FRESH pasta in Raleigh area

[normanc]

Was shocked today looking for fresh pasta to find that Trader Joe's, Fresh Market & Whole Foods had such a small selection of fresh pasta (NOT stuffed raviolis). Will I fare any better at Southern Seasons or Waver's Market? I don't really want to go that fr for something like this. Also, I eill try Antonio's Market in Lafayette Villsge but I'm not holding out too much hope. Can anyone throw me a liifeline or must I wait til my visit to Phila. in August?

[normanc]

Well, I paid $7 for a pound of Melina's black pepper fettucine and found it kind of tasteless and, though I cooked it "al dente", a bit soft. Her stuffed raviolis may be great but this product left something to be desired. The search continues...maybe I'll find Extrusions somewhere...

[D R C]

Bbqme - Extrusions made excellent pasta but I don't think their Durham location is open any longer, and the number has been disconnected for some time. Whole Foods sold their pasta for years; they first stopped selling it in one of the Raleigh stores, so whenever I was in Durham I would stop there specifically for some. A couple of years ago the other locations stopped selling it as well...someone also mentioned they were doing business in Wilmington at one point but I don't see any references in google.

Most fresh pasta I see around here is tender bland and eggy, whereas the Extrusions pasta had both a strong wheat/whole grain flavor and a proper toothy texture, like my favorite (and expensive) artisanal Italian dried pastas e.g. Martelli, but *fresh*. I was never sure whether this was due to the kind of flour they used, dry time after cutting, or what. When I make pasta myself (including decent semolina flour from King Arthur) I still can't get a taste and texture close to the Extrusions product.

[Jeanne]

Extrusions made excellent pasta. Good sauces too. I'm sorry to read that they're closed.

[bbqme]

They don't operate a storefront but they do still supply other stores, at least Weaver St. Market the last time I was in there. I can't imagine WSM is the only store they supply to in the area...

[pamdemic3]

Weaver Street carries fresh pasta (not ravioli) from Pasta and Provisions in Charlotte. It's not a very large selection, but I've always been impressed with P&P products. Now, if only Weaver St. would start carrying their delicious ravioli!

[yahooer]

I get Melinas pasta every week or two at Saturday morning farmer's market behind Southern Season. I think her black pepper pasta is a little more interesting than the plain. She made a black pepper linguine that was wonderful but last week, she said she has stopped making it and is making angel hair instead. She is a work in progress. You can see locations where she sells at her website, http://www.melinaskitchen.com/

[bbqme]

There is also a fresh pasta purveyor in Durham called Extrusions. I know Weaver St. Market in Carrboro carries their products but don't know if or who carries their pasta in Raleigh. You can give them a call and ask.

Extrusions: A Fresh Pasta Shoppe
W Nc-54, Durham, NC, 27713
[phone]

[Tehama]

Definitely give Capri a try!

http://www.capriflavors.com/index.php...

[normanc]

Thanks, but I haven't been impressed wit Capri's emphasis on packaged goods, though understand since this is mostly an online business.

[carolinadawg]

I can't vouch for the quality, but you might want to give Melina's a try:

http://www.melinaskitchen.com

Also, here is an older thread that may be of help:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/628678

Finally, here is an article from The Independent Weekly about Melina's and 2 other producers:

http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/the-...

[libeerian]

Melina's is great. I get their pasta through Papa Spud's and I have been very impressed with the quality. They also sell their pasta at various farmer's markets in the area.

[brsmith2]

+ 1 for Melina's

[normanc]

Thanks for great info. Will try to get to Midtown Farmers Mkt. soon to taste Melina's.