The little boy certainly didn't imagine that he would one day be mass producing upscale Kosher Italian specialties, to actually become the trendsetter and leader in this field, earning the praises and accolades of the greatest food connoisseurs and Kosher experts.

Mr. M. Katzman is now CEO of NY Pasta Authority that specializes in the stuffed delicacies of cheese, vegetable and meat ravioli. "My son the Ravioli," his mother proudly says. Actually, that should be corrected to "the Ravioli Maestro", but who are we to correct a mother?

Until recently, the New York Pasta Authority kept busy supplying only exclusive caterers and food service accounts. Due to popular demand, NYPA has now expanded into retail, so its acclaimed products are now available in the frozen food sections in supermarkets in major cities across the country.

How does this kosher ravioli upstart compare with long established ravioli producers? "Very well, thank G-d," says Mr. Katzman.

Take for example King Supermarkets, an upscale chain specializing in the high end of gourmet foods. When they were first approached about carrying NY Pasta Authority products, they were hesitant to introduce a Kosher brand to their discriminating customers. How could it ever compete against five established Italian producers? To find out, King ordered a blind tasting. To everyone's amazement, NY Pasta came in on top by each of the five testers, winning in both taste and appearance!

In addition to their separate Meat and Dairy Ravioli choices, NY Pasta also produces a vegan line that is low in fat and has no cholesterol. This allows Kosher caterers to enjoy the pareve ravioli with both meat and dairy dinners, while the health conscious consumers can enjoy their vegan choice even if Kosher is not necessarily their preference.

Here's how the NY Pasta Authority's colorful brochure introduces its specialties:

"When we first learned that our family heritage traces back to Padua, Italy, we began to research the culinary legacy and traditions of our Italian Jewish ancestors. We discovered a rich and diverse trove of old-world treasures, married together with the religious laws of Kashrut.

"The New York Pasta Authority (NYPA) was created so the kosher consumer could enjoy the very best of both worlds!"

To match the culinary excellence of such a quality product, NY Pasta would not entrust its Kosher certification to just anyone. Striving for top quality, both physically and spiritually NYPA is certified as strictly Kosher by the OK laboratories, leader in Kosher Super-vision.

OK carefully scrutinizes all ingredients and flavorings, with special attention to all production equipment and heating levels to meet the highest Kosher standards, difficult as they may be to attain.

All their meat products are Glatt Kosher, Dairy products are Chalav Yisroel and the Vegetarian products are 100% Pareve. USDA approved, NYPA's state-of-the-art facility allows for high production ability to supply the growing needs of its clients in a quick and professional manner.

Here is the selection:

These beef-filled "pasta loops" are served in the finest Venetian sidewalk cafes. NYPA'S are so tasty there is no need to sauce them!

In true Italian style, we manufacture our own whole-milk impasta (the purest ricotta cheese made from whole milk) in order to stuff these pillows with the creamiest of fillings. NYPA is very proud of this signature dish.

All natural, all flavorful, and all economical, this high-grade dairy product cooks up quickly for a delicious meal. Made with the same care and quality as the Jumbo Rounds.

Always a popular favorite. The New York Pasta Authority recommends playing these velvety-smooth Tortellini the old fashioned way.. toasted with butter and parmigiano.

So you can't decide between potatoes or pasta? You can now have both with New York Pasta Authority's soft, airy dumplings called Gnocchi, a combination of the two!. Great as an accompaniment to meat or fish, or just on its own.

Smaller and lighter than the Jumbo Beef Ravioli, these squares are packed full of hearty flavor. A real hit with kids of all ages. The New York Pasta Authority supplies this popular item to institutions worldwide.

Bursting with fresh, leafy spinach, the New York Pasta Authority's newest product exceeds all expectations. As an entrée or a natural low-fat snack, you won't be able to stop eating these.

NYPA welcomes your comments & questions at NY.Pasta@ verizon.net