If there is one thing I love to do, it’s eat out. My husband, God love him, does not understand this, but I bet most women do. You see, when we go out to eat, the only work I do is shower and put on a fresh coat of face lacquer. When we are eating at home, not only do I get to cook for the crew, then hear comments like “what is this?” or “did you fry this in oil?” but then I get to clean up after the ungrateful lot when they are done. Good thing I love to cook, huh?
When Friday or Saturday night rolls around, my husband knows that means we are “going out.” He also knows that this includes, but is not limited to, eating at a “sit-down” restaurant. Any restaurant without a playground attached qualifies. I refuse to eat fast food on these outings.
I have found Carrabba’s to be an excellent choice for our weekend outings. My husband first discovered this restaurant on a business trip to Knoxville, TN. My first trip there (and there is Huntersville, NC) was like a fairy tale. We had a babysitter for Ty, and I got dressed to the nine’s thinking I’d be ready for anything. Dustin was taking me out early for my birthday, so I splurged at the end and got dessert, something I rarely do! More about that below!
Food:
I have yet to eat anything here that is not heavenly. After you order drinks, the server will bring you a basket of bread and make some “Italian Butter” in which to dip the bread. This mixture is simply olive oil and an herb/spice mixture on the table that is wonderful. Some meals come with a salad, but when mine doesn’t I order one because they are wonderful! I ordered the house salad on my first visit, and it was loaded with celery, chopped just large enough to be disgusting, but just small enough to be impossible to retrieve elegantly. The salad was wonderful but for that, and now I order the Caesar which is simple but very flavorful.
They have many entrees to choose from, but I will tell you about the ones that my family has sampled personally. Pork Chops Marsala was the special dish I mentioned earlier. The chops were thick, juicy and the Marsala sauce with sautéed mushrooms was wonderful. It was served with garlic-mashed potatoes. Pasta Weesie is another favorite. It includes shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon butter and white wine sauce with mushrooms and scallions and served over Fettuccine Alfraedo. Not one to tell the Weight Watcher’s group about! Chicken Gratella includes a chicken breast basted with olive oil and herbs that is wood-grilled to perfection and served with seasonal vegetables and roasted rosemary potatoes. That’s the one to get if you are trying to be good. Linguine Pescatore is full of shrimp, scallops and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce. It is served in a bowl the size of my kitchen sink. Two other samplings include the Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan. Both are wonderful. If you have room, the desserts look fantastic. I can attest to only one, the Chocolate Dream, which is a bit too rich even for me. It comes with a brownie that has been brushed with Kahlua, topped with chocolate mousse, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Guaranteed to make you pucker, but worth a splurge on your birthday!
Service:
Each time we’ve come here, the service has been excellent. As chance would have it, we’ve had the same waiter, so that could have something to do with it, but it seems like all of the waiters/waitresses are very attentive. My husband was scanning the menu for a dish he’d had in Knoxville, when he mumbled that it must have been a special. The waiter overheard, asked him to describe it, recognized the dish and had the cook make it, even though it was not a special for that restaurant that night. I just love someone who will go the extra mile for your happiness and dining pleasure! The drinks were refilled quick, the courses came out precisely timed and the waiter was courteous to us at all times. He even remembered us the second time we came in!
Decor:
The only complaint I’d ever have with this restaurant is that it is usually noisy and crowded on the weekends. You must steel yourself for the lengthy wait that you will endure if you arrive anytime after 5:30pm. Be patient, it is worth the wait. It is not authentic Italian, after all, it is part of the Outback Steakhouse chain, but it’s so good you will never know.
The décor is lovely. The restaurant is clean and spacious, yet the open kitchen with a wood-burning oven clearly visible by all gives the place a homey feel. In the waiting area there are toys (educational!) for the kids to play with, so you know right off that they are welcome. The restaurant also provides crayons at the table for coloring, and a lump of bread dough for your child to shape while you read the menu in peace! The server will take this dough to be baked especially for your little one.
Special Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations:
One of our visits to Carrabba's was for my son’s birthday. His first choice was Chick Fil A, which I nixed immediately since it was not special enough. Besides, what kid doesn’t want to shape his own bread dough? He did enjoy it, and they do provide a limited children’s menu with Fettuccine Alfraedo, Spaghetti and Meatball, Chicken Fingers, Pizza and a small sundae. A nice touch was that drinks were included with these meals for the kids. He pronounced the chicken fingers not as good as Chick Fil A, and wondered about a playground, but Carrabba’s made up for it when the whole restaurant sang Happy Birthday to him and brought him a sundae complete with a candle on top!
If you are looking for a special place, give Carrabba’s a try. I’ve yet to have a bad experience, and I can be a tough old bird to please.
Recommended: Yes
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