Carraba's Itailian Grill -by Accident

 

When: March 2013

 

Where: Carrabba's Italian Grill, (Buckland Cinema's) Manchester, CT

 

 

Okay, as much as we weren't planning to come to Carrabba's, the restaurant we chose was too long of a wait (45 mins). Yes, I know it's a Sat night, but really? And no, we didn't make a reservation, so that could be our faux pas. But it turned out to be our luck. After seating us, I realized we could have sat at the 'counter' overlooking the grill and been able to 'see' our food being cooked. Talk about quality assurance.

 

I haven't had this brand of Earl grey before, so I took the wrapper home to google it and find out where I can get some. It was the smoothest I've ever had. Just lovely....

 The dipping spices come to the table crushed and ready to have the waiter swirl the olive oil over the dish. Good combination.

 I must say the bread it so delicious (sourdough), that we asked for another basket of it. Soft, smelled warm and cozy.

 The salad could use more color. I love to eat my dinners with my eyes before it touches my lips. This salad failed...

I ordered the fish chowder and was really disappointed with the amount of fish that 'got away'... At least they didn't swim towards MY bowl. While I rarely complain, I did show the only fish I found in the bowl and asked for another bowl that contained fish.

 

 They did well on the second bowl. I wish I could have shown them a bowl of fish chowder from Moody's Diner in Maine! Now THAT's FISH chowdah!

(Moody's Fish Chowder) 

 

My husband decided on the Pork Chops Marsala... He was VERY pleased with it (and for someone who doesn't like mushrooms, that's saying something).

I even tried it and it WAS....so tender, so sweet, so wonderful.

 

 I had the Tilapia Nocciola...Lightly breaded tilapia with hazelnuts, topped with roma tomatoes and delicious basil lemon butter sauce. This was sooo...'close your eyes and slap the table' ..good! OMG! To die for....

 

 The fish was so flaky and tender...melt in your mouth.

So good, in fact, that I made sure I took some leftovers home with us, so I could love this tomorrow.

From the man who hates mushrooms, this was what was left.... 

 And ten to come out and see such a great sunset.....what a nice topping to the evening.