"In the beloved former Pastime Cafe space on Main Street, Passatempo’s retro neon sign — styled from the remnants of the old diner’s 1927 sign — is like a fishing lure for hungry tourists. Walla Walla-born chef Sam Shelton brings her chops from Michelin spots in San Francisco and France, keeping things a little more casual and cozy on her rustic Italian menu. Passatempo’s main event is classic handmade pasta, although the glorious Snake River Farm pork chop and Double D Ranch tomahawk rib-eye are just as dazzling. There’s a great selection of cocktails, and owner Mike Martin also owns the Walls Winery, so his bold, sometimes experimental wines are repping strong in the beverage program, too." - Meg van Huygen
