasted the food, nothing can compare.
Now, the food. I have only ordered pasta here in my 12 years of biannual visits. My favorite? All you can eat shells, no sauce. I prefer eating as much pasta as possible, so getting the meat sauce is a waste of stomach space. After fasting for the past 16 hours, the sourdough rolls they bring as an appetizer – albeit tempting – remain untouched by me. Once all of the waiting ends, the pasta arrives. Shaking with anticipation, my mouth watering, I take a bite. My worries are forgotten, stress relieved, and at last I am at peace. No matter how hard I try, I can not fully express the absolute ecstasy I feel in Chi-Chi’s. It is my happy place, where everything is right. The perfect al dente, buttery flavor, and delightful smell of the pasta combined with the unique atmosphere make any day better. However, the first bowl is not the best. Immediately after receiving my food I order another bowl and scarf down the food in front of me. Then the second bowl arrives, and I am left speechless by the decadent flavors found in the shallow ceramic dishes. The chefs miraculously improve the pasta, and nothing on earth can beat their exquisite creation. I will usually devour 3 bowls, 4 if I am famished.
Clearly nothing can compare to this divine cuisine. For only $15 and a 5 hour drive, you have the opportunity to visit heaven. Chi-Chi’s does not just make pasta; they make lives complete.