Government Shutdown Prompts Brookline Shop To Offer Free Pasta

BROOKLINE, MA — As the partial government shutdown in Washington stretches on, the ripple effect is being seen across the country, including in Brookline.

In response, one Coolidge Corner business is offering a hot meal for those immediately impacted.

"Free Pasta from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for furloughed Federal Workers for those who show their ID," reads a sign outside Bottega Fiorentina the corner shop that has Florentine pastas, sandwiches and imported Italian groceries for sale.

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"My son-in-law works for the federal government and I felt like doing this. everyone who comes in with government ID is my guest," said Andrea Ferrini, who owns the restaurant.

Ferrini said he's had the sign up outside since Monday, and that a couple of people have taken him up on it.

But, mostly, he said, out here in Brookline, where he imagines not so many people work for the federal government it's a statement "without getting into politics."

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/ Patch Staff. Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).