February 7, 2013
Axis Pizza, Philadelphia PA
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Fettuccine Alfredo
Axis Panini
[Garden Salad]
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It was National Fettuccine Alfredo Day and a Thursday so I decided I would finally pay a visit to Axis Pizza, a diner that seemed to be doing okay, although I have never seen anyone eat inside. It was large, clean, and casual. While there were a few other diners around and people seemed to come and go, it was no where near crowded like its sister restaurant, The Greek Lady. Perhaps since it is on the border of Penn and Drexel, so neither school’s students care to visit it.
The Fettuccine Alfredo was hugely disappointing. The pasta was actually al dente but clearly not completely freshly cooked. The sauce was just a Parmesan cheese and butter sauce with absolutely nothing else. No seasoning, no garnish, no herbs, no nothing. Just cheese and butter. It was certainly creamy enough but I though it really lacked flavour. Even the garlic bread knot it was served with had more flavour with its scallions inside, despite being very doughy and undercooked.
The Axis Panini was much better. The grilled portobello mushrooms were nice although slightly greasy. That was probably from the pesto though, which was actually decent. The fresh mozzarella was nice, as were the meaty tomatoes. The pesto was actually really oily and not the freshest, most aromatic pesto ever. However, it was still nice and tasted quite good on what I believe was ciabatta. The bread actually had a lovely, buttery crisp from the panini press on the outside while the inside was airy and soft.
Each dish was served with a side salad, so I had two plates to enjoy. While the entrees were meant for variety and taking half of it home for another meal, I ate both of the garden salads. They had romaine, green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. One was a balsamic vinaigrette and one was Italian dressing. Both were okay and nothing special.
I think Axis Pizza is just in an awkward location. The food is by no means bad for a diner like this and I would definitely go back for a special or a quick, casual meal. My pasta was $2 off and they have other daily specials as well. At least it is by no means crowded inside.
