As others have mentioned, the leaf that is used as a garnish in the picture is basil.

Okay... I actually *don't* subscribe to the "bacon automatically makes everything delicious" school of thought; in fact, I don't care for bacon at all. (I know that most people, however, would not agree with me... and I suspect that's why LC included the bacon in the actual name of the product, despite its not being a major component of the dish... including "with bacon" in the product name most likely translates to more people buying the product, because unlike myself, most people like bacon.) For me, I would probably *avoid* this product because of the bacon... however, it does promise two things that might cause me to change my mind: first, the farfalle (my favorite pasta shape), and second, fire roasted tomatoes (which are awesome).

It sounds like this was a letdown in terms of the fire roasted tomatoes... what was the point of using them in this dish if you can't even see or taste them? Although I usually like a lot of sauce on my pasta, the quantity (and soupy consistency) of the sauce in this product doesn't allow the flavor or texture of fire roasted tomatoes to come through at all, which is a disappointment.

Would I buy this? Probably not... especially since I don't like bacon... although since there doesn't seem to be that much bacon flavor in this product, I might consider it if I found it at a really good sale price. Still, it seems like LC could have done a lot better when it comes to this particular product.

As for Romano cheese... well, if we're talking about *real* Italian Pecorino Romano, then yes, I like it... however, most mass produced "Romano" cheese (which I'm sure is what we're dealing with here) is nowhere close to the real thing; most of what we call "Romano cheese" here in the US resembles salt-flavored sawdust more than it resembles real Pecorino Romano... similarly, while I'm on the subject, most of what we call "Parmesan cheese" resembles salt-flavored sawdust more than it resembles real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese... okay, okay, end of "Cheese Snob Rant". (See... not only did I use it in a sentence; I used it in a rant... do I get bonus points for that?)

Sprinkle romano
Put it on my spaghetti
'Tis very nummers

I've been away from the site for a few weeks, and I must say, I'm liking the new video format! The meal doesn't really seem worth the $2 if it's basically Spaghetti-o's, although the pasta is no doubt better in this meal.

ah the endings to your episodes are so great now :)

This is the first show I've seen and love it. I will without a doubt be watching more shows.

This is great. Love it. Good job.

Wow, you're a living legend.
You inspire me Greg!

Glad you reviewed this. LC has come out with a number of bacon related stuff and I haven't tried any of them. I like bacon, but not normally in things, just straight up - crispy! Romano is the poorer cousin of parm cheese IMHO. I don't dislike it, but I always get a blend of romano, parm and asiago shredded cheeses. The leaf is basil. BTW, I normally have not really liked Healthy Choice, but based on your last few reviews, I have printed off a coupon and will give the steamers a whirl. Now to decide which one ;)

I didn't expect much from that meal, either. Maybe the Photoshopped herb was supposed to be basil? Oh, and Romano cheese is okay, but I prefer Parmesan!

yeah i didn't expect anything great

cheese tastes good.

thanks for the entertaining review