Boston Restaurants Helping Marathon Runners Carbo-Load Before Big Race

BOSTON, MA — The 128th Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday and, rest assured, the runners competing have likely nailed down their pre-race protocols and practices.

However, for those who haven't or, at the very least, haven't chosen where they'd like to take in their pre-race meal, a handful of Boston-area restaurants are making a pitch: Come carbo-load with us.

The specials range from all-you-can-eat pasta to cocktails meant to celebrate post-run, but for the participating restaurants the reason for the specialty meals is simple.

"We’ve been offering a featured dish for the Boston Marathon for many years because we recognize the significance of this iconic event to both locals and visitors alike," said Tim Clapp, Director of Food & Beverage at Boston Harbor Hotel.

"Offering a special dish that is healthy, delicious, and relevant to fuel runners ahead of or post-race on Marathon Monday is important to us to celebrate the running community."

But there's an important balance to strike for the runners. Carbs pre-race, something to unwind with post-race.

"We’re steps away from the finish line and we want to help runners load up on carbs before and help them celebrate after the marathon. The pasta dishes are great for that," said Alex Brooks, Director of Marketing at The Westin Copley Place.

Here are five spots offering specials ahead of Boston Marathon weekend:

Bambara Kitchen & Bar

Bambara Kitchen & Bar at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge will offer an all-you-can-eat-pasta night on Sunday during dinner hours, from 5 to 10 p.m. The specials runs $26.20 per person.

These house-made pasta specials include:

• Fusilli, roasted garlic marinara, lemon chili crumb, parmesan

• Fettucini, pesto, cream, ricotta salata

Proteins like hanger steak, grilled salmon and grilled chicken can be added to any pasta dish. Pastas can also be made with alternative sauces including marinara, butter and extra virgin olive oil.

Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton

Pasta specials for marathon carbo-loading will be offered Sunday during dinner service from 4 to 10 p.m. in Artisan Bistro.

These pasta specials include:

• Oxtail Bolognese with pappardelle, poached tomato, sweetie peppers, ricotta
• Grilled Shrimp Pesto with rigatoni, parmesan, fresh basil
• Pomodoro Pasta with pappardelle, Poached tomato, ricotta

Cocktail specials will also be available to commemorate and celebrate all Boston Marathon runners. The "Finish Line" is made with Stoli vanilla vodka, blue Curacao and L’Original Combier triple sec orange liqueur. The "Rum Road Runner" is made with Bacardi, Grand Marnier, blue Curacao and lime juice.

Bar10

Bar10 at the Westin Copley Place will run a marathon menu with a variety of pastas and protein-packed options including pappardelle pasta with bolognese, fresh basil, cured tomatoes and Grana Padano cheese; bucatini pasta with white wine clam sauce, manila clams, roasted sweet tomatoes, cipollini onions and herb breadcrumbs; Indian chickpea stew with grilled bread, swiss chard, crispy onions, coconut yogurt and authentic spices.

The W Boston

W Boston will run a Tex Mex burger special, as well as bucatini pasta and Maine lobster and shrimp pasta. There is also a marathon after-party in the lounge starting at 2 p.m.

Rowe's Whart Sea Grille

The waterfront restaurant at the Boston Harbor Hotel will offer a spring vegetable carbonara special with spring vegetables, black garlic and aged pecorino for $31.