Patch Picks: 5 Places for Marathoners to Carbo-Load

Any runner knows the pre-race protocol: Stock up on Gu (an energy gel used during long runs), pick out your perfect outfit–one with no chafing, breathability and with your race number and shoe chip already attached—and find a place to carbo-load.

The Martian Marathon infiltrates Dearborn tomorrow morning, with several thousand racers pounding the pavement. But tonight, they'll all be looking for a local place to have a sizable pasta dinner to build up storage of glycogen in the muscles for sustained race-day energy.

As Dearborn's harbingers of useful information, we feel it necessary to tell all Martian Marathon participants where they can stuff their faces with spaghetti, ravioli, linguine and more.

Remember to eat early to allow your body time to digest. Good luck, and have fun! We'll see you on the route.

• , 9924 Dix. Tucked away on Dearborn's south end, this sister site of the popular Antonio's offers the same piles of pasta at low prices. Customize your order with chicken or other meats, and don't forget the bread! You'll have plenty of leftovers for after the marathon, too. Patch recommends: Linguine al Pesto with chicken–simple, classic and delicious.
• , 18900 Michigan Ave. Your best bet for all the Italian classics–and a few original dishes thrown in for the adventurous. Plus, Bravo! is attached to the Fairlane Town Center, which means easy access to shopping before or after your meal. Patch recommends: Pasta Bravo! Rigatoni tossed with grilled chicken and mushrooms in roasted red pepper cream sauce–the restaurant's signature dish.
• , 16151 Ford Road. How could you go wrong with this staple? This option has plenty of tasty dishes for the non-pasta eaters at the table, too. Patch recommends: Capellini Pomodoro–roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil tossed with capellini.
• Andiamo, 21400 Michigan Ave. If this is a special event for you–your first marathon, an anniversary event–a special meal to commemorate it is in order. For upscale Italian, Andiamo is an obvious choice. Patch recommends: Fettuccine con Salmone al Fresco, which features fresh salmon with tomatoes and asparagus poached in a lemon-basil broth with tender pasta and Parmesan cheese.
• , 22266 Michigan Ave. A true Dearborn experience means going to a Dearborn-only restaurant. Bistro 222 has few menu items, but the ones they do include are unique twists on staples and house-made pasta. Patch recommends: Cavatelli, a freshly made pasta dish with a creamy, mushroom-garlic sauce.

Dearborn Patch will be hosting an aid station along the marathon route at Perrin Field on Hines Drive. Say hi as you run by!