Carrabba's Italian Grill

Okay, okay... I know that this blog is about showing the hidden gems that Utah has to offer, so why am I doing a review of Carrabba's, a famous nationwide chain restaurant?  It's delicious, that's why, alright?  When I started this blog I had the hope of helping you have fantastic dining out experiences, and I would feel like I was hiding something from you if I didn't share my love for Carrabba's.  What follows is a very specific menu that my wife and I enjoy every time we step into the cozy dining room at Carrabba's Italian Grill.  Give it a try and I guarantee 100% Italian bliss.

You start, of course with the hot, steamy slices of chewy bread served with olive oil and Carrabba's special spice and herb blend.  When the time comes to order, follow my every word:

Watier:  "What can I get for you tonight?"

You:  "We are going to split the Italian Chicken Pizza and get two salads.  I'll get the (insert "Mediterranean," "Caesar," or "Italian" here)."

Your date:  "And I'll get the (same options as above)."

Seems pretty simple, I know.  But each of these dishes is absolutely top notch.  My salad of choice is the Mediterranean, it has romaine lettuce topped with pepperoncinis, olives, fresh tomatoes, and the kicker--sliced fennel.  The end product is a fresh, tangy salad which wakes up your palate for the rest of your meal.  My wife prefers the Caesar, which is solid as well, and I am sure that the Italian is great, too.

 

Here is the menu's description of the Italian Chicken Pizza: "Grilled chicken in our Italian-style sweet and sour sauce with pine nuts, scallions, romano, fontina and mozzarella."  The highlights of the pizza are threefold.  First, the thin crust, cooked to crispy perfection in the blazing hot brick oven.  Second, the sweet, tangy tomato sauce which is unlike any I have ever tasted.  And third, the pine nuts which add a unique crunch and nutty flavor to send this pizza over the top.

You didn't think I was done there, did you?  Dessert?  Yes, please.  I have heard that they have other specialties, but you've gotta go with the Sogno Di Cioccolata (Chocolate Dream) with a scoop of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.  It is a layered dessert that goes like this from bottom to top: fudgy brownie, chocolate mousse, whipped cream, repeat, topped off with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.  It may sound too rich, but it all just works.  The textures are fabulously blended together and the cold, silky ice cream adds a new temperature element that is divinely inspired.  Take a look.

Now I'm sure that you can go a lot of different routes at Carrabba's and leave satisfied, but this meal is honestly one of the best I have ever eaten.  On top of the food, the friendly, quick-but-not-rushed service and cozy atmosphere make Carrabba's a hit every time.  Click HERE to go to the Carrabba's Italian Grill home page to find your nearest location and get there ASAP.

Cheers!