Perfect Pasta at Maccheroni Republic

While I was in LA a week ago helping to host my youngest sister’s baby sprinkle, my 2 sisters and I, as well as my brother in law and niece, went on a lunch excursion downtown to Maccheroni Republic.
Maccheroni Republic in downtown LA offering homemade fresh organic pasta

There are so many delightful eats in LA, and Maccheroni Republic stands out for its homemade pasta being made fresh and that it is all organic, made with organic flour and organic semolina. I wanted to order the whole menu. In fact that’s partially why we went with us 3 sisters, to give the opportunity for my LA resident sister to rationalize ordering even more pasta!

It was a mind-blowing pasta meal. I hold the same opinion as my sister that if this was closer to me I would definitely be a weekly regular. There’s enough on the menu plus throw in the daily specials to keep you coming back all the time for favorites and what’s new.

Menu at Maccheroni Republic in downtown LA offering homemade fresh organic pasta Menu at Maccheroni Republic in downtown LA offering homemade fresh organic pasta

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A look at Il Solito PDX

I’ve been a fan of Chef Matthew Sigler since he arrived in Portland a few years ago – he’s been making my personal vote for best pastas in Portland. Recently, he made the move from Renata to open Il Solito, which is conveniently even more closely located to my house and by my favorite beer bar. They just opened this week on April 17, but I had a chance to try some of their dishes at a media preview, and I was there on opening night  paying my own way. Il Solito is located downtown, at the previous Pazzo space as part of Hotel Vintage, at 627 SW Washington Street. Here’s a look at Il Solito PDX so far. I usually wait a little bit for a new restaurant before I give my thoughts, but some places seem to be firing on all cylinders right away – Il Solito appears to be one of them.
A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX

The space has been updated to have lots of light and feel airy, but at the same time with plenty of nods with framed photos, plates, Italian tiles, a nod to Italian family and nonna, Michelangelo’s David- of Italian American classic restaurants. There is a cheeky bit of decor intertwined though- a perfect representation of the intent of the menu, traditional and familiar but also unexpected fun modern touches.
A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDXA Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX A Look at Il Solito PDX

I always have mixed feelings about whether to dine alone or with others. If I dine alone, then I don’t have to share the pastas – I never know which one is going to blow me away and that I want the whole dish. And there may be times I might appear just for a pasta dish. But, if I bring friends, then I can order even MORE food from the menu – there are sooo many dishes I have liked.
A Look at Il Solito PDX, bringing fine dining Italian that ixes Tuscany and Italian American and some modern touches to the table

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