A PLACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. Josephine's Pastaria is the first new Italian-style restaurant to open in the Chippewa Falls area in some time, boasting allergen-friendly dishes (as most of the ownership's family, pictured, have food allergies) and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Stepping inside the doors of Josephine’s Pastaria (17158 Co Hwy J, Suite E, Chippewa Falls) this July was a welcome reprieve from the 90-degree temperature and harsh wildfire smoke in the air. There, I was immediately transported back to a trattoria I came upon in Rome, Italy, during the historic 1976 European heatwave.

With Frank Sinatra crooning in the background and tables fitted with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths, the Italian bistro captured my attention and appetite with its vast menu. It offers a delicious mix of classic and modern Italian favorites – along with a variety of allergen-free options – prepared from scratch in a dedicated cooking area to ensure a delicious, safe dining experience.

The three-page menu and its insert of pizza offerings jumps from section to section; small bites, "pastabilities," family-style options, handhelds, house specials, alcohol-free drinks (including fresh-squeezed lemonade and 14 flavors of Italian sodas) among others.

Don't forget the to peruse the menu's "Bambinos and Seniors," calzones and desserts.

Dining options include delivery, carry-out, dine-in and catering. The latter offers fresh pasta and salads, Italian classics, homemade sauces, charcuterie boards and "appeteasers" as well as cannoli trays.

Owners Brandon and Sara Orcholski have a combined 40 years of food service experience, they shared. From their youths working as a short-order cook and in fast food joints, respectively, the couple met at Galloway Grill – she managed the restaurant, he was the morning cook. Having both been previously divorced, each swore they'd never marry again. Cupid's arrow struck anyway.

Both dreamed of owning their own restaurant, and after several visits to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Small Business Development Center, the Orcholskis were on their way to do just that.

After opening in April, Josephine's Pastaria celebrated its arrival to the area through an official ribbon-cutting event with the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce on June 8.

Josephine's Pastaria's inspiration comes from Brandon's lineage – his father is part Italian and Sicilian – and a number of secret family recipes. When Sara saw an advertisement for build-to-suit spaces at the former Gordy's and Family Fare building in Chippewa Falls, they snatched up one of those slots.

Much of the decor (and Sinatra LPs) come from Sara's father, who owned and managed Minneapolis's Cork's – “the place for young professionals to see and be seen” – a 1970s-1980s joint. At Josephine's, “The Corky” sandwich is an homage to him, containing his favorite fixings.

The Italian-style bistro's name comes from their youngest child, Josephine, as well as Brandon's late best friend JP. Their blended family also includes Nico, 14, and Charlotte (Charli), 10. Both play a role in why Josephine's Pastaria is a very family-friendly place.

“We didn’t want to serve alcohol, and we wanted to appeal to families more than most establishments,” Sara said in an interview. “We love children and are involved with the River Source Family Center in Chippewa Falls, plus other groups involving children and youth.

“They are the future, and without our children, we wouldn’t be doing this,” she continued. “Mostly, we wanted a place where parents could bring their kids to eat in public and not have other people be upset if their children were loud or just being kiddos.”

The bistro has a kid's corner with child-sized tables and chairs. Crayons and coloring books are always within reach, and every child's artwork is posted on a special wall at the eatery's entrance for all to see.

The local family also has a number of allergies; creating allergen-free dishes – with a separate prep and cooking area for them – was critical for Josephine's Pastaria. Brandon is allergic to soy, Sara to gluten and dairy, and their girls to dairy. Only their oldest, Nico, is free from those food allergies.

Those allergies don't deter Brandon from getting creative with food – his passions have always been brought to life in the kitchen.

“Sara is my muse,” he shared with a smile. “She starts talking about a food idea, then I go and create what she described. She taste tests and says it’s ‘delectable.’ ”

Josephine's Pastaria's pasta menu includes build-your-own single servings and family-style options. Gluten-free and chickpea pasta noodles are available with over a dozen toppings choices to choose from including Vidalia onions, sweet bell peppers, artichokes, jalapeños and more.

The family-owned bistro's team is small yet mighty – the owners praised their team, naming every employee and their part in the operation – some of whom may be recognizable for their previous work in other food servicers in the area. 

They also cross-market with other entrepreneurs in the area. Their landlord, Joel Jacobson, owns Jacobson’s Meat Market just down the mall’s street (as well as the Chippewa Valley's Jacobson's Ace Hardware locations and Jacobson's Lakeside Liquor) and is where Josephine's sources its Italian sausage. (When Joel opened his bourbon and whiskey tasting lounge, he asked the Josephine's owners for their pizza menu to share there.)

The bistro also uses espresso in its desserts, which comes from Hiker Coffee, owned by locals Zach Pecha and Addy Serum; Good Ass Food (GAF), a specialty scratch bakery and kitchen featuring gluten- and dairy-free goods in the area; and Belly Love Holistic Wellness, a functional nutrition practice serving the Chippewa Valley.

Josephine's is the Chippewa Valley's first new Italian-style restaurant in some time, and is more than worth the short drive over to the Lake Wissota area. Take it to go or dine in – you can't go wrong!

Visit Josephine's Pastaria yourself at 17158 Cty Hwy J, Suite E, Chippewa Falls • The new restaurant's current hours are 11am-8pm, Sunday-Thursday; 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday • Reach the team at (715) 944-2854 or josephinespastaria@gmail.com