Carrabba's Italian Grill

This is one of my favorite restaurants and definitely my favorite Italian restaurant.

Most of the menu is fantastic.  They also introduced me to my favorite drink, the Amaretto Sour!  They make them perfect here!

First off, they start you with some fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping. 

I recommend trying the Caesar side salad for an appetizer.  It's light and simple, yet delicious.  It just has Romaine lettuce, a little Parmesan cheese, big croutons, and some tasty dressing.

I've tried the Calamari and if you loved deep fried squid, this is the calamari for you.  Served with a little side dipping sauce of marinara or a spicier Italian pepper and lemon butter sauce.

The mozzarella marinara is not bad either. 

If you like soups, I haven't had one there that I didn't like.  Try the minestrone first for a classic.

I am normally torn between two entrees - the Pasta Carrabba, and the Mezzaluna.  Mmmmm mmmm mmm!
Pasta Carrabba is Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas, but I have them remove the mushrooms.  It's very filling and creamy comfort food.

The Mezzaluna is half moon ravioli's stuffed with chicken, ricotta cheese, and spinach in a tomato cream sauce.  I can easily finish this off and have room left for dessert.

I've also had the Chicken Bryan, Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Chicken.  All are regulars on the menu and tasty.

The only thing I haven't been crazy about was the pepperoni pizza.  It was just ok.  If you want good pizza go to a real pizzeria.  This place is just good for traditional italian entrees.

The best dessert they have to offer is the John Cole - just plain vanilla ice cream laced with caramel sauce and roasted cinnamon rum pecans.  Oh those pecans!!!!

The service has always been great and the prices moderate.  My only complaint, besides the pizza, is that they don't open until later in the day.  Noon at the earliest on the weekends, and 4 pm on most weekdays.  Occasionally I'll find one that opens earlier, but it may just be on a holiday or a particular restaurant only.
Try it out if you haven't already.

4 1/2 forks out of 5 only because of the short hours and the mundane pizza.