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| - I visited Olive Garden at Robinson Towne Center last night and wanted to share with you my impressions
I arrived at 5pm on a Wednesday evening (hardly peak traffic time) and I waited exactly 12 minutes to be seated. Once I was seated, I discovered that the place was nearly empty - and therefore wondered what the 12 minute wait was all about.
Once I was at my table, the waitress asked if I wanted to place a drink or appetizer order. I ordered an Italian Margarita and Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip. Both of these items were on the menu...and the drink was horrible. I am not sure of the exact taste, but picture sewer water, with a little white lightening thrown it. The artichoke spinach dip was okay...but nothing too exciting.
At this point I ordered my main dish..."Chicken Parmigiana" which was one of the most expensive item on the menu at $15. To be honest with you, I can make something that tastes twice as good (at half the cost) in my own kitchen. It tasted like a microwave TV dinner. To make matters worse, the serving size was very small, more like an appetizer.
At this point, I was pretty frustrated...but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. For desert I ordered Tiramisu. It was good, and the portion size was respectable. If anything, Olive Garden does offer a respectable dessert.
I spent a grad total of $37 +tip. In the end, I could have made the exact same stuff in my kitchen for $12, and it would have tasted better. Olive Garden is the poster-child of chain restaurants. I am convinced that they simply microwave their food. This is not Italian food....this is American food with a casual-dining twist...and a hint of fake Italian food thrown in to complete the effect.
Avoid this place like the plague - it is a disgrace to Italians everywhere!
The only reason I am giving this review 2-Stars in because of the waitress. Despite the horrible drinks and the microwave food...she really did try her best.
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