VERA PASTA COMPANY, WEST CHESTER PA

(20 MILEs)

Vera Pasta is owned by Chef Joe D’Andrea. In early 2011, Joe traveled to Parma, Italy to attend ALMA, The International School of Italian Cuisine. Upon completing school, he interned in Sorrento under the guidance of star Chef Nunzio Spagnuolo, learning everything from classical Italian techniques, regional ingredients, culture and language.

A few months after moving back home to West Chester, PA, Joe started his business in an effort to bring the simple, true flavors of Italy to Pennsylvania.

In a food product as simple as pasta, using excellent flour is critical. Flour is sourced from North Dakota, where some of the highest-quality Durum Semolina wheat is grown. Other ingredients used are sourced locally, with an emphasis on small-batch productions.

Vera Pasta subscribes to the age-old technique of pasta extrusion, which originated in South Italy. This traditional method of extrusion involves pushing dough through bronze dies, which hold the shapes of common pastas. This high-pressure, high-friction process causes microstriations (microscopic scratches) to form, making the pasta surface rough and “stickier” for sauces.