What is it about pasta that makes us go bananas for it? In reality, the dish is quite simple. Think water, flour, salt, maybe eggs if it's fresca style (i.e. fresh pasta). Yet, we argue it’s this simplicity that makes the dish so great! 

There’s plenty of reasons we can think of as to why pasta is not only one of the most popular dishes in the world...but pasta is seriously iconic! Not to mention Cortina’s iconic pail of pasta. Did you hear that was back? 

First, some background history!

On April 1st, 1995, Daren Kirkwood acquired Cortina Pizza, bringing new ideas that have paved the way for its expansive growth in the number of stores it has and the number of bellies it has filled. 

Daren recognized what the brand meant to Sudbury. He knew Cortina deserved to carry on its legacy to continue to be a symbol and leader as one of Sudbury’s most successful food establishments. 

Through Daren’s insight, Cortina continues to connect generations together through their tasty assortment of saucy serving sizes and delightful garlic delicacies. At Cortina Pizza, we aim to provide Italy's taste with some Sudbury razzle-dazzle on the side always and for everyone to enjoy!

So as an anniversary celebration, on April 1st 2021, exactly 16 years after Daren Kirkwood acquired Cortina Pizza, we decided to re-release one of Cortina’s most iconic menu items...The Pail of Pasta!

Now, let’s learn about pasta

The name “PASTA,” which we capitalized to demonstrate its authority as one of humanity’s all-time favourite foods - comes from the “pasty” texture of the dough that occurs when the ingredients are combined. (Source)

The pasty, plain texture provides a type of versatility that people love to experiment with. Whether it is shapes, sizes, thickness...the skies the limit to what you can create! And when you think about it, pasta acts as a blank canvas for humans to explore their preferences and unique tastes in how they choose to eat. We are movers and shakers after all! 

That is perhaps one of the main reasons why the variety of pasta is amazingly broad - In fact, did you know that it is estimated that there are around 350 different types of pasta and more being created? That’s a lot of choices! (Source) 

There is practically a type of pasta for every occasion, and they all contain their own benefits to selecting them. For example...

Pasta in tubular shapes, like penne and ziti, was created to pair perfectly with hearty, thick sauces such as ragu! (Source)

Wide, flat kinds of pasta like pappardelle are ideal for sopping up creamy sauces. (Source) 

Rigate pasta (which are defined based on their ridges) was made to capture even more sauce by storing juicy pockets nestled deep within the shapes' textured folds... FYI if that doesn’t have your mouth watering yet, I’m not sure what will! (Source) 

Either way, no matter how you look at it (or eat it in this case), the creation of pasta is fascinating because the way it is structured and crafted has been put in place to ensure we enjoy every bite! Isn't that the point of food anyway, to enjoy it? 

The Magic of Pasta  

The famous Italian Film director and screenwriter Frederico Fellini once said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” And we couldn't agree more. 

As we previously mentioned, pasta is a dish that serves as a blank canvas for many people and allows their creative expressions to run wild! 

Just look at its influence on pop culture. Eminen’s oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself,” references mom’s spaghetti, and even though it was sung back in 2002 - mom’s spaghetti remains to have a hold on us now. It even has inspired a spoof song titled "Mom's Spaghetti," with over 500 thousand views! 

The spoof song features Eminem repeatedly singing the famous line in every verse, which makes for a hilarious watch and one we recommend you check it out after reading our blog! 

Link:  Eminem - "Mom's Spaghetti" (Music Video)

Aside from its stardom in the rap world, pasta is famous amongst many people, which might just be the *magic* of what Fellini is getting at. We think pasta is enchanting because it’s literally a dish that can be transformed and elevated to meet many different individuals' tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer...

Simple

Meaty

Saucy

Fancy

Classic

Spicy 

Pasta provides the opportunity to embrace new flavours by converging unique preferences into a meal that not only challenges our taste buds but our imagination in the way we look at food. 

It’s an incredible thing to consider. Because pasta at the end of the day is something a beginner cook can attempt for the first time and something a culinary chef can spend years trying to master. It’s a powerful dish that has been enjoyed for many years in history, and figuring out what it boils down to for everyone, is what makes it so special. 

Pasta in Pop Culture

We already mentioned the cultural impact Eminem’s lyric “mom’s spaghetti” in 8 Mile had on our world. 

But the truth is, there are many moments in cinema where pasta might as well be a Hollywood star! If you have little self-control, much like myself, by the mere mention of any famous spaghetti scene, you’d be craving a noodle-like no other. 

Why? Well, because they end up stealing the show regardless of who’s on the cast list... and yes, that includes two adorable dogs on their first date. Sorry Lady and the Tramp!  

In the 2010 film,“Eat, Pray, Love,” starring Julia Roberts, pasta has a featured scene in this tale of self-discovery. The main character, played by Roberts, launches her refurbished appetite for life in a moment where she elegantly devours a perfectly looped nest of spaghetti. The expression on Robert’s face is pure delight, and we can see why. 

The scene itself allows the audience to feel a strong vibration of freedom echoing off the screen as her character allows herself this first step in saying yes to pasta and yes to enjoying life!  

In the 2009 animated film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” the main character invents a machine that turns weather into food. At this point, you’re probably thinking, when can I get on the next plane right? Same. 

But of course, like all fantastic, beautiful things in the world, something goes wrong and the machine breaks down and causes a massive storm of food. The storm's climax features none other than a delicious tornado of spaghetti and meatballs terrorizing the town. It makes for some saucy drama with equal parts comedy and disaster, but honestly, never have I wanted to be a part of a storm more.  

The Dish You Can’t Pass(ta) Up! 

"No matter the name or shape, pasta is a simple meal, synonym of Italy, and it is always sure to please everybody."

Cortina’s legendary Pail of Pasta currently offers you a choice of either rigatoni or spaghetti for only $38.99! With the added option of Cortina’s delicious meatballs for just $10 extra. Whatever type you go with, we guarantee you’ll love it.