Believe me, most of these places are only serving up the restaurant Safeway version of pasta dishes. The better ones who are making their own will charge you Milton Inn prices.
Amici's does make their own pasta at decent prices. I've only been once so I can't comment on dish consistency but my dish was fine - not out of this world, but definitely good enough and homemade.
I agree though, it all depends and I'm just as picky as the next. I was just teasing with the thought, the older you are the softer the food? lol Obviously I was just poking fun.
Ford - at 65, I hope people aren't worrying about eating pasta for one night.
They might push it or their blood sugar with pastries, though. (I did note that Amici's definitely is using white flour if that means anything)
Maggiano's does serve Barrelli's which is ridiculous.
Good Luck, Chaz, sounds like you have particulars to contend with so have fun and enjoy, whatever you decide.