Like healthy, tasty, local food?Like being inspired by quality products and amazing flavours?You’re going to like Sample Saturdays at Prontissima Pasta from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Tin Town at 2384-Unit C Rosewall Cres. in Courtenay.Papardelle, fettucine, linguini — just a few of the pastas Prontissima produces, pastas that are featured a number of the region’s top restaurants.“But we’re not just a source for pasta,” says owner Sarah Walsh. “We’ve got in-house sauces, local meats, cheeses, ice cream, chocolate and more.”Sample Saturdays are a great way to get a taste of what Prontissima Pasta is up to.The idea came out of the weekly Prontissima Pasta experience at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market.“We’ve got our pastas for sale there, but what people really like is tasting the pestos, and then picking up some pasta to go with them.”Prontissima makes several pestos, from traditional basil to a sharp olive variant.“One of the big stars at the market is our signature artichoke and roasted garlic pesto.” “The shop is all about helping our customers build a complete meal,” says Walsh. “Pasta is just the starting point.”Want to make the sauce richer? Add some organic chicken sausage from Halstead Farms, ground lean beef or bacon from Butcher’s Block (which sources its meats regionally), or Estevan Tuna.Want to dress up a salad? Try some organic olive oils and Natural Pastures cheeses.Need a sweet finish? It’s hard to top Comox’s Benino Gelato or Cumberland’s Dark Side Chocolates.Sample Saturdays at Prontissima Pasta in Tin Town. Come in for a taste of the delicious pasta and sauces. Check out the competitively priced goodies – local and imported – that go into a great meal.Looking for inspiration? Sarah and Jude are full of recipe ideas. Just ask.For more information, contact Prontissima Pasta at 250-338-3636, online at www.prontissimapasta.com, or search for the Prontissima Pasta page on Facebook.— Prontissima Pasta

Comox Valley Record