Known for selling gourmet specialty food items, both local and from around the world, Pastaworks has been one of the pillars of the Portland food scene since opening in 1983—on owner Kevin de Garmo's sixteenth birthday, in fact. "On opening day, he worked the register," says Pat de Garmo, Kevin's mom, "and he also made the market's pesto."
Pat and husband Peter have since passed the reigns to Kevin, who now runs the new Pastaworks inside of the Providore Fine Foods at 2340 N.E. Sandy Boulevard. The marketplace, also co-owned by Kevin's wife Kaie Wellman and Bruce Silverman, opens tomorrow, February 10, and going forward, it will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be home to seven more-or-less distinct businesses. Just shop at the various purveyors, and check out at a single register.
Kevin says, with Providore Fine Foods, he's back doing what he does best: Finding rare, high-quality ingredients and convincing distributors that they have a market in Portland. "I'm really excited about the business model of collaborating with all of the other people," he says.
The other businesses inside of Providore Fine Foods compliment what Pastaworks does, and to show off its onsite dining options, there's a seating area at the front of the building, near two large garage doors that will open summers. In addition to Pastaworks, you'll find:
The Flying Fish Company and Oyster Bar: Shop for seafood or pull up a seat to the 8-seat oyster and wine bar.
The Meat Monger: Find local meats (they've never been frozen).
Little T Baker: Choose form Little T's breads, croissants, danishes, cookies, and more.
Rubinette Produce Market: Rubinette aims to be a year-round, seven-days-a-week farmers market. Tomorrow, it opens with four varieties of avocado and other geeky produce, like kale sprouts, which taste and look like a cross between brussels sprouts and kale, all made possible through close relationships with farmers.
Emerald Petals: The locally minded florist sells flowers and flower arrangements for any occasion.
Arrosto: Soon, Pastaworks will throw its hat into the rotisserie-chicken ring, but the takeout chicken window will open at least a few days after Providore Fine Foods.
