I've been indulging in pasta my whole life. It's my second favorite food behind homemade pizza. Growing up in a full Italian household meant lots of pasta on Sunday and nearly every other day of the week if I'm being honest. I heard the reviews of Leeward in Portland, Maine and thought it can't be "that" good. I'll cut to the chase. It is. The meal will leave you satisfied, but wanting to go back for more very soon at the same time.
Before I get to the appetizers I must get straight to the fresh made daily pasta. Rigatoni bolognese. Pro tip: save your focaccia bread to soak up every bit of sauce on this place. You'll thank me later.
Now about that house made focaccia with olive oil. My goodness. This is a pillow of bread with the airy, fluffy goodness you could eat a whole loaf. Dip it in the olive oil and save at least half for the pasta sauce later.
For salad the lettuce is crispy with a perfect vinaigrette and if you like blue cheese this is YOUR salad. Delicious.
The main event is clearly the house made pasta. I feel you can't go wrong with any pasta from Leeward after trying the rigatoni for the first time. It was that good. The shaved parm on top is decadent. I'm more of a pecorino guy, but this has bite and melts into the pasta like butter. The meat is begging to be soaked up with the sauce using bread. A perfect 10.
How does house made vanilla gelato with a show stealing polenta cookie on top sound? Yeah, it blew me away. Rich, velvety and smooth. The contrast in texture is mind boggling here. With an apple butter sauce in a chilled mug. Thankfully, I was in public or I'd lick the spoon.
When you crave Italian pasta you go to Leeward. There is no debate or hesitation. You just do it. Check out more videos from Leeward on my instagram page by clicking here: www.instagram.com/jasonnappiwx and follow for more food adventures.
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