Olive Garden: "The place is impressive."

[RandomGuy]

After a lengthy wait for Olive Garden to open in Grand Forks, the lines were long in February. The novelty is slowly wearing off, but the steady following attests the warm welcome.

My first visit to Olive Garden was during midafternoon, so I could be sure to get in. After a late breakfast, I figured a late lunch would be fashionable.

The place is impressive. It’s fashioned in Tuscan farmhouse style with a welcoming entryway. There is seating for those who are waiting.

My booth was near the kitchen, and I watched the waiters in white shirts, ties, black trousers and aprons adorned with gold-colored towels. They were busy at midday, punching in orders and carrying out bread and pasta.

It had been a few years since I ate at the older Olive Garden in Fargo, so I studied the two manageable menus offering appetizers, soups and salads, grilled sandwiches, pizza, classic dishes, chicken and seafood and filled pastas.

At length, I asked my server what she would recommend. She suggested chicken Alfredo, and I went with that. Instead of the raspberry lemonade she suggested, I drank water.

She first brought me the familiar Olive Garden salad bowl with crisp greens, peppers, onion rings and yes — several black olives. Along with it came a plate with two long, warm breadsticks.

The chicken Alfredo ($10.95) was warm and comforting on a cold day. The portion was generous. My server was ready with Parmesan cheese.

As I ate, I noticed the vases and planters with permanent flower displays on the ledges. There are several dining areas with arched doorways. And there is a fireplace that adds warmth to the decor.

Olive Garden has an attractive bar area to the right of the entryway. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a wine list offering a wide selection to complement Italian meals. Nonalcoholic beverages include coolers, specialty coffees and hot teas.

On a hot summer day, I will try the raspberry lemonade that was recommended.

There’s a homemade soup, salad and breadstick lunch available until 4 p.m. daily for $6.95.

An olive branch on menu items signified low-fat entrees. There is a Garden Fare Nutrition Guide available for customers seeking gluten-free food. And for those with food allergies, Olive Garden has an Allergen Information Guide.

All in all, it is the largest and most beautiful restaurant now operating in Grand Forks. It attracts visitors from out of town as well as people who live here.

Olive Garden is part of the Darden chain of restaurants that also operates Red Lobster. There are about 700 restaurants, including four Olive Gardens in North Dakota’s major cities.

Olive Garden has gained a following since 1982 with its ample portions and relaxed ambience. It’s known for its classic lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmigiana.

By: Marilyn Hagerty, Grand Forks Herald



http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/231419/

---------------------------------------------------------------

In case you are wondering:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/marilyn-hagerty-85-old-olive-garden-reviewer-internet-150422768.html

(definitely have to watch the video at the link)

:rollin

[Wild Cobra]

Posting commercials now?

Been to Olive Garden several times, but I like other places better. Just not my thing.

[RandomGuy]

Posting commercials now?

Been to Olive Garden several times, but I like other places better. Just not my thing.


In case you are wondering:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/marilyn-hagerty-85-old-olive-garden-reviewer-internet-150422768.html

(definitely have to watch the video at the link)

:rollin

Google it. It's funny.

[RandomGuy]

She first brought me the familiar Olive Garden salad bowl with crisp greens, peppers, onion rings and yes — several black olives.

:lol

She's a sweet ol' gal.

That said, the piece is humorous for its sheer unabashed earnestness.

I think it is funny, and I mean that in a nice way.

[DarrinS]

What's the point of this? No, seriously.

[Wild Cobra]

What's the point of this? No, seriously.
Shouldn't this be in the Forum's Lifestyle section?

[RandomGuy]

What's the point of this? No, seriously.

There's a quote that will come back to haunt you.

BUWAHAHAHAHAHA

[baseline bum]

I don't get what's so funny. I don't understand why people hate solid chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, Macaroni Grill, and so on.

[Blake]

I think OG gets an unfair shake sometimes. The location at 281 Bitters is consistently good, imo

[101A]

Hadn't seen this before; agree with RG.

It's funny.

[Wild Cobra]

Hadn't seen this before; agree with RG.

It's funny.
OK, but why is it in the Political forum rather than the Club?

[monosylab1k]

Another desperate attempt by the lamestream liberal media to push their anti-American agenda on us all. Oh so American food isn't good enough? You gotta push your Mussolini lovin Italian food on us now? I don't care about leafy greens and black olives, my food comes in three colors - Red, White, and Blue!

[TeyshaBlue]

OK, but why is it in the Political forum rather than the Club?

lol topic cop.

[coyotes_geek]

Another desperate attempt by the lamestream liberal media to push their anti-American agenda on us all. Oh so American food isn't good enough? You gotta push your Mussolini lovin Italian food on us now? I don't care about leafy greens and black olives, my food comes in three colors - Red, White, and Blue!

Please. Nothing is more American than chain food Italian!

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Olive garden. The McDonald's of Italian food. Just like Outback is the McDonald's of steakhouses.

[TeyshaBlue]

Outback moved up a few notches on my list when they started open fire grilling.

They're much better than a McDonald's analog of a steak house, IMO.

[Winehole23]

I don't get what's so funny.dunno. people from supposed cultural backwaters like Grand Forks SD who are frankly and straightforwardly impressed by the new Olive Garden?

[Winehole23]

Outback moved up a few notches on my list when they started open fire grilling.

They're much better than a McDonald's analog of a steak house, IMO.First time there I was shocked by the quick pick up, but overall enjoyed it.

[Bill_Brasky]

I don't know about you guys but when I want a good bologna alfredo I always hit up Olive Garden.

[JoeChalupa]

I hear some much damn whining about OG and yet everytime I pass one their are packed. We haven't eaten there in quite sometime but I never had any real complaints about the food. I've gone to some fancy, expensive restaurants and haven't been that impressed that a damn meal costs $50.

[JoeChalupa]

Saw a pic Brad and Angelina at a McD's. :tu Not that is healthy or anything but it IS America.

[CosmicCowboy]

They are actually a pretty good lunch place. Salads are damn good. Entrees are typically unoffensive and the pricing is reasonable. Not my first choice for dinner by any means but not bad either.

[baseline bum]

dunno. people from supposed cultural backwaters like Grand Forks SD who are frankly and straightforwardly impressed by the new Olive Garden?

And we were impressed by Krispy Kreme. I don't see the humor in liking a good place that expands into your market.

[JoeChalupa]

They are actually a pretty good lunch place. Salads are damn good. Entrees are typically unoffensive and the pricing is reasonable. Not my first choice for dinner by any means but not bad either.

Yeah, if we do go it is for lunch...and with a coupon.

[ElNono]

I thought it was interesting their menus and prices varied between their NJ and TX locations. Other chain restaurants like Chilli's don't do that.

[baseline bum]

Outback moved up a few notches on my list when they started open fire grilling.

They're much better than a McDonald's analog of a steak house, IMO.

Outback is so inconsistent to me. The first Outback I tried was in Beaumont, and it was really spectacular. The ones in San Antonio are kind of so-so. The one I ate at in Long Beach was lousy, while the one on the strip in Vegas was outstanding. It doesn't make me think good things when I order a steak rare and keep getting it medium. Their French Onion Soup is always good though.

[JoeChalupa]

And we were impressed by Krispy Kreme. I don't see the humor in liking a good place that expands into your market.

I prefer Shipley's.

[ElNono]

Outback is pretty average, IMO. The problem is that Longhorn is hard to beat when it comes to steakhouses.

[Wild Cobra]

Outback is pretty average, IMO. The problem is that Longhorn is hard to beat when it comes to steakhouses.
The Outback where I live is really great. There is only so much consistency a chain or franchise can offer.

I personally wish we didn't have all these chains and franchises when it comes to shopping, restaurants, etc. Part of traveling is finding new places, which is diminished when everything is the same, where ever you go.

[Winehole23]

Longhorn?

[coyotes_geek]

Outback is so inconsistent to me. The first Outback I tried was in Beaumont, and it was really spectacular. The ones in San Antonio are kind of so-so. The one I ate at in Long Beach was lousy, while the one on the strip in Vegas was outstanding. It doesn't make me think good things when I order a steak rare and keep getting it medium. Their French Onion Soup is always good though.

Wife & I quit going to Outback because we thought they had been going down hill. Saltgrass & TLC > Outback, IMHO...

[Winehole23]

coming soon (http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/locator_g/) to Austin, I see

[Sportcamper]

Got to say, The Olive Garden in Burbank CA is outstanding…The endless salad is always fresh & chilled…Appetizers Bruschetta or Calamari are consistently delicious…For a main course Tour of Italy is my favorite…“Homemade lasagna lightly breaded chicken parmigiana and creamy fettuccine alfredo.” They also serve a hearty gin & tonic...

My only complaint with this Olive garden is that it is always packed & loud…If you have a large party they do a terrific job of moving things along & they provide multiple servers…

[DarrinS]

Wife & I quit going to Outback because we thought they had been going down hill. Saltgrass & TLC > Outback, IMHO...


Saltgrass is incredibly overrated (and overpriced), IMHO

[CosmicCowboy]

Saltgrass is my favorite chain steakhouse if I HAVE to eat steak out. I was surprised to learn they are owned by Landrys.

I very rarely eat steaks out because the steaks I cook at home are better than I can buy at a restaurant and the beer is a lot cheaper.

[DarrinS]

Outback is the best for steaks. And by Outback, I mean out back on my patio.

[DarrinS]

I very rarely eat steaks out because the steaks I cook at home are better than I can buy at a restaurant and the beer is a lot cheaper.

:toast

[baseline bum]

Wife & I quit going to Outback because we thought they had been going down hill. Saltgrass & TLC > Outback, IMHO...

Yeah, once I tried Texas Land & Cattle I immediately stopped going to Outback, since the prices are similar and I can actually get my damn steak cooked rare at TLC. Still, some Outbacks are every bit as good as TLC in my experience; just not the ones in town.

[coyotes_geek]

Saltgrass is incredibly overrated (and overpriced), IMHO

Granted I don't hit the steak chains all that often, but I haven't noticed prices at Saltgrass being out of line with their chain competitors.

Austin has a pretty good supply of non-chain steakhouses so when I'm wanting a steak dinner out I'm usually hitting one of those.

[Winehole23]

And we were impressed by Krispy Kreme. I don't see the humor in liking a good place that expands into your market.Also, newspaper and online reviews of new Olive Garden locations do serve a purpose: some locations are better than others; reviews can help you figure out which ones to avoid.

[Winehole23]

Outback is the best for steaks. And by Outback, I mean out back on my patio.:toast

love grilling, but sometimes I like to pan fry then deglaze with vinegar or wine.

[clambake]

mortons is good but the price is ridiculous.

[TeyshaBlue]

Granted I don't hit the steak chains all that often, but I haven't noticed prices at Saltgrass being out of line with their chain competitors.

Austin has a pretty good supply of non-chain steakhouses so when I'm wanting a steak dinner out I'm usually hitting one of those.

Hello. I'm TeyshaBlue and I'm a steak addict.
I'll eat steak anytime and anywhere I can find it. I have eaten more steak in a month than you wussies will eat in a lifetime. I poop entire calves.

Having said that, Saltgrass is one of the better chains in the DFW area. TX land and Cattle is not bad, but I can't get them to cook a steak rare to save my life. Just the opposite of Baseline Bum's experience. :wtf
Cowtipper O'Neil once said, All steaks is local. He might be right 'bout that.

I can't stand Ruth's Chris' or Mortons, or Papa's Brothers or any of those high toned steak houses that broil steaks with out using flames. That's just wrong.

[DarrinS]

:toast

love grilling, but sometimes I like to pan fry then deglaze with vinegar or wine.


That's good too. But grilling gives me an excuse to be outside and drink more.

[baseline bum]

mortons is good but the price is ridiculous.

The fucking waitress better blow you at the end of the meal for what that place costs.

[CosmicCowboy]

Hello. I'm TeyshaBlue and I'm a steak addict.
I'll eat steak anytime and anywhere I can find it. I have eaten more steak in a month than you wussies will eat in a lifetime. I poop entire calves.

Having said that, Saltgrass is one of the better chains in the DFW area. TX land and Cattle is not bad, but I can't get them to cook a steak rare to save my life. Just the opposite of Baseline Bum's experience. :wtf
Cowtipper O'Neil once said, All steaks is local. He might be right 'bout that.

I can't stand Ruth's Chris' or Mortons, or Papa's Brothers or any of those high toned steak houses that broil steaks with out using flames. That's just wrong.

You should check out Fogo de Chao. I needed a fucking colon cleanse after I ate there last time. For all you can eat steak the price is really not bad and the salad bar is amazing.

[clambake]

The fucking waitress better blow you at the end of the meal for what that place costs.

actually, last time it was a waiter. but i get what you mean.

[clambake]

isnt' it nice how we can all agree on something?

[CosmicCowboy]

actually, last time it was a waiter. but i get what you mean.

The waiter gave you a blow job?

[TeyshaBlue]

You should check out Fogo de Chao. I needed a fucking colon cleanse after I ate there last time. For all you can eat steak the price is really not bad and the salad bar is amazing.

Word! I love that place. Texas de Brazil ranks right up there as well in the Brazillian steakhouse genre.:toast Damned hard to get those goucho's to let go of the entire pile of meat tho.:ihit Plus, rare is very hit or miss at those joints.

[TeyshaBlue]

clambake gives expensive blow jobs?

what the hell is going on here?

[clambake]

he was handsome. maybe i'm not his type.

[DarrinS]

Been wanting to try one of those Brazilian places.

[DarrinS]

Had a buffalo steak at Gray Moss Inn several years ago. Was pretty damn good, IIRC.

[coyotes_geek]

You should check out Fogo de Chao. I needed a fucking colon cleanse after I ate there last time. For all you can eat steak the price is really not bad and the salad bar is amazing.

The three pieces of lettuce I put on my plate just to be able to claim that I met a self-imposed vegetable quota have always been top notch!

[Winehole23]

Austin has a pretty good supply of non-chain steakhouses so when I'm wanting a steak dinner out I'm usually hitting one of those.recommendation?

[TeyshaBlue]

:lol :toast
The three pieces of lettuce I put on my plate just to be able to claim that I met a self-imposed vegetable quota have always been top notch!

[Blake]

You should check out Fogo de Chao. I needed a fucking colon cleanse after I ate there last time. For all you can eat steak the price is really not bad and the salad bar is amazing.

The salad bar is incredible but I don't recommend touching it.

I previously made the horrible mistake of eating food from it, thus getting full before I could eat all the meat I wanted to try.

[coyotes_geek]

recommendation?

Austin Land & Cattle is the best steak I've found in Austin. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is also really good. I also had a steak at Cool River Cafe once and I remember it being good, but I'm not sure I trust myself on that assessment since there was a significant amount of wine before, during and after............

[Spurminator]

Now I have a craving for breadsticks.

Those things were magical when I was growing up, and I think Olive Garden was where I had the first salad I actually liked as a kid.

[CosmicCowboy]

The salad bar is incredible but I don't recommend touching it.

I previously made the horrible mistake of eating food from it, thus getting full before I could eat all the meat I wanted to try.

I'd just use it as a palate cleanse between different cuts..mostly just tomato/mozzarela splashed with olive oil and balsamic or asparagus

[Drachen]

I really liked M two on fourth street. They also serve my favorite beer.

[JoeChalupa]

So I take it you all are not cutting back on the red meat intake? I'm not a seafood lover so I don't eat much fish at all so eat more chicken and use ground turkey instead of beef.

[Winehole23]

Austin Land & Cattle is the best steak I've found in Austin.............I can report similar. My experience there was very positive. I liked my ribeye a lot, but that was a long time ago. Nice to hear AL&C still satisfies...

The last steak in Austin that wowed me was at Buenos Aires, but again, many moons have passed since. No recommendation.

Cookin at home a lot these days. Been wonderin about Perry's and VY Steakhouse.

[greyforest]

olive garden is crappy but nothing holds a candle to the unbelievable shittiness that is applebees

[CosmicCowboy]

olive garden is crappy but nothing holds a candle to the unbelievable shittiness that is applebees

Yep, Applebees is on my "avoid at any cost" list. Chili's is a very close second on that list.

[DarrinS]

olive garden is crappy but nothing holds a candle to the unbelievable shittiness that is applebees


No kidding. I ate something there one time called "riblets". Inedible chunks of meat containing oddly shaped shards of bone. I'm not completely convinced I was eating ribs. Never again.

[DarrinS]

Sea Island

Why?

[TeyshaBlue]

Chili's Burgers....not bad, really.

[ElNono]

Not a big fan of Brazilian churrascarias, tbh. Tried them in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and here in the US. Just not a big fan of the cuts they have.

[TeyshaBlue]

Not a big fan of Brazilian churrascarias, tbh. Tried them in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and here in the US. Just not a big fan of the cuts they have.

That's why you can't vote in this country.:nope

[ElNono]

That's why you can't vote in this country.:nope

I can now...

[baseline bum]

Yep, Applebees is on my "avoid at any cost" list. Chili's is a very close second on that list.

I agree on Applebees. Chilis is a place to stop if I'm making a long drive, need somewhere close to the hotel that night, and don't feel like KFC or Burger King.

[baseline bum]

I can now...

A Mexican who votes; WC's worst nightmare tbh.

[ElNono]

:lol Mexican

[TeyshaBlue]

I can now...

Dammit!:rollin

[JohnnyMarzetti]

olive garden is crappy but nothing holds a candle to the unbelievable shittiness that is applebees


We get the 39 cents wings on Mondays at Applebee's. Not bad and I order them when I leave the office and swing by and grab them. Good deal.

[Spurminator]

I don't mind Chili's. Haven't been to Applebee's in 10 years. The worst of the casual chains, IMO, is On the Border. Not sure how those stay open in Texas.

[Winehole23]

The worst of the casual chains, IMO, is On the Border. Not sure how those stay open in Texas.Been around awhile, tbh. Horrible.

[Stringer_Bell]

Tbh, I've always been partial to the Chicken Alfredo for some reason. The only problem is that my palms smell like the sauce for the next two days...seriously, what the fuck is that about?

Anyway, some of the soups aren't too bad either.

[TE]

Another desperate attempt by the lamestream liberal media to push their anti-American agenda on us all. Oh so American food isn't good enough? You gotta push your Mussolini lovin Italian food on us now? I don't care about leafy greens and black olives, my food comes in three colors - Red, White, and Blue!

:lmao

[LnGrrrR]

I love me some Olive Garden (the zuppa tuscana soup rocks), but it's not on the island of Oahu. Maybe when I get out to Maui...

[Wild Cobra]

A Mexican who votes; WC's worst nightmare tbh.
Is that intention slander, or stupidity on you part?

Either way, you're making yourself look bad.

[mavs>spurs]

chicken sandwhich at chili's ain't bad tbh...solid drunk food for the cheap beer at the bar, especially just to catch the game. As to the OP olive garden is alright, not so much because of the food which is decent not great but mainly the breadsticks and salad which make it worth it. me and my used to be best friend ate there a while back..i miss her. got a lot of memories at olive garden oddly enough. it's a pleasant place to go if you want something nicer than average but not extremely expensive.

[SnakeBoy]

Had a buffalo steak at Gray Moss Inn several years ago. Was pretty damn good, IIRC.

I used to take my girlfriend there back in the 80's, it was always really good. I kind of forgot about the place until you mentioned it. Might have to give a try again.