June 17, 2025 – There’s nothing quite like summer in Oregon. The days are longer, the evenings are golden, and local produce is at its peak (hello, berry season!). This is the season we’ve all been waiting for, and our new summer menu is here to celebrate everything we love about the PNW this time of year. With fruity flavors, fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and local wines, these seasonal specials taste like an Oregon summer.

Gemelli Insalata

At the heart of our summer lineup is the Gemelli Insalata, a chilled pasta salad that’s anything but ordinary. Made with gemelli pasta, this dish is tossed with baby spinach, local strawberries and blackberries, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, sweet-savory bite that’s perfect for warmer days ahead.

But what exactly is gemelli?
In Italian, gemelli means “twins,” referring to the shape of the pasta; two strands twisted together. (Fun fact: it’s actually one noodle twisted onto itself.) This spiral shape is perfect for holding dressings and ingredients, just like in this light, summery dish.

Summer Wine from Del Rio Vineyards

We’re proud to feature two beautiful wines from Del Rio Vineyards, a family-owned winery in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. The estate started as a pear orchard over 90 years ago and was transformed into a vineyard in the late 1990s. Today, Del Rio is home to the largest single vineyard in Southern Oregon, spanning over 530 acres. Their winery, housed in a historic red barn, focuses on sustainable farming, quality fruit, and community-driven winemaking, making them the perfect partner for Pastini.

Del Rio Pinot Noir
This fruit-forward pinot is packed with juicy notes of cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate, balanced with fine tannins and bright acidity. It’s a go-to red for warm summer evenings and pairs beautifully with tomato-based pastas, grilled veggies, and yes, even the Gemelli Insalata.

Del Rio Riesling
Prefer something lighter? This medium-dry Riesling has tropical notes of passion fruit, apricot, and grapefruit with a floral hint of hyacinth. Its crisp, slightly sweet finish is a dream with creamy dishes, seafood pastas, fresh salads and antipasti, or just as a fun patio sipper.

Blackberry Mojito

This fan favorite cocktail is back and just as refreshing as ever. Made with Bacardi Silver rum, lime juice, blackberry syrup, wildberry purée, and muddled mint, it’s topped with fresh blackberries for a fruity, minty drink that tastes like summer in a glass.

Bonus: it looks great in Instagram pics. Tag us @pastini

Blackberry Citrus Fizz (Zero-Proof)

Looking for something alcohol-free that still brings in the flavor? The Blackberry Citrus Fizz is made with local Dhos Orange, blackberry syrup, and lemon juice. It’s bubbly, fruity, and perfect for anyone skipping the booze.

Lemon Semifreddo

If you loved our Lemon Custard Cake from previous years, just wait until you try this. The Lemon Semifreddo is a silky, semi-frozen dessert inspired by the classic Italian sweet treat and Oregon grown fruit. Semifreddo means “half frozen” in Italian, and it’s the perfect balance between ice cream and mousse. We top it with a marionberry and Del Rio Pinot Noir compote, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a fresh mint leaf. It’s the dreamiest way to end a summer meal (trust us).

These specials are only here for the summer season (just like the sunshine), so come by your neighborhood Pastini and soak it all in with us! We’ll save you a seat—and maybe a mojito.