understated awesomeness

Consider the "Farewell Summer" pasta dish above. Perfectly cooked Handmade Fettuccine lightly coated, but not drowning, in sauce. Bacon bites, each tiny square crisp outside but not hard inside, bringing just the right amount of salt to the dish. Zucchini and Eggplant uniformly prepped to finish with the desired textures. Kernels of corn contribute a subtle sweetness, but only the amount necessary to maintain a delicate balance. Herbs and grated Parmesan added right at completion preserving both their freshness and flavors. This isn't just some run of the mill, over sauced, over seasoned, over cooked pasta dish. No, this is the real deal, this is art, subtle, understated, thoughtfully conceived, and beautifully executed.

And that seems to be Rachael's MO, everything just right, a fine edge that only a truly accomplished chef can walk. She's got the deft touch, restraint, and skill needed to allow each component of a dish to shine (to taste like itself) while still integrating well as a whole. Even the garlic bread side silently screamed perfection, crunchy but not hard, flavorful but not soaked, garlicky but not enough to scare off spouses.Pasta and garlic bread are ubiquitous, this much talent is not.

As I sat savoring my lunch, my only regret was not bringing a bottle of wine...the food here is well deserving of such a pairing....and it sounds like I wouldn't be the first to do so. Eventually I'll try the much raved about Pork sandwich with garlic aioli, but it may be awhile with pasta this good.

Sure it's a food cart (actually a plus in my book), and while some may whine about the prices, $10 is a steal when you consider the quality of ingredients, portion size, and skill of the chef (Plus Tyler and Rachel are just really freaking cool). On my off days come find me here or at Taste Unique, why pay $16-$20 for mediocrity (at most of the white table cloth places) when awesomness is available for less.


Artigiano
4804 SE Woodstock BlvdPortland, OR 97206
Red food cart in front of the Joinery (which btw is worth a look, amazing handmade wood furniture)

HOURS:
Tue-Sat
Lunch 11:30-2:30
Dinner 5:00-8:00
(Closed Sun & Mon)
PHONE ORDERS WELCOME!
503.741.3040
http://www.thepastawagon.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/Artigiano/117533568274531
www.twitter.com/pastawagon