When you ask owner Gerardo Cammarano what's so special about Pasta Amore, he will say that at this particular Italian restaurant at the Nettle's Plaza in Salem, customers are treated like family. But that is only the beginning. Located at the southern end of Route 28, Pasta Amore is so much more than a little restaurant in an otherwise uninspiring shopping plaza. When guests choose to eat here, they will enjoy a feast of the senses from start to finish. "I want customers to see what Italy is all about, so we tried to create that kind of atmosphere at Amore," Cammarano explained. And who could be better at demonstrating Italy's finest points than the Cammarano family?
Both Gerry and his wife, Sandra, were born and raised in Italy. Sandra is from the city of Albanella, Italy, near the popular and beautiful coastal town of Amalfi. Gerry was one of four siblings who grew up in the farming villages of Mattinella, where his mother effectively "stirred up" his love of cooking. "My mom was a great cook. Since I was a little boy, I would watch her in the kitchen. I also learned about the importance of fresh ingredients from the farm," said Cammarano, who has been involved in the restaurant business in one way or another all his life. At Pasta Amore, Sandra and Gerardo are accompanied by their son, Gerardo, Jr., and their daughters, Jessica and Sabrina, and will serve up some of the most delicious Italian fare, "family style," in an atmosphere that is undoubtedly authentic. The delicious aromas of fresh herbs, cheeses, garlic, and good-quality olive oil will arouse the appetite, while relaxing Italian music plays gently on speakers overhead. With all the senses peaked, customers can enjoy a glass of their favorite beverage while a passionate Cammarano and his sous chefs work to create an impressive meal that promises to leave guests with a craving to return.
Many of the ingredients that go into the Pasta Amore's signature dishes are imported from Italy. Plum tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, prosciutto, pastas, and many of the cheeses are brought in weekly through companies such as Accardi. According to Cammarano, his biggest rewards are sensory as well. It is a pleasure for him to see the smiles on his customers' faces after a good meal and to hear their endless compliments, which are pretty much expected. It would be impossible to have a meal at Pasta Amore without enjoying the entire experience. Cammarano's talents for cooking and creating a memorable Italian-inspired moment are undeniable, and his intense passion is contagious. A trip to Pasta Amore, now in its 13th year, is truly like a trip to Italy. At a fraction of the cost, guests can forget their troubles for an hour or two while enjoying the sights, scents, sounds, and tastes that make the Mediterranean peninsula so special.
