| rev:text
| - I just returned from a fabulous dinner at Carrabba's!
I had had a frustrating experience another night, where we arrived thinking we had a "reservation".* I used the email form on their site, and described the situation. A few days later, I got a call from the manager, who sounded genuinely concerned that a customer was upset, and invited me back for another visit. As I mentioned to him, I believe that you can tell more about how a business handles a misstep than you could if you just had a good experience in the first place. I can't imagine a better second impression than the one I had tonight, unless it included a new pair of fuzzy jammies and tuck-in service!
When we arrived, we were seated quickly tonight, and had excellent service throughout the evening. Our drinks were rarely empty for a moment, and I observed the same manager stopping at tables throughout the evening (including ours) to make sure the patrons were enjoying their food and their evening. This wasn't the abrupt "everything ok?" followed by a disappearing act usually displayed by restaurant managers, but I saw him spending time and
actually adding to the dining experience. Impressive!
I'll give a short description of each menu item I tasted (yes, I'm one of THOSE that has to try something from everyone that ordered something that looks good to me, AND isn't actively threatening to stab me with their fork), although NONE rated below yummy.
Bread-Crusty outside, soft inside, served with a fruity olive oil with herbs.
Mozzarella Marinara-Great! Garlicky, Crunchy, and the sauce was chunky and very fresh-tasting. NOT your standard dipping marinara (in a good way).
Caesar salad-Really enjoyed it. Dressing was well-balanced, and I appreciated the salt and pepper grinders on the table, so I didn't end up with "Salad Au Poivre" as sometimes happens when the server has the piano leg-sized pepper grinder.
Seafood Chowder-My husband ordered this. Flavorful, not overly fishy-tasting. I expected something creamier, and more like a clam chowder, but this was fairly pureed, and darker.
Seafood canneloni-This was a special, so may not always be available. Chunks of lobster, shrimp, and scallop in a tomato cream sauce. This was pretty good, although probably my least favorite of the night.
Spiedino Di Mare-Breaded scallops and shrimp in lemon butter sauce. WH! I am not usually a fan of scallops, because I have had them masquerade as either "salty hockey puck" or "fish jello". This, however, was tender and tasty.
Chicken Bryan-Chicken breast topped with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, in a lemon butter sauce. WHO invented this? I need to send them a gift basket or name a child after them or something. This was SO good! I guess you can get a filet prepared this way as well.
Filet-WOW! I never would have guessed that I would find such a flavorful, tender, succulent steak in a place like this! The manager said it was a well-kept secret, and I agree. Did I mention succulent? I may or may not need a bib to catch the drool while I write this.
Garlicky mashed potatoes-Perfect. Not overly garlicky, chunky enough to prove they are real potatoes, and not too salty.
Sogno Di Cioccolata-MUCH better than the chokingly dense brownie/coagulated chocolate goo that you typically find. This had various layers of chocolate brownie, mousse, cream, sauce, and had a nice balance between sweet and a little bitter.
Limoncello Bread Pudding-I am NOT typically a fan of bread pudding. I have found it to be soggy, tasting mostly of alcohol, and generally order anything BUT this. I'm so glad I gave this the chance, though! It was the slightest bit caramelized, which gave it a great texture. I loved the hint of lemon, and the vanilla bean ice cream served on top.
I know that this is a chain, but if the food and service are this good on future occasions, this restaurant will definitely remain a favorite. Thanks, Mike!
*For future reference, their call ahead seating is NOT the same as a reservation, and merely shortens your wait time upon reaching the restaurant. If there is one downside to this place, it is that it (and its parking lot) needs to be about 1/3 larger, to accommodate the number of people who want to dine here. The tables are closer than I'd prefer, and there is not enough space to really wait comfortably. Once you survive that gauntlet though, you're in for a good meal.
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