Squid Ink Pasta - Phoenix Area

[HomeCookKirsten]

Does anyone know where to buy squid ink pasta in the Phoenix area? I would love fresh but know that may be unreasonable, so dried would be ok too.

Worst case scenario I can make it myself, but I don't have the equipment that makes pasta making easy and it would be opening up another issue re: where to buy the squid ink.

Anyone have any tips? I'm trying to avoid having to order online, but if no tips turn up I'll relocate this topic over to home cooking or general topics and look for recommendations for online sources.

Thanks!

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

My roommate picked up some dried squid ink pasta at Super Target the last time he was there. There's two out in Gilbert, another in north Peoria, and there's a new one opening some time soon on 8th Street and Bell.

[HomeCookKirsten]

wow - that's a good tip. Thanks!

[rxenergie]

Kirsten,

I just bought dried cuttlefish ink pasta @ AJ's on Camelback and 44th. It was 3.29 for 500grams and is imported from Italy. I'm not sure if they carry squid ink pasta, but I am looking forward to the pasta that I just bought. Good luck!

[HomeCookKirsten]

Perfect! Cuttlefish ink pasta is fine too. At this point I won't split hairs. :)

does anyone know if there is a difference in taste, or is it too subtle?

[scorpioscuba]

I hope you blog about the results - I'm so curious as I've never had it but have heard about it. :)

[azhotdish]

I wonder where La Locanda gets its squid ink from...their squid ink risotto is quite good. I also believe they do a squid ink pasta as well. Now that I mention it...I need to get back there.

-----
La Locanda Ristorante Italiano
10201 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 1, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

[mamamia]

Marcellino does squid ink pasta.

-----
Marcellino Ristorante
7114 E. Stetson Dr. 85251, Old Town Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[HomeCookKirsten]

I ADORE La Locanda's squid ink pasta! I need to get back there too.

SS - I will blog about it - it's for a new feature for my blog I'm rolling out - prob this weekend!

I wonder if I can get squid ink @ an Asian market? Is it ever used in Asian food?

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

I would imagine any taste difference will be extremely subtle, if there is any taste difference at all... usually there's enough ingredient to color, but not enough to flavor the pasta.

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thx JK! Had a feeling it would be very subtle if at all different.

[Alice Letseat]

Here's a tip for intensely flavored - but dried! - pasta...look for DeCio. AJs carries a small selection, but if you check their web site - www.deciopasta.com - you will find an amazing array of options. this is NOT pasta to drown in a garlic or marinara sauce! Try the wild mushroom, saffron or sichuan orange spice - there are all sorts of things to do with this stuff. Have fun!!!

[ciaogal]

Alice,
I have been buying DeCio pasta for special dishes....it always gets raves!!
The wild mushroom is a favorite w/ stews and braised meat dishes....

A.J.'s is the only place I have seen it....

PHX really needs a fresh pasta purveyor......

[scorpioscuba]

I agree Ciaogal. We used to have a fresh pasta purveyor when Sanguini's was open on McKellips and Power. Their fresh pasta and other selections of Italian groceries were wonderful. They closed because the building they were leasing increased the rent and they could not afford it. They've been looking for a place to reopen and its been several years so I'm fast losing hope...

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thanks Alice! Great tip.

Hmm, anyone getting any business ideas - fresh pasta for Phoenix?

[maryhennecke]

Hi...saw your info on Sanquini's. Some good news. Just talked to them today. They still don't have a retail location but do special order sauces and ravioli. Not sure about other pastas though. They answer the phone number that's listed in Dexknow.com. hope this helps. Have a great day!

[winedubar]

hi ciaogal,

you can also get decio pasta at the downtown phx farmers market. i agree tho - some fresh pasta would be great!!

[Alice Letseat]

Scott has an exclusive distribution with AJ's - and it's the ONLY place he sells other than online or through a variety of the markets and fairs. Online is pretty simple - order five pounds in the PHX region and get free delivery.

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

I just went to Super Target today, so I checked, and yes they do still carry the squid ink pasta. I think it was 2.99 a pound.

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thanks JK! I broke down and paid $9 @ LGO, but next time I will definitely go to Super Target. That is a MUCH better price.

If anyone is interested - here is the outcome of my squid ink pasta obsessing:

http://homecookkirsten.blogspot.com/2...

[Curiosity Killed the Cat]

Marcellino in Phoenix has the best ink pasta with seafood. They may be closed for a part of the summer though.

[silverbear]

Marcellino is closed until Thursday, September 6.

[Chef Anthony Redendo]

Am I the only chef who works all summer?

Here is a squid ink trick.
You can buy dried pasta or make you own using scungelli ink or octopus ink. Squids don't yield enough ink in their tiny bodies. Some chefs even use black food paint for cake decorating. Heres the trick cook the pasta in fish stock or clam juice this will give the pasta some taste. #1 don't be afraid of the salt.

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thanks Chef!!

Re: the salt, I seriously think that one of the best things I learned in your class and my food is wayyyy better just because of it!

[two_drifters]

Saw it at LGO (dried) this past winter...hopefully it's still there?

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thank you!! That is just a few minutes from my office, so that is an option. I'll call first to check.

Anyone seen it at AJ's? Any sightings of fresh anywhere?

On that note - anyone know of good places for fresh pasta in general, or does everyone use dried or make their own?

Thanks!!

[misohungrychewlow]

Kirsten -- good luck in your search! I have never seen, and I would be very surprised to learn about, fresh squid-ink pasta. My ex used to hand-crank or roll pasta regularly and was quite plugged in to the pasta over/underground. Given your skills and chow-courage, I would suggest pushing ahead and doing it! But if there is a source of dried black pasta, please try it and let us know how it turns out -- thanks!

[HomeCookKirsten]

Thank you! I'll report back

[HomeCookKirsten]

Oh dear. I went to LGO and it was LOVELY black dried pasta with no breakage or powdery mess, clean and shiny and black (about 3/4 lb) but was $9. Eek! I panicked. I'll try another place or two, but I may be back at the lovely but expensive $9 pasta.

Trying Super Target first...

Thanks all!