Pastaworks

Pastaworks is the local destination for slow food. Find the right food, wine, and supplies for a romantic meal or a large family meal. This specialty store is focused on Italian goods and boasts a large wine and cheese selection. You will find what you are looking for and much more. With a few locations spread about Portland, it seems there is always a Pastaworks close by.

Opened in 1983, Pastaworks does its best to offer the top quality meats, cheeses, wine, and other goods that you will not find at your regular chain grocery. Their business strives to stock the “best available products from the Mediterranean world (and sometimes beyond) based on the premise that eating and drinking should be pleasure as well as necessity.” They also strive to be part of the slow food movement, which focuses on using local and small farm produced products.

The Hawthorne location is located in the middle of this busy district, next door to Powell’s Books and the Bagdad Theatre. Pastaworks makes a good stop to grab food after a day exploring one of Portland’s more eclectic neighborhoods. However, do take note of their hours as they close earlier on weekdays than regular grocery stores.

One of the best features about Pastaworks is their staff. From the butcher to the person behind the cheese counter, they can help pick out the right food and flavors for all your dishes. Pastaworks offers a variety of fresh pastas and the cheese counter can be a daunting place to pick out just the right cheese to complement your dish.  Their staff will help you find the perfect item and even give you a little history to impress your friends with.

If you are planning a party or small get-together, Pastaworks can make it a bit more special, by adding a European flair to your affair. With plenty of cheeses, cured meats, wine, beer and snacks, you will wow your guests with their imported goods.

Pastaworks is a great stop to see how the tastes and feel of Europe blend with the Pacific Northwest. With authentic tastes and affordable prices, Pastaworks lets you eat fresh and local while staying within your budget.

HelloPortland Tip: Evoe, Pastaworks’ slow food restaurant, is located right next to the Hawthorne location and offers sandwiches, salads, and wine by the glass. A good choice if you want to dine out instead of cooking at home.

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.