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| - The thing about the suburbs of Chicago is that small business like Biaggi's, Minneci's, and Mia Zia's Cafe is they are a dime a dozen. Now, CU-area has these restaurants, but not with the density that my old home had!
Anyway, I had a gift card to Olive Garden that I received from a student over Christmas Break and I decided to use it. I will always default to a "local joint" (said in Guy Fieri voice) because I assume it will be hand crafted rather than a "cookie cutter' recipe. I am a small business advocate, but that doesn't mean I won't support chains like OG!
I love Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Cracker Barrel, but if given the choice I think little places like SO many of my reviews like Gianorio's of Winfield, Red Apple of Carol Stream, or Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn have their own little charm and personality you just can't get in chain restaurants!
So, speaking of chains...there is a Bob Evans nearby! But this visit to OG was going to be a goodie. I knew I'd get the minestrone and I limited myself to just two bread sticks that I think bathe in olive oil (I can have as much of it as I want, right? No, because too much of ANYTHING will add that extra poundage...just because it's all natural doesn't mean you should eat it ALL). It's actually garlic butter, but who's counting? Certainly not Americans watching their waistlines.
So I started with soup and some empty carbohydrates. I knew they would be pretty good, but I also knew that my entree was going to be average at best. I've always loved their pizza but I am having some pizza tomorrow night (from a local joint in Gibson City). I was going in with the idea that I would just get linguine alla marinara and would add some shrimp, but a special caught my eye and stomach. I decided on the Three Cheese Pomodoro Ravioli!
It was a solid choice as part of my three course menu from 12.95. OG has a lot of "lighter" options, which are actually normal sized portions in disguise due to our "growing" problem. I will give you the advice that the fancier it sounds and more words the title of the dish has, the more likely it will be a caloric nightmare (Five Cheese Ravioli Al Forno for 1200 cals...my guess). I know I went off a nutrition tangent, sorry!
I knew I was getting that chocolate mousse cake for dessert which was a bit dry. My water cup as well as the servers' attitude were also lacking substance. ZING!
Will I be back? No, probably not due to running into way too many of my students families (2) than I wanted to. Plus I know the kids think this is an awesome place just because they saw it on TV. Damn you, TV marketers!
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