I've never been to any Maggiano's, so being invited for dinner was a welcome treat. It was fairly crowded for a Monday night, but tables were available, so we were seated immediately.
Our hostess ordered two appetizers for our table for four - calamari and stuffed mushrooms. I was thrilled, because those crustaceans are off-limits when it's just the hubby and me. He won't touch them. They were decent, not the best I've ever had, but good enough. The stuffed mushrooms were simply ordinary.
Herb had chicken marsala, and it, too, was ordinary, and really chintzy on the mushrooms. My salmon was overcooked and dry. The spaghetti that accompanied the mains was good, perfectly al dente, with a flavorful marinara sauce.
We all shared tiramisu and a piece of cheesecake for dessert, and those were the best parts of the meal.
While service was good and the ambience is woodsy and inviting, I can think of many other Italian restaurants that have better food at a similar (or lower) price point, so I don't think we'll be rushing back anytime soon.