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Business & Tech

Restaurant Review: Carrabba's Italian Grill

Italian Cuisine with a fast-food genre - "Eat & Ciao."

You may not be aware that in Woodridge is just one restaurant of its national chain. As with most restaurant chains, a specific standard is set with regard to their menu and environment so that guests come to expect the same dining experience at various locations. With the cloning of food, service and atmosphere, the degree of quality vacillates depending on the locality.  

Upon entering, the aromas from the open-display kitchen greet you. The laminate table tops exude an ambiance which is a tawdry interpretation of Sicilian décor. The restaurant is packed with dining tables, and walls are lined with high-backed booths which have a cocooning effect.

But, if you're dining with a party of four (whom are over 6 feet in height) the coziness is stifling. Moving to a dining table would be a better choice (or so one would think). Yet, the tables offer no reprieve from discomfort. Closely situated, bumping into neighbors and eavesdropping on conversations is inevitable. The atmosphere is not conducive to relaxation or partaking in conversation. Like many chains, the fast-food genre is repeated with a "GET IN, EAT, and CIAO!"

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If you're seeking a carry-out experience, Carrabba's offers curb-side service. Order ahead, and in about 20 minutes your meal is ready to go.

Though, it's easily witnessed that most of the cooks are not of Italian ancestry. Carrabba's boasts that the recipes are handed down from Vincent and Margaret Mandola. While lacking the essence of a true Italian restaurant, most soups and dishes are tasty.

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  • The lentil, minestrone, and Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup are quite satisfying.
  • Pasta portions are more than generous and a great value (appealing to bargain diners). I would suggest trying one of the Signature Pasta dishes such as the Penne Franco. Avoid investing in Grandma Mandola's Lasagne as in my opinion it's only fair. 
  • The wood-burning grill provides 4 entrée selections plus chicken and a 9-ounce steak (quite tender for choice) that can be served with 4 different toppings and/or sides (Bryan, Marsala, Spiedino, and Scampi).
  • The Pollo Rosa Maria (chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and crisp prosciutto, then topped with sautéed mushrooms in a basil and lemon butter sauce) is a house specialty and a good bet.

Having dined here on several occasions, I found service can be a hit or miss -- mistakes with the order, servers unfamiliar with the menu and slow bar service have all occurred at times. Most servers are unable to suggest a pairing of wine or beer with an entrée, and some exhibit difficulty uncorking bottles.

Though lacking the finesse of fine Italian cuisine, overall the food is good. Generous portions, endless bread baskets and a fair price guarantee the return of bargain clientele. When hunger strikes, I will return again; but, I may try the curb-side pick up and enjoy the comforts of home.  

Price Range for Entrées: $ 10.00 - $ 28.00

                                               $$$

Service:                               ☺☺☺

Atmosphere:                      ☺☺☺

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