Japan Meets Italy: PastaRamen Flavors Unleashed

In Montclair, New Jersey, Italian technique meets Japanese sensibility. This is Wafu Italian—the cuisine that’s rewriting how we think about pasta and ramen. Led by James Beard Rising Star Chef Robbie Felice, pastaRAMEN turns every plate into a storytelling moment: precise technique, bold flavors, and a texture-forward experience that’s equal parts comforting and surprising.

What you’ll see (time-stamped highlights)
0:00 – Mixing it up: an intro to the night and the vibe
0:43 – What is Wafu? Quick explainer on Japanese-style Italian
1:30 – Menu overview: Mazemen (ramen without broth) and the Primi section
2:12 – Ordering process and first impressions
2:53 – Award-winning Chef Robbie Felice: the man behind the plates
3:15 – First dish review: Tuna and Smoked Salmon Tomato Wontons
4:18 – Should we get drinks? Beverage round: Matcha Linonata and hot apple green tea
4:38 – Second dish review: Black Cod with Italian miso, limone, and furikake
5:40 – Beverage verdict: which drink wins the micro-might
6:19 – Third dish review: Mochi Ramen Carbonara Tsukemen (Mazemen, Primi)
7:46 – Side salad and texture notes
8:04 – Unexpected dessert: Bao Bun Zeppoli’s Special
8:45 – The check and overall value
8:53 – Final thoughts and take aways

What you’ll see in this foodie tasting review
The origin story: From a 1950s Tokyo concept to a pop-up sensation, to a brick-and-mortar in Montclair. Discover how pastaRAMEN’s unique Wafu Italian fusion was born—and why it matters.

The chef behind the craft: Robbie Felice’s obsession with quality ingredients and time-honored techniques that elevate cross-cultural cuisine.
A cross-cultural tasting lineup: Tuna and Smoked Salmon Tomato Wontons, Black Cod, Mochi Ramen Carbonara Tsukemen, and Bao Bun Zeppoli’s Special.

The tasting language: Texture, aroma, and balance showcased bite by bite, with honest reflections on how two culinary worlds collide and harmonize on one plate.

Local flavor, global appeal: Why Montclair’s dining scene is the perfect stage for this groundbreaking fusion.

Key moments you’ll want to catch
Wafu explained with precision: What Japanese-style Italian really means in practice.
Tableside magic: The emulsified egg yolk and the bold finish of the Tsukemen.
The palate’s journey: How brightness from limone renews the senses between rich textures.
Dessert closer: Bao Bun Zeppoli’s Special as a thoughtful, comforting finish.

What this video offers
A cinematic, storytelling approach to food—calm narration, tight editing, and compelling visuals that reveal technique and intention. Honest, curiosity-driven tasting notes that invite viewers to rethink fusion cuisine.
A local spotlight on Montclair’s vibrant food scene, with universal themes of craft, innovation, and respect for tradition. Engage with us
Subscribe to follow this cross-cultural culinary journey across New Jersey and beyond. www.youtube.com/@UCPCL5F7Di6wXIky-X41ZgPA

Comment: Which dish surprised you the most? What fusion would you want us to explore next?

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