the farmers behind the market

Each of Shelly La Fata’s handcrafted artisanal Italian delicacies requires focus, discipline, and the freshest of ingredients. The lines of customers for her creations don’t lie; something magical is happening when Shelly and her Pasta La Fata team visit the market. 

Shelly’s last name, La Fata, Italian for ‘The Fairy,’ sums up the experience she creates at the market. She comes prepared with something for everyone by offering 10 varieties of ravioli, lasagna, and cannelloni in a variety of sizes.

While channeling the artistry and productivity of past and present Italian grandmothers, Shelly and her professional production team often think about Shelly’s own Sicilian grandmother, Josephine La Fata, and the grandmothers of Italy who have cultivated this cuisine. “There are as many ways to make pasta as there are grandmothers in Italy. Keeping with tradition is very important. Grandmothers love the people they're cooking for, and so do we.” 

During the week, Shelly and her team put in long hours. From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. she rarely slows down. She can’t. "When I see lines, it makes me more ambitious. We will meet the demand and prepare as much food as possible so everyone can go home with pasta.” 

Made with Local Ingredients

Despite all Shelly’s hard work, you’d be hard pressed not to find a smile on her face. When asked what she loves most about being the creative force and owner of Pasta La Fata, she speaks of tradition: “I enjoy sharing my family’s traditions and representing Italian food culture. The Italians are obsessed with products from their own towns. True Italian cooking is using what is seasonal, preserving what isn’t, and always using local ingredients, especially from Columbia Farmers market, when you can.”

Throughout the year, new pasta fillings, such as Wild Ramp & Spinach or Lemon Asparagus Ravioli, appear on her menu. In addition to pasta, Shelly makes her family's favorite Italian cookies and tomato sauce, plus there is a rotating special of extraordinary delectables.

Having only been a vendor at Columbia Farmers Market since 2017, it has become the highlight of her week, “I feel like I’m three feet off the ground after a busy market day. I’ve become friends with many customers and vendors; everyone has been so supportive. This market is such an important part of our community. Every personal interaction with each and every one of my customers is a great gift. People’s opinions, feedback, and ideas are very important to me and I take it all very seriously. I’m always working to improve. Columbia is my home and I’m looking forward to growing my business here.”

Find out more about Shelly’s specific ingredients, techniques, and adventures on her Facebook page, @pastalafata, and on her Instagram page, @shellyannlafata. There you can find her updated specials and her planned attendance at the market. By checking her social media platforms in advance, you won’t be disappointed or leave the market empty handed!  You can also check out the Pasta La Fata website at pastalafata.net.