Sauced Pasta Bar

On a warm Wednesday night the line for Sauced Pasta Bar is already five people deep. Only open a week, this little eatery has already become a bit of a smash with the Windsor locals.

Owners Sylvan Spatarel and Benny Thompson put the idea in the works a year ago. “We sat down and had a red wine and a pasta on Chapel Street and just spoke about the vision,” says Sylvan.

The boys wanted to open a place where people could get fresh, quality pasta, quickly and at a reasonable price point.

“What I love about Italy, especially in Rome, is these amazing espresso bars with long marble or copper benches and a heap of people standing there, having a quick coffee and a quick chat, eating something and escaping their world for 15 minutes,” says Sylvan. “That’s what Benny and I have tried to replicate here.”

The pasta they use is made fresh offsite everyday, supplied by Alligator, who use egg to give the pasta that authentic, toothsome texture. This is a the first thing that strikes you—no starchy glug here—and it’s the perfect canvas for both their traditional and gourmet sauces.

Choosing a pasta will be difficult with 13 types available; including stuffed pastas, gluten free, and veggie substitutes for those with allergies. Then add your sauce – these range from the must-be-present bolognese to newer mix of pumpkin puree, pine nuts, Persian feta and basil pesto.

The pappardelle with bolognese sauce ($13.5 for the larger size) hits that home-cooking spot with a rich and meaty sauce. The polo e funghi ($14.9) is creamy, unctuous and peppery, and makes me take back the traditional Italian view that chicken and pasta should never be served together.

The surprises on the menu are the sides: the fried ravioli with napoli dipping sauce ($6) is crispy and decidedly indulgent. The parmesan chips ($5) will have you returning for the carb overload time and time again.

With the liquor license pending, the choice of drinks for now is limited to Italian sparkling waters; but expect to see some “damn drinkable” Italian wines and beers on the list in the future.

Secretly, the boys’ tagline is “making pasta sexy again.” I think they just might achieve it.

SAUCED PASTA BAR
148 Chapel Street, Windsor
13 0072 8233
Mon to Wed 12pm till 10pm
Thurs to Sat 12pm till 11pm
Sun 12pm till 10pm