Brevard Restaurant Spotlight – ‘Island Pasta Company’ Offers Bold Flavors, Fresh Ingredients
By Nealy Kehres // January 17, 2017
Located In Historic Downtown Melbourne
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Dive into your dish and discover the tropical island flavors you never knew you could find in a plate of pasta.
For nearly 15 years, Island Pasta Company has been an integral part of downtown Melbourne’s culinary scene, earning a spot as many residents’ favorite restaurant.
“We’ve had a wonderful and loyal local following that has stuck by us,” said Gabrielle Rush, manager of Island Pasta Company.
“People who come down from up north come back every year. It feels like a family.”
Rush says the friendly and interactive staff are an asset to maintaining Island Pasta Company’s loyal clientele, but more important is their unique and consistent food.
The “island fusion” menu incorporates international flavors ranging from Thai to Latin that includes a variety of entrees to satisfy any craving.
“Pasta is in our name but that is not all we encompass. Pasta is only a part of our menu,” Rush explained.
For starters, Island Pasta Company offers classic Latin dishes with a tropical twist, such as the beef empanadas seasoned with exotic spices and the cheesy black bean nachos topped with succulent blackened shrimp.
One of the most popular appetizers is the Mojo Pork Tostones. Chefs braise, hand-shred and cook the pork butts in-house for more than 12 hours, resulting in a flavorful and fresh product that can be eaten as an appetizer or entrée.
The main dishes offer sandwiches like the Hawaiian Barbecue Pork, rice bowls topped with fresh seafood or grilled chicken, and, of course, an array of pasta entrees.
Rush says one of their most popular pastas, the Irie Mon, has been on the menu since their opening. It consists of penne pasta, grilled chicken and garlic, slathered in a fresh tomato basil cream sauce that is sure to make any mouth water.
Interested in bolder flavors? Consider trying Rush’s personal favorite, the Thai Style, consisting of grilled chicken and fresh cilantro with a spicy Thai peanut sauce over the spaghetti.
One of the most unique dishes guests enjoy, the Trenchtown Tortellini, consists of grapes and bananas in a light Alfredo sauce.
Island Pasta Company offers gluten-free pasta to satisfy customers for those who want to enjoy their delicious pasta dishes despite their dietary restrictions.
In addition to tasty island cuisine, Island Pasta Company offers a diverse selection of cocktails.
Island Pasta Company was the first establishment in Brevard to offer caipirinha, a Brazilian drink made from sugar cane rum called cachaça. The cucumber basil martini is among the best in Melbourne, made with Hendrick’s, a Scottish gin infused with cucumber and rose petal.
The food and drinks have been consistently on par for 15 years, but other parts of the restaurant have changed significantly.
In 2004, Island Pasta Company moved from a small, 50-square-foot corridor to its current location in downtown Melbourne (See Map Below), which has a higher capacity and an ideal central location.
ABOVE MAP: Island Pasta Company is located on 903 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, Florida 32901.
Furthermore, Island Pasta Company expanded when it opened the private banquet facility next door, Calilou. The facility comfortably accommodates around 80 guests for functions ranging from birthday festivities to wedding receptions.
Island Pasta Company creates specialized menus to cater each specific occasion.
Whether one is looking for a location for a large-scale celebration, a romantic dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a few fresh cocktails at the bar, Island Pasta company is a place that can meet anyone’s needs and sure to satisfy the taste buds.
“We strive really hard to put out a delicious product in a casual, fun atmosphere for our guests,” Rush said.
“That, along with with our wonderful staff that works really hard to make guests feel comfortable, is what keeps them coming back.”
For More Information, Visit Island Pasta Company’s Website CLICK HERE
About The Author
A Brevard County native, Nealy Kehres develops her journalistic writing, editing, video production and social media skills as an intern for Space Coast Daily.
After graduating with an honors diploma from Melbourne Central Catholic High School in 2014, Kehres began her education at the University of Florida. As a sophomore, Kehres studies journalism and is an active member of Delta Gamma Sorority.
She is a writer for its monthly newsletter, In The Bulletin and an avid volunteer for its philanthropy, Service of Sight.
Kehres is also involved in student government as a campaign volunteer for Swamp Party. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running and trying out new recipes and restaurants.
