* Family Friendly *Dogs on leashes (Pivot) Photos by Marie Pullen Photography
I have been wanting to sink my teeth into some Pasta Garage goodness for weeks. I finally had the opportunity to visit both the Pasta Garage Italian Cafe and Pivot Brewing. These local enterprises are located in Lexington on Delaware Avenue off of Winchester Road. They are within walking distance of one another so it is easy to have your pasta and brew too!
You can spot the Lexington Pasta scooter!
A pleasantly bright establishment, the Pasta Garage is accented in red, white and black. There is ample seating outdoors at the picnic tables under shady Pellegrino umbrellas. This enterprising restaurant classically prepares their own noodles in-house, never dried nor frozen. Did you know that Pasta Garage now makes house made prosciutto and sausage as well? This ensures that everything you order arrives entirely fresh from the kitchen!
The side room can be reserved for private parties.
The decor includes vintage pasta making machines and hand presses.
There is such a variety of menu items, it can be a difficult decision on which to choose. I sampled several delectable dishes. The Caprese Gnocchi, always a crowd-pleaser is served on a blanket of vodka, balsamic and pesto sauce. It is so flavorful I could enjoy this as a full meal! Their heavenly Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish for which you can request the chicken fried or grilled. It is delivered atop fresh, buttered spaghetti with a vibrant, red marinara sauce.
The Caprese Gnocchi takes front and center here along with some locally made beverages.
The delectable Chicken Parm.
For those who like a spicy flare Pasta Garage offers their homemade Sausage and Penne Pasta, presented in a sumptuous sauce of butter, fresh garlic and chili flakes. I had mine crowned with a fried egg which, once broken provided a deliciously decadent accent. Last but definitely not least, I fell in love with their version of Macaroni and Cheese. The Pasta Garage has elevated this simple dish to a totally unique and mouthwatering level. Velvety cheese sauce clings to the large, ribbony pasta, garnished with their house-made prosciutto and grated cheese. Once you have savored this luscious blend, you'll never view mac n' cheese the same!
House made sausage and penne pasta.
Incredible Mac & Cheese with house-made prosciutto. Side it with a healthy Jun Bug probiotic soda made on site !
The Pasta Garage spoons out generous portions. Not only is there plenty for leftovers, you may need to save room for one of their incredible desserts. Choose from a delightful Tiramisu, yummy Chocolate Dipped Cannoli, or rich Cheese Cake smothered in Ameretto Cherry syrup. I promise you will depart the Pasta Garage with fond memories and a smile on your face. They cater and have a Bodega on North Limestone. Shop local for their fresh pastas including linguine, spaghetti, angel hair, rigatoni, rossetti, ravioli and gnocchi among the many selections in the refrigerated section at Kroger, Whole Foods, Good Foods Co-op, the Lexington Farmers Market and Fresh Market. Or just have it shipped to your door. You can purchase fresh pastas and other choice ingredients to fashion wonderful meals in your home!
Crazy delicious desserts! Photo courtesy of Pasta Garage.
It's time to head over to Pivot Brewing! Pivot opened its doors two years ago with crisp hard ciders. Within six months they rounded out their offerings with microbrewed beers. An uncommon option, not found in other breweries is the inspired combination of ciders and beer known as their "Concoctions".
There is an abundance of inventive and enticing ciders from which to choose. Barrel-aged ciders include my personal favorite, an ambrosial Old Fashioned. The Kentucky Sunrise holds pleasing notes of pear and cherry while the Thistle boasts raspberry and ginger. You’ll enjoy tastes of strawberry and kiwi in the Gingham. I found the Off-Trail tantalizing with pungent hints of chai. There are many more flavors between a sweeter or dryer hard cider. FYI, they use local fruit whenever possible and have just received a large shipment of Kentucky grown apples.
Ciders, beers and concoctions, oh my!
Now on to the beers! There is a wide choice of brisk brews from Pale Ale, Belgium Blond, Hefe, Saison, Brown Ale to IPA. You’ll get a kick out of innovative names such as the Calmer Than You (a nod to The Big Lebowski), the Goth and the Winchester.
Enjoy a flight of many flavors!
Seating available inside and out. Puppy dogs on leashes welcome!
Can’t decide? How about the best of both worlds? Sample one of their combo concoctions of beer and cider such as the Strawberry Blonde, Mango Prickle, Bluegrass Snakebite or the Hedge Fund. Then grab a preferred growler for take-home to share!
Brewer Jay and Owner Kevin in front of where all the action happens.
Delicious seasonal apples from Eckerts Farms ready to press. Photo courtesy of Pivot Brewing.
Whatever your selection, you’ll enjoy an afternoon/evening with friends sipping the refreshing libations indoors and out. Babz Bistro food truck has set up a regular residence onsite and Babz will forever tempt you with her tasty southern fare.
Mark your calendar for their lively and amusing "Halloweeniversary" costume party will be held October 27th. Check out their Events page as Pivot regularly schedules entertaining activities including the Mad Potter, Adventure Theatre, Ciders and Caton, PiYo and more!
Pasta Garage- 962 Delaware Ave. Lexington, KY
Pivot Brewing- 1400 Delaware Ave. Lexington, KY