A Long Distance Dedictation: PASTA

We listen to the cries from website visitors here at Cafe Drake, and have finally gotten around to posting some pasta recipes per your requests. The following dishes are a far cry from the general association of noodles with a) student budget dinners and b) hurried meals with little thought and no planning. Good enough to serve to guests, pair the slightly Asian-influenced creations below with a roasted duck or other fowl, a full-flavored fish or even as a vegetarian entree alongside sauteed Chinese greens and perhaps deep-fried tofu.

PEKING CURRY-TOMATO SAUCE on NOODLES

It's a real shame you never see this dish on Chinese restaurant menus anymore; historical research reveals it was quite popular in the 1940s and 1950s, and its gentle flavors partner gracefully with almost anything. Cafe Drake uses it as a bed for seared scallops and even breaded and fried chicken cutlets (a la Milanese).

1 stick butter / 2 onions, chopped / 1 small clove garlic, chopped / 2 T. or more good curry powder / 2 28-oz cans of plum tomatoes / Kosher salt to taste / 1 lb. udon, Chinese wheat or whole wheat noodles (spaghetti)

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft but not browned (you will need a low, steady flame for this).
2. Add the curry powder and cook for 1 more minute. Add the canned tomatoes and break up with the back of a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to quite low, cover partially and simmer until thick. Note: this can take 1 1/2 hours or so, but can be left unattended for the most part.
3. Adjust for seasoning. You will need to add more salt probably, black pepper if desired or even a teaspoon of sugar. Simmer for 5 more minutes then toss with boiled and drained pasta. Parsley and diced pineapple make a lovely garnish.

MACARONI with WASABI CHEESE

This cold pasta can also be served at room temperature if desired, and is very nice nestled on a plate with corn-on-the-cob and crab cakes or fried fish. The dish last made its appearance at Cafe Drake in a supporting role to an entree of oven-barbecued spare ribs. The ribs were a hit, but this was the recipe everyone asked to have in their collection.

1 lb. macaroni / 2 cups cottage cheese / 1 T. wasabi paste (in the Asian aisle at the supermarket) / 1 t. Dijon mustard / Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

1. Cook and drain the macaroni.
2. Toss the pasta well with the remaining ingredients and serve sooner than later.