As I stepped down from street level into the unassuming eatery nestled near Union Square Park on 17^th Street, New Yorkers were happily swirling, twirling, and devouring pasta all around me. The hum of lively conversations filled the space along with the divine aroma of authentic Italian cooking.

Servers swiftly glided to and from the kitchen carrying steamy, colorfully plated dishes, while a cart topped with a giant cheese wheel full of Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe rolled by. My mouth was watering at Pasta Eater before I even sat down.