CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Whether you prefer rigatoni, gnocchi, penne or farfalle, pasta lovers can all agree that National Pasta Day — Oct. 17 — is the best holiday of the year.
While the origins of pasta are hard to pin down, it's thought to have descended from Asian cuisine. Many believe that pasta was brought from China to Italy in the 13th century from Marco Polo.
In Chicago, one neighborhood kitchen has been serving up fresh pasta since 1996: The Pasta Bowl, which has locations in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Lincoln Square.
“It’s nice to be able to have a lot of folks come in to celebrate National Pasta Day,” said Jay Morrissey, Pasta Bowl manager. “I expect we’ll have a busy night.”
The story of the restaurant began about 20 years ago on a trip to the west coast. Chris McDemott, the founder of Pasta Bowl, was inspired by an open kitchen concept restaurant with genuine hospitality.
"Wow, this looks like a lot more fun than being a [certified public accountant]," McDemott said to himself.
Once he returned home, McDemott decided to quit his job as a CPA and opened the first Pasta Bowl location in Lincoln Park in November 1996. Although he McDemott never ran a restaurant before opening that first location, he said he always kept the faith.
“We'll figure it out," McDemott said along the way.
From salmone alla crema to conchiglie al fuso, the menu includes about 20 different pastas, but McDemott said the signature dish is farfalle pollo, which features tender, grilled chicken and garlic-buttered mushrooms.
“The farfalle pollo has been the favorite dish here since we opened. It’s hard to beat butter, cream and cheese,” said Morrissey.
The Pasta Bowl family has grown a lot since the '90s. Owners said their favorite part of running the restaurant is seeing the growth of their customers and staff. They said nothing can beat watching couples come in for a first date, then an engagement — and then returning with a reservation for four, with highchairs.
The Pasta Bowl has three locations, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Check out local pasta restaurants in your neighborhood to celebrate the holiday and support local businesses.
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