Olive Garden offers up great deals

We couldn’t believe it. We hadn’t reviewed the Olive Garden? It didn’t seem possible, especially since it’s been open for years and it’s a known fact that everyone in the universe has been there.

The Table for Twos only review chains occasionally, and because Olive Garden is a pilgrimage for so many hungry, unlimited-bread-stick-loving people we know, we felt it didn’t need our attention.

But it was a dark and stormy and cold night recently, and the idea of a hot cup of pasta e fagioli and a basket of warm bread sticks beckoned us to the Massachusetts border to see what all the fuss is about. In the past, we’ve noticed there is always a full parking lot and a waiting line at the Olive Garden, which is one of the reasons Mr. T for T has refused to visit – he doesn’t do lines. But Mrs. T for T has been there for a few lunches – the unlimited soup, salad and breaksticks for $7.50 deal offered until 4 every afternoon.

And let’s talk about that lunch. It is an excellent deal. The salad here is fresh and delicious – crispy greens, homemade croutons, tomato, pepperoncini, black olives and Spanish onion, and the Italian dressing is spot on. And soup comes in four choices, Chicken and Gnocchi, Zuppa Tuscana, Pasta e Fagioli and Minestrone. The breadsticks are like mini French banquettes – soft, hot and buttery. Hard to beat that for $7.50. But what about dinner?

It just so happened that on this evening, while the restaurant was full, we had no wait and were shown to a booth in a busy, but not too noisy, dining room. That made it a lot easier for Mr. T for T.

OK, he did talk trash about the cookie cutter Italian decor, but in the end, the food won out.

Everyone from the host to servers, carry through the whole when-you’re-here-you’re-family thing. Everyone says “hello,” “goodbye” and “thank you.” When we were seated, our server was prompt in taking drink orders and giving the adults at the table or free sample of wine from the restaurant’s decent wine list.

She was also efficient without being obsequious, and she complimented Junior T for T on his good manners. OK, maybe a bit obsequious, but it happens to be true, thank you very much.

We started our meal with an appetizer of Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta ($7.50), although it was coin toss between that and Lasagna Fritta ($8.50), fried parmesan-breaded lasagna pieces served over Alfredo sauce and topped with parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. The fonduta – a cheese dip – made with baked smoked mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and romano cheese garnished with chopped tomato and fresh parsley served with rounds of Tuscan bread was filling, savory and utterly irresistible.

For our entree, we considered some of Olive Garden’s pesce or fish dishes like the Grilled Shrimp Caprese ($16.75), grilled shrimp over angel hair pasta with melted mozzarella, fresh basil and tomatoes in a garlic butter sauce and the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia ($15.25), but we felt it was important to try more traditional Italian dishes on this maiden dinner trip.

Mr. T for T ordered the Ravioli de Portobello ($12.25), portobello mushroom-filled ravioli in a cream, smoked cheese and sun-dried tomato sauce with a glass of Principato Rosso ($5.25).

By the way, all the pizza, lunch and dinner entrees come with the breadsticks, and choice of soup or salad. Mr. T for T chose the minestrone, which was definitely homemade with a flavorful thin broth, tons of beans, including flat Italian green beans, and real chunks of tomato. It was out of this world, although he likes his soup heavy on the broth and though this could have used a bit more.

His ravioli, however, was stellar – plump, homemade spheres with lots of earthy mushroom flavor inside and a knockout creamy, smoky sauce.

Mrs. T for T wanted to go basic and ordered the Capellini Pomodoro ($10.75), Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil tossed with capellini with a meatball ($1.65) and a salad as a side dish. Truth be told, not the best meatball ever – it was kind of mushy and lacked seasoning. But the pasta and sauce were fresh and light – and in fact, this dish is listed as a healthy choice on the menu.

Junior T for T was astonished that he’d never been taken to the Olive Garden before. Being the vegetarian in the family, he was thrilled by the family-style salad he was allowed to dip into at will and came with his very, very reasonably priced kid meal – Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce ($4.50), which also came with the breadsticks and a drink.

The T for Ts will definitely go back to the Olive Garden when we want food that we know will be fresh and consistent.

Do you have a restaurant you would like to see reviewed? Send suggestions to tablefortwo@nashuatelegraph.com. If your pick was reviewed in the last three years, we’ll hold off to make room for newer entried. We give new eateries a one-month window to work out the kinks.