By Keith S. Shikowitz
HAVERSTRAW, NY – A culinary revival is stirring, reminiscent of the nostalgic Prince spaghetti days of Boston’s past. The village now celebrates its own version of pasta day, not just on Wednesdays but every day, thanks to the opening of Flours, a fresh pasta haven that has quickly captivated the locals.
Flours Pasta & Bakeshop is not just a pasta shop; it’s a community hub and a symbol of Todisco’s commitment to quality and inclusivity. The shop offers a diverse range of pastas, from machine-extruded varieties to handmade ravioli and gnocchi, using both traditional and alternative grains. These unique offerings are a testament to Todisco’s dedication to breaking the stigma around pasta and promoting healthier, more digestible options.
But why Haverstraw? For Todisco, the choice was serendipitous. After an extensive search, the village’s vibrant energy and rich history captivated her. Flours now resides in a historic building, once home to the Rockland County Times, adding a layer of historical significance to her endeavor.
Sofia Todisco, the vibrant owner of Flours, shares her journey from PR student to culinary artist. After a stint in the PR world in Boston, Todisco’s passion for the culinary arts led her to reshape her career. Starting from scratch in the restaurant industry, she climbed from dishwashing to managing, and eventually took her passion to a café in Brooklyn. There, her commitment to local eating and farm-fresh ingredients took root.
Todisco’s culinary adventure took a pivotal turn in 2019 when she ventured to Italy to work on organic farms. Immersed in a family-like environment, she honed her skills in traditional Italian cooking and pasta making, an experience that profoundly influenced her culinary perspective.
Returning stateside, Todisco collaborated with acclaimed cookbook author Melissa Clarke, developing recipes and expanding her expertise in food experimentation. The inception of Sofia’s Feast in January 2020 was a significant milestone, though the pandemic reshaped her business model towards meal deliveries, featuring popular fresh pasta kits.
Mayor Mike Kohut, the Village of Haverstraw, and in general the North Rockland Community have welcomed Flours with open arms, aiding in the smooth establishment of the business. Customers, like Jamie and her daughter Lily, are drawn not only by the pasta but also by the shop’s warm, inclusive atmosphere and its strong presence on social media.
Looking ahead, Todisco envisions Flours as more than a pasta shop; she sees it as a community cornerstone, especially with the upcoming changes in the village. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident in her plans to accept SNAP and EBT, ensuring that Flours remains accessible to all.
As for the name ‘Flours’, it emerged from a brainstorming session, encapsulating the diversity of flours used and the shop’s holistic approach to pasta-making. The name symbolizes a blend of innovation, tradition, and community, much like the pasta creations that have made Flours a new staple in the Village of Haverstraw.
In a world constantly evolving, Flours stands as a testament to the power of passion, community, and, of course, the timeless appeal of a good plate of pasta.
Flours Pasta & Bakeshop is located at 11 New Main Street, in the Village of Haverstraw NY.
