It’s no secret that Portland has an immense list of delicious culinary delights worth trying, but I wanted to let you in on my current favorite: Grassa. If you are a lover of delicious pasta, then you’re going to LOVE this place.
Grassa is the newest “baby” of talented chef Rick Gencarelli who is also the brains/culinary genius behind another of our favorites: Lardo, so it was pretty much destined to be fantastic. The menu at Grassa focuses on handmade pasta dishes and it is seriously the best pasta I’ve ever had, thanks to the pasta making skills of the talented Ian Hutchings (follow him on IG @ianmakespasta – he and his wife @kristinadarling are some of my favorites). This is Mr. Rick Gencarelli himself, who was kind enough to chat with me about his new restaurant and take his photo – It was like I was sitting at the Chef’s Table!
We went here a few weeks ago with some friends for the first time and loved our entire experience…so much so that I chose it as the location for my birthday meal a couple of weeks later. This is saying a lot, because I take birthday celebrations pretty seriously and think long and hard about what my chosen birthday meal will be. The atmosphere at Grassa makes it a great spot for a date night, dinner with a group or even a casual dinner with kids. There’s a little something for everyone and the prices are great too!
I’m sure everything on Grassa’s menu is fantastic, but my favorite was the Radiatore. The crispy chicken skin seriously makes the dish. Craig’s favorite is the Mezze Rigatoni and you really can’t go wrong choosing pork ragu. If you’re in the mood for something spicy then you’ll love the Spaghetti ‘Aglio Olio’. I’m also dying the try the Squid Ink Chitarra – the pasta is made with squid ink and it’s black! Even the garlic bread is good. Oh, and make sure you save room for dessert, because the Affogato is amazing!
Here are a few more photos from our meal at Grassa. If you live in Portland or will be planning a visit in the future, you definitely need to eat here. You won’t be disappointed!
Follow Grassa on Twitter (@grassapdx), or like them on Facebook!
Happy weekending and delicious eats,
Lauren
Look at you gettin’ all food porn on us. DEFINITELY going here soon ; )
Haha! I felt so food blogger-y with my big kid camera taking photos of everything :). Taking a cue from my talented foodie friends!
You are making me HUNGRY!
I love pasta! I wish we had one of those over here. I looked at the menu and there are definitely a few I wish I could try! What type of camera do you use, by the way? Happy Friday!
Hey Katie!
I got a Sony NEX-3N camera a couple months ago and I LOVE it! It’s totally perfect for blogging mamas. Hight quality photos in a portable body and you can buy different lenses for it too. I liked that it wasn’t huge and bulky like some and I like that it has auto settings, because as you know, when you’re taking photos of speedy toddlers you don’t have time to mess with manual settings. Nothing but good things to say about this camera. Here’s a link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+NEX-3N+Compact+System+Camera+with+16-50mm+Retractable+Lens+-+Black/8157043.p?id=1218865165964&skuId=8157043&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8157043&extensionType={adtype}:{network}&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!{keyword}!{matchtype}!{adwords_producttargetid}!{network}!{ifmobile:M}!{creative}&kpid=8157043&k_clickid=0876a3f2-a24c-1d29-5bf0-000044557032
I have a Sony NEX-5N! I got it two Christmases ago. They don’t make it anymore, I think you probably have the newer one. It is a very easy camera to use, I’m glad you love it!
Yay! Camera friends! Seriously…it’s so good!
You were totally the food blogger. How times have changed and it was refreshing having you be the one with the camera and talking to the owners. I love that camera of yours.
Haha! I totally felt like you when we were at dinner :). And I really love my camera. Can’t wait ’til you visit again and you can play with it some more!
Great photos, Lauren! I just learned of Grassa & can’t wait to check it out soon!
Okayyyyyy that looks good! And your pictures! Definitely a woman of many talents! 🙂
Thanks friend :). It’s the new camera! I don’t know if you’ve seen it. I’ll bring it tomorrow and make someone take pics of us with all our kids. A group shot MUST happen!
Hi there! I have been searching your blog for your Portland favorites and I sent my husband to Grassa and he loved it! He then told all his coworkers and now everyone who goes to Portland for work goes to Grassa.
So here I am looking for new places to send him. I can’t believe that my hubby gets to try all the places that I want to!!! One day, I hope to make it out to Portland to try all the delicious food.