I'm really torn about rating the Olive Garden. On the one hand, it's an Olive Garden, and while maybe they're not evil like, say, Wal-Mart, it still is not necessarily a business I want to promote. On the other hand, I was really impressed with this, the first Olive Garden I've been to in 8 or so years.
I noticed a fully-stocked bar on the way in, so decided to order a martini. It was not only good, but it was GIANT. Now, I do not really need 2.5 martinis in a single glass, but I will drink it if that's what you give me. Ignoring the waitress' suggestion of the ever-popular 'blush' wine, we ordered an Estancia Pinot for the table. I was impressed because the bottle was less than 2x the cost it would have been in an Ohio grocery/liquor store (and a touch over 2x the cost in a CA store), so that was good.
The appetizer was good, but i cannot remember what it was. I blame the large martini.
Ordered one of the monstrous "Italian specialties" for an entree. It was not spectacular, maybe a tad over-salted, but it had an array of none-too-sublte flavors that went fine with the wine. I was impressed, and happy I did not ruin my appetite with those salt sticks that pass for bread.