Man cannot live on simple carbs alone, but in moderation - and in the form of artisan Sonoma-made pasta dishes - it’s a truly beautiful thing.
The Oh! Food Movement: This artisan pasta made by “two women on two acres of land” in Sebastopol, is incredible. Twenty-five percent of all Beet Generation products are made from their own vegetables. The package labeling describes the pasta as having “good mouth feel.” And it’s telling the truth. The texture is so good even the ever-fussy kids liked it. But don't tell them what it’s made from until after the meal. Available in several varieties, including beet, tomato, spinach and garlic. $12, The Pharmacy, 990 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-978-2801, thepharmacysonomacounty.com
Sonoma Superstar: This local artisan pasta company has some big far-off fans like chefs at the Santa Caterina Hotel on the Amalfi Coast, who make several dishes using Pasta Sonoma products. This pasta is small batch, handcrafted, and slow-dried which preserves the fresh taste of the wheat. The texture is so wonderful, it’s hard to go back to the conventional chewy variety. So maybe don’t? $5, Made Local Marketplace, Made Local Marketplace 529 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667, madelocalmarketplace.com
Low Waste Wonder: In their efforts to limit food waste, Preserve Farms have made a delicious sauce. The kind that has you telling the sample guy over and over, “this is SO good!” Preserve Farms says they use a slow batch process to let “the fruit speak for itself.” Well, the fruit is yelling, “I am amazing.” $9.99, Oliver’s Market, 546 East Cotati Ave, Cotati, 707-795-9501, 560 Montecito Center, Santa Rosa, 707-537-7123, 461 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-284-3530, 9230 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-687-2050, oliversmarket.com
Bowled and Beautiful: Locally made artisan food needs a locally made artisan bowl. How about this stunner by Sebastopol ceramist Larry Robinson? Available in many colors and sizes, and very well priced. $50-$75, Made Local Marketplace, 529 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667, madelocalmarketplace.com
Local Legend: Great locally made pasta deserves an incredible locally made parmesan topping. But how do we get local Italian parmesan? We don’t. But we can get this local dry, cured Jack cheese made by the historic Vella Cheese Company. In fact, this cheese was produced in large quantities during World War II, when Italian parmesan was unavailable. It’s won so many awards, most people have lost count. Vella Cheese Company, 2nd St E, Sonoma 95476, 800-848-0505, vellacheese.com
Can't be bothered to cook? No worries. Head to Negri's in Occidental for a carbalicious Italian meal. (Photo by John Burgess)
Man cannot live on simple carbs alone, but in moderation, and in the form of artisan Sonoma-made pasta dishes, it’s a truly beautiful thing. Add to that the convenience of these great foods, and it’s time to rejoice. And get dinner on the table fast. Because evening you-time awaits — click through the above gallery for details.
