For some, it’s a rare, delicious treat to have homemade pasta. It’s not that hard to make, in fact I’ve shown you how to make homemade pasta before. I’ve even had the pleasure of watching Pugliese women crank out orecchiette on the streets of Bari by what seemed like a thousand ears a minute.
But if you don’t have the time or desire to make your own, I’ve got the perfect alternative if you live in (or are traveling to) New York City. It’s about as close to homemade as you can get.
Raffetto’s has been a Greenwich Village staple for over 100 years. In 1906, Marcello Raffetto set up his pasta shop on West Houston and four generations later, the business is still going strong.
I can’t even begin to describe everything on offer. All pasta is made in-house and is often still cut on their original guillotine machine, which is by now an antique.
Fresh pasta is cut-to-order by noodle-thickness from angel hair to pappardelle and everything in between. Even lasagna and manicotti. About twenty pasta flavors from the most basic egg and whole wheat share the board with more creative squid ink, chestnut and chocolate selections.
And ravioli? Yeah, they got em. Filled with everything from cheese, spinach, pumpkin to truffles or walnut gorgonzola, a personal favorite.
Need sauces too? They’ve got you covered with traditional tomato basil, pesto, Alfredo or Bolognese. Like it hot and spicy – try the arrabbiata.
They even have vintage wooden apothecary-style drawers behind the counter, full of every type of dried pasta imaginable.
And if that isn’t enough, add gnocchi, cavatelli, Italian cheeses, deli meats, a prepared food section and pantry staples like olive oil, anchovies, and spices to the mix. A virtual treasure trove of Italian food goodness.
Be forewarned – they only take cash – so bring plenty of it. And it’s not a restaurant, so don’t expect anyone waiting tables or serving food, everything is sold to take away.
So, if you find yourself short on time and craving an authentic Italian pasta dish for yourself or guests, pop on by and pick up all the fixings. Mix and match shapes, flavors and sauces to create the ultimate in pasta perfection. And if you want to pass it off as your own, pretending to have slaved all day over a hot stove, then who am I to judge? It’ll be our little secret.
Raffetto’s
144 West Houston Street
New York, NY 10012
Tues-Fri 9am-6:30pm ; Sat 9am-6pm
