Carbs are the reward for doing hard things. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios
đŸ‘‹ Madalyn here! The best part of my very short running journey has been carb-loading.
Why it matters: Carbs are fuel. And honestly, who doesn't love them — training or not.
Zoom in: I recently tried Pazzo Pastaria on the North East Side. I'm loyal to my neighborhood favorites, so I was a bit reluctant to venture out — but it was absolutely worth it.
The vibe: It's a true strip mall gem. Inside, it's cozy and low-lit with friendly service.
What to try: Thefusilli primavera ($19) with crispy chicken ($7). The herby pasta was perfectly al dente, and the vegetables added a fresh balance to the hearty chicken cutlet.
I stole a few bites of the penne alla rustica ($20) — equally savory, with a Mediterranean touch from the olives.
And don't skip the arancini ($12). The risotto stays tender and textured even with all that cheesy goodness.
Pro tip: We lucked out without a reservation, but you should definitely make one.
