"At any of its three locations around Portland, Grassa draws you in with its refined modern aesthetic, eclectic background music played from old vinyl, and the irresistible smell of pasta that’s made fresh daily. Every one of the local chain’s Italian pasta dishes are delicious, but mac and cheese lovers will instantly gravitate to the pork belly mac and cheese. Made with shell-shaped conchiglie pasta and a secret white cheese blend, owner and chef Rick Gencarelli adds jalapenos, red onions, and cornbread crumbs for some spice and texture alongside the silky cheese. Then, cubes of tender barbecue pork belly land on top, adding salt and smoky barbecue flavor to the mix. It’s like the adult version of Kraft Mac with cut-up hotdogs, but so, so much better." - Zoe Baillargeon
