The counter at Pasta & Provisions Park Road location. Kristen Wile/UP

Parents, I have a secret for you — one that is helping me survive parenthood. Pasta and Provisions keeps me fed and my wine fridge stocked.

No matter the type of parent you are — single, stay-at-home, working, co-parenting, or guardian — we as parents never seem to find time to take care of ourselves. We neglect our needs and put our child’s needs first. After a long day expelling high levels of physical and mental energy, the last thing we want to do is cook for ourselves or pay the high delivery fees of UberEats or DoorDash. Fortunately, I stumbled upon Pasta and Provisions and their ready-to-go meals and diverse Italian deli and wine selections. I can walk in and, five minutes later, walk out with dinner, wine, and usually lunch for the following day. Heck, I could find everything I need to throw a last minute party, but party planning is the furthest thing on my mind at the moment (kudos to the parents that have time to entertain!).

The specials on prepared meals are what I frequent during the week. The portions are reasonable, great for two or ideal for one with enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. For $16, you have a choice of lasagna or cheese ravioli with pomodoro or marinara sauce with baby greens and a half loaf of focaccia bread. For $20, choose any prepared entrée (chicken piccata, eggplant parmesan, and chicken pomodoro are my favorites) with fresh cut pasta, baby greens, and focaccia. The amount of food you get for the price is fair, the food is comforting, and you only have to reheat the entrée and cook the fresh pasta. I add a bottle of wine to my pickup. I get home and pop the meal in the oven, make my salad, pour myself a glass of wine and enjoy the two while I wait for the entrée to warm up. By then, the water is boiling and I cook the pasta in a few minutes. The kiddo is asleep, and this dad gets a “home-cooked” meal and some wine to rewind. Plus, I never eat the whole meal so I have leftovers for tomorrow.

Do not skip the deli, salad cooler, or bread counter, either. These are stocked with artisanal Italian selections. You can find lighter options for lunch or dinner, and purchase everything packaged separately so the food lasts longer for you to enjoy later in the week. There are also great options to keep in your freezer, like ravioli and pizza.

Pasta and Provisions has been in business for 27 years and has three locations: Providence Road, Park Road, and Mint Street. And now that I’m a parent, I think I’ve learned the secret to their success: delicious convenience. —Justin Burke-Samson