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| - I generally try to avoid chain restaurants, but every once in a while you have a friend that wants to go out to eat, suggests a chain, and you don't have the heart to turn them down, or negate their selection. Sigh.
That being said, Carrabas in Chandler wasn't half bad. The service was stellar from the moment we walked in the door. EVERYONE greeted us, inquired about our experience, and saluted us on the way out. I don't know if it is like this at all locations, but I was impressed. Moreover, our server had great timing, was very friendly and helpful, and kept my iced tea filled.
The food is still chain food. It was pretty good, but chain food all the same. I ordered the Rustica pizza (if you read my post on LGO, you'll know how much I adore pizza). It had a lovely presentation, with large slices of eggplant and colorful peppers. It had a slight spicy kick to it, which I enjoyed, but was underwhelming on the whole. The pizza was a bit oily, the crust did not have personality (I'm sure you know what I mean by that), and neither the cheese nor the sausage were particularly special. It was an average pizza. My date, who has dined here frequently, really enjoys the fillet with asparagus and it seemed to be cooked to order.
One thing that really bothers me about many chain restaurants is the recent trend to serve desserts in shot glasses. You pick your favorite flavor from a selection of 8 or 10. Three bites later, dessert is done. Excuse me, but custard covered with a little Ready Whip does not count as dessert! It is the same at every restaurant, and I find it very unimaginative and unappealing. Call me a snob, but if I'm going to order dessert at a restaurant, I want it to be a true dessert.
Overall, if being strong-armed into a chain restaurant, Carrabas is a good choice with decent food and an excellent staff.
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