Diane Allan and Debbie Moran, the Oliverio twins, at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown.

Elizabeth Palmer | AnnArbor.com

Well, if the humidity is an indication, we are at long last reaching summertime in our fair state. Michigan has traded in its mitten for a string bikini, the canoe liveries are open and the Wednesday Farmers Market at Kerrytown has started up again. With all the bounty that is spilling from the farm stalls, it is easy to forget that not all that long ago we were still in the clutches of the bitter, frigid onslaught of a Michigan winter.

The throngs of people who attend the Saturday Kerrytown market travel in a different time space than other people. Now being one of them, on a leisurely morning, I can get that glazed look in my eyes and stop abruptly in the middle of one of the aisles as well as anyone else. That being said, woe be tied to anyone who is in a hurry, and I have definitely been one of those people too.

In the warmer months, this phenomenon increases exponentially. The people milling about are packed more densely, and the will and exertion it takes to not become completely embroiled in pedestrian rage is immense. That being said, it is well worth dealing with the crowd to get there. One of the stands that always makes me smile and love the bustling market is the Pasta e Pasta booth run buy the Oliverio twins, Diane and Debbie.

While moving with the tide of other market goers, keep your eyes peeled for them. Having weathered the entire winter season at the market, I am always struck each time I visit by how kind and cheerful they always are - smiles all around.

The history of Pasta e Pasta is a family affair. Family owned and operated since 2002, Pasta e Pasta pastas and sauces were sold only in a few bakeries and Italian food stores on the eastside until last year. The Oliviero sisters partnered with their cousin, who started the business, in August 2009. It was then that the twins began to bring the Pasta e Pasta goods to markets in the Ann Arbor area. They have a booth at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday, and they are also at the Northville Farmer’s Market on Thursdays. Recently, some of their frozen items (raviolis and sauces) have also become available for sale at Plum Market.

So what do they make? Well, for starters, they have five different kinds of pasta: spinach, whole wheat, tomato basil, egg and a mixed blend. Each of these pastas also comes in four different cuts: spaghetti, fettuccine, pappardelle and rotini. If you are into ravioli, you’re in luck. Pasta e Pasta makes five kinds of frozen ravioli: pumpkin, spinach ricotta, portabella mushroom, four cheese (quarto formaggio) and roasted vegetable. They also make potato and potato spinach gnocchi. For sauce, you have the choice of either marinara or blush. During the holidays, Pasta e Pasta also sells gift baskets. So if you’re thinking or treating yourself to Italian food, Pasta e Pasta may be just your bag.

Pasta e Pasta's booth at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

Elizabeth Palmer | AnnArbor.com