"....I'll meet you anytime you want at our Italian restaurant". I always have the urge to sing these familiar words from Billy Joel's "Scene's from an Italian Restaurant" whenever Jim and I are on our way to The Olive Garden, even though The Olive Garden likely bares little resemblance to the authentic New York style Italian restaurant referred to in this classic tune. If you've ever been in an Olive Garden, you probably know what I mean. It is so crystal clear to me that this chain of restaurants is NOT owned by a small Italian family trying to earn a humble living. I cannot put my finger on it, but you can just TELL by the atmosphere alone, that this is a franchise. Not that this is such a bad thing......
Jim and I have been to several of the Olive Gardens throughout our region. In fact, The Olive Garden is one of our favorite restaurants. There is a level of consistency between these restaurants that you just can't find in a fast food chain. Although the quality of service can vary slightly among stores, the food is always delicious.
The Olive Garden's menu is varied enough to please any taste or appetite. They have appetizers such as mozzarella sticks, stuffed mushrooms or fried ravioli. Their menu changes regularly, so often times Jim and I will find a new entree to try, but they always keep a selection of the old favorites, such as manacotti al forno, or the Mediterranean garlic shrimp for when we're not feeling so adventurous. They also have a variety of pastas and sauces along with steaks and vegetarian entrees. With each meal you get your choice of soup or all-you-can-eat salad with fresh bread sticks. The salad is delicious, but don't try to order French or Ranch dressing....it automatically comes with a flavorful Italian. To drink, they have soft drinks, a generous selection of wines which you can order by the glass or carafe, and iced tea. Our favorite is the raspberry iced tea...and you get free refills.
Their desert tray is to die for. Carrot Cake, ice cream, cheese cake, and about five different items that have various forms of CHOCOLATE!!! CHOCOLATE!!! CHOCOLATE.!!!!! mixed in. Or, perhaps you can enjoy a nice cup of expresso or cappiccino.
It is difficult for me to form an opinion on the quality of service since Jim and I eat there so often. It ranges anywhere from mediocre to good. I can't remember being terribly appalled at the service, nor have I ever been inspired to write a letter to the owners on what a wonderful staff they have.
Jim and I like The Olive Garden because you can be reasonably sure that you will get a decent meal at a fairly decent price ($7.00-$15.00 per entree), its casual enough to go in a pair of jeans or sweat pants, and there always seems to be an Olive Garden nearby. I give it three planets.