Pasta Fare is a unique entry in this year's contest. Located in Fairview Heights, this restaurant is owned and operated by the Illinois Center for Autism (also one of our featured nonprofits this year). It is specifically designed to provide training, vocational skills training and employment opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This specialized training allows individuals the opportunity to function within a community job setting in the areas of; food preparation, retail food packaging, cashiers’ duties, janitorial and clerical tasks.
The staff strives to bring excellent service and the finest fare of fresh made pastas, savory sauces and freshly baked and decadent desserts. Every batch of pasta is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Pasta Fare offers carry-out food service and event catering for all occasions.
Pasta fare serves up all kinds of Italian-inspired dishes and they even make a mean grilled cheese! Their entry into the contest is their Italian Rye 4-Cheese Grill. The sandwich starts with soft rye bread, gently brushed with light Olive oil. Then they add Harvarti, smoked Gouda, Vermont Yellow Cheddar and Fontini cheeses, top it off with thinly sliced Pepperoni and grill it to soft, gooey perfection. It is accompanied with a side of meatless marinara dipping sauce!
You will be able to sample this and 7 other sandwiches with your pass to the GGCO. You will also get a free Schlafly beer and a cup of tomato soup to pair your sandwich with from Pickleman's Deli! Get your tickets ASAP, because they are limited and usually sell out by the day of the festival: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/56753544379