![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
Warm fresh Italian food cooked by the minute, my taste buds flaring as I took my first bite. The soft holiday music and warm atmosphere made Pastini Pastaria a one of a kind classic Italian restaurant.
What makes a restaurant memorable? Maybe it’s the food, the atmosphere, or the feeling you get when you walk in .
On the busy streets of Portland lies a phenomenal Italian restaurant, Pastini Pastaria where fresh Italian foods are cooked daily for customers. The big red doors were decorated with festive holiday wreaths, which automatically gave me an impression of a warm and welcoming feeling. The location was very convenient, with a parking garage and an old movie theatre directly across the street made for perfect night out in Portland.
As I entered the restaurant, relaxing holiday hits played, as customers enjoyed their dining experience. The waiters were very friendly and accommodating to their customers’ requests and eager to make sure your experience there was the best it could be.
The menu had a wide variety, from simple buttery garlic bread to extravagant traditional Italian pasta dishes, this menu had it all, a classic Italian menu.
Specials included Nonna’s Sunday Pasta and Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Ragu, calling for a delicious specials menu.
Prices were fairly reasonable, the average price about $12-15 per dish, but worth every penny.
The waiters came over to take our orders in a timely fashion. They were accommodating to any sort of food allergies or any other requests regarding the food. I ordered the Butternut Squash Gorgonzola Ravioli, with sage brown butter sauce and toasted hazelnuts.
The waiting time for our meals was roughly twenty five to thirty minutes, a little longer than I would have liked it to be, but it was worth it.
My dish was visually appealing and absolutely delicious. It had a kick of both sweet and salty, cooked just right, and had a nice balance in flavors. The bread and ravioli was warm and fresh, with a burst of classic Italian cooking.
Overall, Pastini Pastaria was a very good restaurant. I would give it an 8.5 out of ten. The food was fresh, warm, and delicious. The location was very convenient that had waiters that were very friendly and accomodating. The restaurant itself was very put together, clean, and modern looking. If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or family, I highly recommend Pastini Pastaria Italian Restaurant, located on SW Taylor Street in Portland.
