Crystal Wise
In the same way some rock stars like to scale back and do unplugged albums, some restaurateurs like to get away from their big and boisterous places for simple, straightforward eateries.
That’s what happened with Joseph and Blerta Ajro, who, after spending the last two decades managing or owning a string of larger-than-life Italian restaurants in the Dallas area, headed to the quiet confines of a strip mall in Trophy Club to open an unusual fast-casual concept.
Pastaza specializes in pizza, risotto, and pasta. But it’s far from your average Joe’s Pizza strip mall joint. The couple, as they did in their big, full-service restaurants, make mostly everything by hand, including the excellent pastas.
Crystal Wise
Joseph and Blerta Ajro
“It’s the same handmade, high-quality food we’ve been doing for years but served in a fast-casual environment,” Joseph says. “Because I don’t have 40 employees or a lot of overhead, our prices are very reasonable. They’re fast-casual-style prices.”
It’s a fast-casual-style menu, too. Guests first pick out their pasta — selections include gnocchi, spaghetti, pappardelle, and cavatappi. Next is a choice of sauce: basil pesto, Alfredo, or roasted pepper. Finally, you can add toppings and, for an additional cost, proteins.
Risotto and pizzas are constructed the same way, built ingredient by ingredient by guests. There are also three varieties of handmade ravioli and a small assortment of salads.
Crystal Wise
Prices are low, too, with most of the pastas circling the $10 – $12 range, depending on toppings. It’s a luxury, Joseph says, that he wasn’t afforded at his past ventures, including Crudo in Frisco and Pana Vino Osteria in Dallas.
“There, I had 40 employees, lavish décor, and a lot of overhead,” he says. “Here, I can charge $10 for the same quality pasta because it’s just my wife and I serving it.”
301 Trophy Lake Drive, pastazaitalian.com
