Mama always said, "lunch is only as good as your options."  Actually, I think it was life, but in this case it's lunch.  When you arrive, you'll receive a card with all the delicious choices for the makings of a great pasta lunch.  Circle your choices and hand it over.  You can choose from several types of pasta: angel hair, linguine or penne.  Or, flatbread if you'd prefer.  Next, choose marinara or alfredo sauce, and to complete your pièce de résistance, add roast chicken, Italian sausage, artichoke hearts, bacon, olives, cheeses and more.  Veggies are, of course, included for you veggie lovers out there.  On the double burners, your creation will be cooked, and voilá! Lunch!  It's simple, but so good!  It's easy to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. 

I dined at this lovely establishment on Saturday and I'm glad my guest and I arrived when we did...the lunch rush soon followed!  My guest had penne with fresh vegetables and I had penne with alfredo, asiago and bacon...it was the kind of good where, instead of saving half of the very generous portion for dinner, I scarfed as much up as I could because it was sooo good!!!  I still have enough leftovers for a wee snack later...mmm!  I was very impressed with how quickly my food arrived and am determined to bring my office mates in for a field trip soon.   And, if you're up for something sweet after a very delicious and filling savoury meal, there's lots of baked sweet treats also available ...I think I spied a lemon square which I regret not snatching up, but maybe next time.

So who's the genius behind this pasta lover's heaven?  Jody Miller, who is also the executive chef at Reserve in Newport, has been diligently working on this lunch haven with his mum and sister.  They've been open for seven weeks and rely mostly on word of mouth to bring people in.  It must be working; he says customers keep coming back every week.  He tries to buy the produce he uses fresh from Findlay Market when he can.  Jody has always loved Italian cooking and in fact, the name "Bouchard" comes from his great-grandfather who used to run a bakery in Italy.  The baking has been passed down as his mum bakes some great treats as well, and his sister who makes the breads.   A pasta maker in Cleveland supplies Bouchard's with fresh pastas, in pretty much any flavour Jody wants.

Anything's Pastable is located near the Elm Street entrance of Findlay Market.  While he was initially skeptical when his mum suggested the Market, Jody told me that he almost immediately knew, after seeing it, that a location near the market or downtown area was where he wanted to be with his pasta place.  Hailing most recently from Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Jody has been in Cincinnati for just over a year and is enjoying the city.  Come visit Anything's Pastable and keep your eyes open for a "pastable" expansion this spring...

Who's it for?
Pasta lovers, lunch eaters, pre-race carb-loaders and anyone looking for a quick, hot, tasty bite near Findlay Market.

How much?
For just $6, treat your taste buds to a symphony of flavour!  Salads also available for $3 and water and soda to quench your thirst.

Where is it?
Near the Elm Street entrance of Findlay Market...easy to spot!

When?
Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Yummers Rating

Definitely a perfect 5!  I'll be back soon...