Carrabba's Italian Grill - Frederick, MD Review

1315 W. Patrick Street • Frederick, MD 21702
(301) 694-6200 • www.carrabbas.com

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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Writer

lbeckley
Middletown, MD

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Have a Taste Bud Celebration

appreciative of good service, interested in cultural experiences, seafood lover, willing to pay for quality

Pros

Great food, friendly hosts and servers, soft music

Cons

I always eat too much, don't open until 3 p.m. except on Sunday

OCT

2007

    Last night my husband of 39 years took me out to dinner at Carrabba's. Since we had reason to celebrate, we ordered full dinners instead of appetizers. But, of course, anytime you go to Carrabba's, it gives your taste buds a reason to celebrate. Since I try to stay away from pasta, Italian food is general hard for me. Not so at Carrabba's. The food is delicious, including the vegetables.
    First, Heather, our server came by the table to take our drink order. After giving us time to peruse the menu, she return with water w/lemon for me and ice tea for my husband and warm delicious homemade bread for us to share. She had a plate with Italian herbs and garlic to which she added some of the olive oil, that is present at all the tables, to dip the bread for our first taste treat.
    I decided on Spiedino di Mare--shrimp and scallops coated with Italian breadcrumbs and grilled, then topped with a wonderful lemon sauce. With it I asked for a Caesar salad and the vegetable of the day--zucchini sautéed in olive oil with tomato, Italian seasonings, fresh garlic and topped with parmesan cheese, to which I added just a little sea salt.
My husband decided on veal parmesan, although it was not on the menu. Since they have all the ingredients anyway, it was prepared for him. The veal cutlet was coated with Italian breadcrumbs, sautéed then topped with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese melted in the oven. Since he loves their soup he ordered the Sausage and Lentil, with spaghetti as his side. As always, everything was very good and tastefully prepared.
    Their salads are always fresh and crisp. Carrabba's Caesar salad is one of the best I have found. The vegetables are always cooked and seasoned to perfection with the Italian flair. I have never had anything at Carrabba's that I did not like. Many times we have appetizers and their calamari is superb. The mozzarella sticks are hand cut and breaded in Italian breadcrumbs, lightly fried and served with marinara sauce.
    Last night we even had dessert, thanks to some really dear friends, who just happened to be having dinner at Carrabba's as well. They stopped by our table on the way out. When they found out we were celebrating, they asked the occasion.
    "Rope burns," I said.
    "Rope burns?" they asked.
    At this my husband was pulling at his collar. "That's okay, they heal after 39 years."
Our friends got a big kick out of this and extended their wishes to us. On their way out, the told the hostess they wanted to buy us dessert and slipped them money to pay for it.
    Heather got to pick what we were served. She choose Dessert Rosa-a butter cake pastry topped with strawberries, bananas, pineapple and really fresh whipped cream. The other one was Tiramisu-a traditional Italian dessert, made with ladyfingers dipped in liqueur laced with espresso, layered with sweetened mascarpone, rum and chocolate shavings. They were both delicious.
    Carrabba's has been around since 1986, beginning in Houston, Texas, by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola. They were born in the US, but their heritage is truly Italian. Their restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in over 200 Carrabba's nation wide.
    To find a Carrabba's near you go to www.carrabbas.com. You can also see the menu and read the ingredient list. The serve a special soup, fish, pasta, and sauce each day that can only be found on the menu at the restaurant. The do a carry out business as well as their typical sit-down style.
    If you want your taste buds to celebrate go to Carrabba's Italian Grill.