Paciarino - Portland, Maine

With a new baby at home I'm adjusting to work - post-maternity leave - and thus doing my fair share of take out these days. One of my favorite "tastes like it's home made - but it's not" dishes is Paciarino's Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli ($8.95). The pasta is made on premise; delicate and not at all starchy (when cooked properly), it is better than the pasta I used to make at home.

Five minutes in a pot of boiling water and voila! You have authentic Italian cuisine. I love to pair the ravioli with Paciarino's Sugo Alla Norma Sauce - made with capers, eggplant, olives and hot peppers that give it a spicy kick. Served with a Caesar salad, this is a once-a-week dinner at our house now.

When dining at Paciarino, I highly recommend splurging on their best bottle - Tenuta Vitanza Rosso di Montalcino ($40) - described on the wine list as a "Baby Brunello". With hints of cherry, plum and oak, the wine is full bodied and rich, with a deep ruby color - it is my new favorite Italian wine.

Located at 468 Fore Street, Paciarino is my absolute favorite Portland "cheap eat." Whether dining in for lunch or dinner - or grabbing pasta from the cooler to cook at home, time and again, the pasta does not disappoint.