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The Untold Truth About Carrabba’s Italian Grill
When it comes to Italian food, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a name that stands out. With its delicious Italian-American cuisine and a chain of restaurants across the United States, Carrabba’s has become a popular choice for those craving authentic Italian flavors. But beyond its popularity and great service, there are some interesting facts and features about Carrabba’s that you may not know. In this article, we will uncover the untold truth about Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
A Family Affair
Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in 1986 by the Carrabba and Mandola families in Houston, Texas. The first two locations, which caught the attention of Outback Steakhouse, are still owned by the Carrabba family. The families’ involvement in the restaurant is a key aspect of the brand, as they emphasize their Italian roots and family traditions.
The concept of the “Italian grill” at Carrabba’s was created by founder Damian Mandola’s father, Anthony. Anthony taught the family how to grill steaks and chops, which led to some of the chain’s signature dishes. This emphasis on family and authentic recipes sets Carrabba’s apart from its competitors.
Playing with pizza dough
Carrabba’s knows how to entertain both kids and adults at the table. They allow guests to play with a ball of pizza dough, providing a fun and interactive experience. This is a great way to relieve boredom and keep guests engaged while they wait for their food.
For those who are truly committed to the Carrabba’s experience, the restaurant offers a special loyalty card. The card offers benefits and perks such as events and discounts, including wine tastings and cooking demonstrations. Carrabba’s has a history of generosity, having previously given away one million meals to celebrate the launch of new menu items.
Delicious and decadent
While Carrabba’s is known for its authentic Italian flavors, it also offers some indulgent dishes. According to The Daily Meal, the unhealthiest menu item at Carrabba’s is the cavatappi franco. This dish is a combination of spiral pasta with grilled chicken, broccoli, olives, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and ricotta salata. It has a whopping 1,266 calories, 1,917 milligrams of cholesterol, and 76 grams of fat.
But Carrabba’s menu is not just about high-calorie options. The chain is constantly evolving its menu, introducing new and delicious dishes while incorporating homemade recipes. Many of the dishes feature a red sauce made from Mama Mandola’s own recipe, ensuring that customers get a taste of authentic Italian flavors from start to finish.
Chicken Bryan and more
One of Carrabba’s most famous dishes, Chicken Bryan, has an interesting backstory. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not named after a person named Bryan. The dish consists of a chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil lemon butter sauce. It was actually created by co-founder Damian Mandola and named after Bryan, Texas, the town where Carrabba’s parents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s.
In addition to Chicken Bryan, Carrabba’s offers a variety of appetizers and desserts to complement your meal. From shrimp scampi with white wine, lemon butter sauce and garlic to classic Italian desserts like cappuccinos and cannolis, Carrabba’s ensures that guests have a complete dining experience.
Authenticity and Quality
One of the things that sets Carrabba’s apart is its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant prides itself on making its own pasta instead of using dried pasta. This dedication to freshness enhances the flavors of their dishes and allows the pasta to better absorb sauces. Carrabba’s also uses wood-fired pizza ovens to cook its pizzas in the signature Italian hand-tossed style. The result is a perfectly crisp crust with a soft and chewy center, reminiscent of the pizzas enjoyed in Italy.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dining experience, authentic Italian flavors, or a taste of Italy’s culinary traditions, Carrabba’s Italian Grill has you covered. From its rich history and family commitment to its interactive dining experiences and delicious menu, Carrabba’s continues to captivate guests with its untold truth.
Sources:
– The Untold Truth About Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Mashed
– Statista
– Fox News
– HomePerch
– Business Insider
– The Daily Meal
– FSR Magazine
– The Daily Meal
– The Untold Truth About Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Mashed
FAQS
Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in 1986 in Houston, Texas by the Carrabba and Mandola families. The first two locations, which caught the attention of Outback Steakhouse, are still owned by the Carrabba family today.
What is unique about Carrabba’s Italian Grill?
Carrabba’s Italian Grill distinguishes itself by emphasizing its Italian roots and family traditions. The recipes are authentic, and the concept of the “Italian grill” was created by founder Damian Mandola’s father, Anthony. The restaurant also allows guests to play with pizza dough at the table, creating a fun and interactive experience.
Does Carrabba’s Italian Grill offer any loyalty programs or special events?
Yes, Carrabba’s offers a special loyalty card that provides members with benefits and perks, including access to events and discounts. Some customer favorites include wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.
What is the most unhealthy menu item at Carrabba’s Italian Grill?
According to The Daily Meal, the unhealthiest item on Carrabba’s menu is the cavatappi franco. This dish contains spiral pasta with grilled chicken, broccoli, olives, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and ricotta salata. It is high in calories, cholesterol and fat.
Does Carrabba’s Italian Grill focus on authenticity in its menu?
Yes, Carrabba’s prides itself on its commitment to authenticity. They make their pasta in-house, use wood-fired pizza ovens to cook their pizzas, and incorporate homemade recipes. This commitment to authenticity enhances the flavors of their dishes and provides customers with a true taste of Italy.
What are some of the signature dishes at Carrabba’s Italian Grill?
Carrabba’s is known for its delicious Italian-American cuisine. Some of the signature dishes include Chicken Bryan, which is a chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and a basil lemon butter sauce. Other favorites include shrimp scampi, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts like cannolis.