Meet our Chef
Jason Midwood
Chef Jay, originally from Western Mass, fell in love with cooking at an early age. While watching PBS cooking shows in the 80’s, he became enamored by Juila Child, fascinated by Jeff Smith, and amazed by Martin Yan. This inspiration led him to pursue a culinary education at Newbury College in Boston, where he graduated with an Associates Degree in 1997. He worked all over Boston from the North End to the Public Library, adding new skills and knowledge with each restaurant.
In 2013 he moved to Seattle with his wife, Emily to reach new heights in his career and experience a new coast. Little did he know, he would find his love of pasta so far from the North End. He worked for the Ethan Stowell restaurant group and took a position in the commissary kitchen assisting in pasta production. He made fast friends with the head of the Pasta team, Marshall Nall. He learned the delicacy and nuance of pasta making, causing him to fall in love with it all over again. He expressed his craft by teaching gnocchi-making classes in Pike Place Market and leading the kitchen at a small Italian wine bar.
Something called him home to the East Coast and he returned with his wife in 2018. Shortly after moving, he had the opportunity to apply his love of the craft of pasta-making in Worcester. Pasta Mani is the culmination of 30 years of cooking, learning and loving food. We are so pleased to get to share it with you!
What People Are Saying
“Pasta Mani at the Worcester Public Market on 152 Green St. has earned a spot as one of the best places in the city for freshly made pastas and handcrafted sauces.
Executive chef/owner Jason (Jay) Midwood’s pasta and specialty dishes are all that and more! His weekly menu options are phenomenal.”
— Worcester Telegram
“Located inside the Worcester Public Market, this gem serves the best homemade pasta dishes I have ever had. A beautiful little private spot to sit with family and friends and enjoy the fantastic menus that change weekly. Every dish, beautifully presented and packed with flavor. Can't say enough about this restaurant and experience!”
— C Angell
“One of the best pasta restaurants- actually one of the best restaurants anywhere. 9 seats, a locally sourced, creative and inspired menu that changes weekly, a kitchen that’s cleaner than a laboratory, great service, made to order dishes that compete with the best dishes in NYC, London, and yes, even Italy. Go by any means necessary and enjoy it before the secret gets out.”
— Jules Jenssen
pasta in the press
We’re making waves with more than just our mafaldine pasta.
Come Visit Us
160 Green Street
Worcester, MA 01605
inside the Worcester Public Market
Phone
(508) 826-7405
