Quick Bites: Big changes, pasta passion, mad juice.

Over in Salinas, new Pastability’s (998-7715) fast casual concept, from the family behind Gino’s Family Restaurant Group, is in full swing.

For $8, guests pick one of six pastas, from rotini to gluten-free penne, then select a sauce from a run down of nine like Angelina’s pink sauce, pomodoro naturale and Gilroy garlic alfredo.

They also present specialty plates with garlic bread included, like the blackened chicken Michaelagelo ($13) and the Donotello ($13) with sautéed shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Alfredo.

Side salads, party pans and weekend lasagna specials round out the options.

Hours are 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday.

More food news nibbles appear below:

• Cult hit Taste of Vietnam is shutting it down in Seaside and taking offers on the sizable space with its long bar.

• The tasty won ton nachos with peanut satay sauce and roasted chicken ($10) remain at the former Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse, now named The Ranch (883-9479), as does the sushi and the steaks, but much has changed. Co-creator and owner Joe Loeffler sold to Hersha Hospitality, which acquired The Dunes awhile back and renamed it Sanctuary Beach Resort. Service was interesting (never had a server tell me, "I'll be in the bathroom for 5 minutes if you're wondering where I am), prices have gone up ($19 for a grilled organic chicken breast plate) and the California love is yum (shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, spicy crab salad, masago, green onion, $13).

• Cultura (250-7005) officially opens in Carmel Thursday, Aug. 11. Check out the menus and more on the blog.

• Mark Kaltenbacher and Central Coast Juicery make life better. I knew the signature apple-kale-celery-lemon-ginger would awaken and intrigue but forgot how balanced, vibrant and multifaceted it is. Two sweet surprises, too: intense ginger-root juice (great for lemonade or cocktails) and raw almond milk with vanilla and honey (just smooth and soothing and delicious).

• The so-called fresh market concept from the Carmel Belle (624-1600) outlined for the Seventh & Dolores city center in Carmel was dealt a denial last week. Look for more about it on the blog soon.

• North Coast Brewing does beer dinner with Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar Aug. 24 ($65, 372-2628) with three courses (like Morro Bay oysters and Niman Ranch suckling pig), pairings (including Brother Thelonious) and a welcome reception.

• Join Caraccioli Cellars between noon-6pm Tuesday, Aug. 16, for a summer patio party behind the tasting room on Dolores Street during the Concours on the Avenue in Carmel.

• Rio Grill (625-5436) has new brunch items like the green eggs and "hamwich" ($14), smoked potato hash with Sonoma jack sausage ($15) and huevos rancheros with blue corn tortillas ($14).

• Free wine tasting at Nielsen Bros. Market 4-6pm Thursday, Aug. 11, Dry Creek Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg), Santadi Vermentino (Italy), True Myth Chardonnay (Edna Valley), Santadi Cannonau (Sardinia), Rose Rock Pinot Noir (Oregon) and AR Guentota Malbec (Argentina), with gourmet cheeses.

• Weekly contributor Ivan Garcia tells me Bruno's Market and Deli (624-3821) is dishing out something different than the storied tri-tip sandwiches. At a table by the store's entrance, two Latino cooks serve quick dishes like big chunks of pork ribs and cactus in red sauce along with beans, rice, and five tortillas ($10) or tacos de carne or pollo asada ($2 each) 11am-5pm on weekdays.