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| - Listen, I don't just fling around 5 star reviews, especially not for chains. Sorry.
BUT:
This place where it's at. If you want middle of the road ($-$$) italian food, PLEASE don't ever eat at Olive Garden again. Ever. Say it with me: "I will never eat at Olive Garden again." Okay, good.
The food at Carraba's is tasty, it will never surprise you or floor you, but you know what to expect and it's good quality. This is a franchised restaurant, so each one will be run a bit differently, but I've had very good experiences overall. Service is good, and it's a really great place for a nice but casual date or a family dinner.
Here's the thing, and the real reason for this review: I had the most impressive management experience here. It was actually last summer, but I never reviewed it and can't handle the guilt of letting this good deed go unnoticed. My fiance and I had just finished working out and swimming laps at the swim club at Shea, and we were starving. We wanted Italian, but with options to make it somewhat healthy. At the time we'd never visited Carraba's, but had heard good things, so we went in. Quickly realizing we were underdressed in our board shorts and flip flops, me with wet hair and goggle marks still on my forehead, we just said "oh, thanks, but never mind" and turned to walk out.
I kid you not, the manager followed us out and invited us back in. When we said we were embarrassed about our apparel, he offered to take off his tie and button-down shirt and just wear his undershirt if we'd feel more comfortable. I thought he was kidding. He sure did untuck his shirt and unbutton his sleeves!
This spoke volumes to us about the type of restaurant this is; they truly value patrons and make sure everyone feels at home.
I love this place so much, they're catering my wedding.
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