Jason "Jay" Midwood of Pasta Mani at the Worcester Public Market is among area chef/owners who have transformed their eateries into takeout and delivery spots.

Midwood has put together a special take-out menu of his handcrafted pasta that includes family-style “bake at homes,” in addition to salads. He accepts orders by text (413) 687-8491, Facebook and Instagram.

Midwood said he needs at least a day’s notice when ordering. When we talked to him on the phone last week he planned to take orders for Easter up until April 10. Customers cannot enter the Public Market, so they need to call ahead and Midwood will direct them to a pickup area.

This pasta perfectionist’s menu includes Lasagna with Meat Sauce (pork and beef), 3 cheeses and fresh sauce, serving 2 to 4 or 6 to 8 (you can opt out on the meat); White Lasagna, Spinach, Broccoli Rabe, 3 cheeses with white sauce with pork, or with sausage.

Prices vary from $30 to $55, depending on servings and whether you choose meat or go meatless.

With the purchase of a bake-at-home meal, you have the option to order a Family-Style C-zar Salad for $15 (4 servings), with croutons, cheese and dressing, or a Family-style Radicchio Salad for $15 (4 servings), with red wine vinaigrette and cheese.

The chef also sells half-pound bags of handmade spaghetti (made with egg), $6 each, or two for $10. His menu is posted on the Worcester Public Market website www.worcesterpublicmarket.org.

Pasta Mani opened to the public in February, just a short time before COVID-19 forced it to become a takeout operation, according to Midwood, who said business had been great. “I decided to do takeout and local delivery as a way to keep my head above water,” he said.

Note: Midwood said vendors were notified that the Worcester Public Market for now has targeted reopening in May.

Midwood, originally from Palmer, is a graduate of the culinary arts program at Newbury College in Boston. He spent most of his culinary career in Seattle, gaining experience with chef Ethan Stowell’s restaurant group and as a chef team member of Eat Seattle, a company founded by Liz Philpot that gives chef -guided tasting tours of Pike Place Market and cooking classes. In Seattle, Midwood, said he learned “the delicacy and nuance of pasta making.”

Returning to the New England, Midwood said he and his wife thought about settling in Northampton or the Springfield area. “MGM Springfield was the catalyst for moving back here,” he said.

Midwood for a short time worked for Rob Fecteau, owner of BirchTree Bread Co. in Worcester, whom he first met when they both were employed at a Boston hotel.

After talking to Allen Fletcher, owner of Worcester Public Market, Midwood made the decision to launch Pasta Mani. “Originally, I wanted a small restaurant,” said Midwood, “but the public market won out.”

Pasta Mani, he said, is the “culmination of 26 years of cooking, learning and loving food.”

He and his wife (a sommelier) are Worcester homeowners. They recently became parents of their first child, a son.

After the targeted reopening in May, Midwood said, he plans to take over more space, adding 10 more seats and a communal table. “We should be able to seat 30,” said Midwood.

If you’re able, take a break from cooking and carb-up on some of the city’s best fresh pasta.

Vin Bin still taking care of customers

The Vin Bin, 91 Main St., Marlboro, is among businesses that offer a variety of weekly specials for takeout and delivery.

Owner Rick Lombardi shared this update:

“The Vin Bin offers free delivery to our communities — Marlboro, Southboro and Hopkinton — with a minimum $50 purchase. Because deliveries are generally at the end of the day, we suggest customers who want hot sandwiches who can’t make it, order via Doordash, our third-party partner. I believe they have waived or adjusted delivery fees for the time being.

“Otherwise, we have been delivering everything in our store from chocolate bars, pretzels, freshly cut wedges of cheese to cases of wine and craft beer,” said Lombardi.

Curbside is a breeze, he said. “Our customers pull right up to the door, call us and we bring the goodies out to them generally with a “no touch, no harm policy.”

Vin Bin’s “burgers curbside” at the Main Street location is “weather permitting” on either Wednesday or Thursday, said Lombardi. Chef Mike Lombardi, son of Rick and Julie Lombardi, fires up the grill.

Specialty Grilled Cheese All Day is available on the non-burger day. Note: I personally can attest the Vin Bin’s grilled cheese sandwiches are the best ever! Jazzed up versions, plus more.

The Vin Bin also has created a Chicken Parm special on Tuesday nights (after 4 p.m.) in Marlboro. Customers can reserve the sandwich during the day (508) 480-9463 and pick up at night.

“Because of the ever changing COVID-19 restrictions and advisories, we haven’t ruled out or made any policy permanent,” said Lombardi. “We do what we can do to serve our public and keep everyone safe. I will say customers have been extraordinarily kind and understanding, which really goes a long way with our staff. It’s difficult working in these conditions, but to know that our guests openly appreciate the effort is rewarding.”

Email info@thevinbin.com for information about the Little Red Truck Delivery Service. Orders taken before 4 p.m. are guaranteed same day delivery. Visit https://thevinbin.com for information about specials, etc.

Support local businesses!

Curbside pickup at Pair, Poured & Plated

Pair, Poured & Plated, 290 W. Main St., Northboro, is open for curbside pickup.

Owners Jean Killeen and David Tiberii encourage customers to order by phone, (508) 466-7786, or send email to info@pairpouredplated.com. Visit www.pairedpouredplated.com. Follow social media for product posts. Store hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Customers who enter the store are asked to sanitize hands at the front, wear a mask and refrain from touching anything in the store, according to the owners. “We’ll gladly pick your items and answer any questions,” said Killeen, who with her husband, thank customers for their continued support and cooperation. “Stay safe. Stay healthy” is their message.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.