We decided to give Carrabba's Italian Grill a try again after years of not eating there because of high prices and dishes that were not that inventive. After trying the recently-opened Carrabba's in Sanford, Fla., we are happy to report that we liked the taste of our dishes, as well as the incredible value for our dinner.
The incredible value was obtained because we went on a Monday, when the chain runs its
"Amore Mondays" promotion, offering three courses starting at $12.99. I would suggest going on Mondays - or for its specials on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, since many pasta entrees are around $20 on the regular menu.
For $12.99, I was able to try the delicious new Linguine Positano with wood-grilled chicken, crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil. I would have loved more basil flavor, but otherwise the dish was seasoned well and came out steaming hot. I also was able to get a large side salad and the Brulee Ricotta Cheesecake. The cheesecake was not my favorite, but I typically don't like ricotta cheesecake. However, my husband enjoyed it!
For $15.99, my husband had the Fettuccine Weesie - Fettuccine Alfredo with sauteed shrimp, basil garlic and mushrooms in a white wine lemon butter sauce - as well as the Meatballs & Ricotta appetizer and the Minestrone soup. The fettuccine was very tasty, and we loved the flavors of the meatballs.
Plus, our meals were so filling that we were able to take leftovers home. We rarely get to do that anymore when eating out! We also enjoyed eating outdoors in a nice atmosphere in Sanford.
Where: 4675 St. John's Parkway, Sanford, Fla. (near Seminole Towne Center mall)
See the complete photo album from our dinner on Facebook.
Related:
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Outback: Great Food For The Price
Obviously, everyone knows about The Cheesecake Factory's delicious array of 30 different cheesecakes, or whatever the number is. One of my favorites is Adam's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple - it has everything I want in one dessert: cheesecake, chocolate, peanut butter and caramel.
Still, I was reminded while dining there recently why I go there. I love the salads, apps, entrees, AND desserts. There is such a broad variety of dishes to order there, so it is hard to make up one's mind However, you cannot go wrong with any of the pastas especially the Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic, and my friends really like the restaurant's chicken dishes.
Some of the entrees are pricey, so I tend to combine a couple different apps to make a great meal. My favorite app, hands down, is the Avocado Eggrolls. This seems like such a simple dish, but it is done perfectly. A great mixture of warm avocado and tomatoes rests on the inside of a crispy eggroll with a delicious cilantro dipping sauce. I get this every time I go. I also love the appetizer portion of the Belgian Endive and Arugula Salad with candied pecans. This is a simple dish, but is done well.
What is your favorite meal and dessert at The Cheesecake Factory?
