OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> I just called Olive Garden in Austin.
>
> They prepare large batches of pasta in advance, portion it, and
> re-heat it to order.
>
But how do they re-heat it? I don't think they are using a microwave.

Where I worked, they did pre-cook the pasta... but then they used this
conical strainer basket to dunk it in pots of simmering water (per order(s))
then it came out perfectly in a minute or two. Drained, plated, sauced, set
out to be served. It's the nature of the beast when you're serving 100
guests at a time in a restaurant which features pasta.

I still cook pasta by bringing the water to a boil and adding the pasta,
then turning off the heat and cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes.
It cooks itself.

Jill