We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>

Thanks for and advice,

Lou

"Lou Decruss" > wrote

> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>

It's been a long time since I've been there, too. I liked their
artichoke dip with pasta chips. I also liked their Tuscan soup.
Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
ordered that.

Not much help, I know.

nancy

Nancy Young wrote:

>
> "Lou Decruss" > wrote
>
> > We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
> > years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
> > we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
> > spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know
> > what's the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just
> > order a salad to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
> It's been a long time since I've been there, too. I liked their
> artichoke dip with pasta chips. I also liked their Tuscan soup.
> Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
> ordered that.

When we'd go there for work lunches, I'd get the soup and salad. The
soups are ok, and you can change up what kind you get for the refills.



Brian

--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Lou Decruss" > wrote
>
>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
> It's been a long time since I've been there, too. I liked their
> artichoke dip with pasta chips. I also liked their Tuscan soup.
> Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
> ordered that.
>
> Not much help, I know.
>
> nancy

Nowadays, the artichoke dip is mostly spinach, and served with tough, chewy baguette
slices.

The pasta fagiole soup is the only thing worth going there for

kimberly

"Nexis" > wrote

> "Nancy Young" > wrote

>> It's been a long time since I've been there, too. I liked their
>> artichoke dip with pasta chips. I also liked their Tuscan soup.
>> Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
>> ordered that.

> Nowadays, the artichoke dip is mostly spinach, and served with tough,
> chewy baguette slices.

Darn. I'm okay about the spinach, but I did enjoy those chips.
>
> The pasta fagiole soup is the only thing worth going there for

(laugh) I'll keep that in mind.

nancy

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:38:02 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Lou Decruss" > wrote
>
>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
>It's been a long time since I've been there, too. I liked their
>artichoke dip with pasta chips. I also liked their Tuscan soup.
>Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
>ordered that.
>
>Not much help, I know.

Sure it was helpful. We had a very nice evening. You were the first
to respond, so I'll tell the story here. Before we left I read the
posts here, but didn't have time to respond. Thanks to you and
everyone else who took the time to respond. We arrived a few minutes
after 5 and the wait was 35 minutes. No biggie.. So we had a cocktail
at the bar. They had to get up at 3am to catch a flight to the
Dominican Republic, so we talked a bit about their trip and we laughed
about a 43 year old with 38dd's on the topless beaches.

When we were seated I took basic advice from here, and had an open
mind knowing it wasn't going to be a great meal. But I was there for
the company. I noticed that the prices were much higher than they
were 10 years ago. Almost double it seems. The salad and the bread
were un-remarkable. Our friends both ordered the gorgonzola steak.
It wasn't a steak, but rather strips. I tried a sample and it was
pretty good, but they raved about it and finished their plates. It
seemed the portions didn't have much meat. But they were happy.
Louise had the portabello ravioli. She loved it. I tried one and it
was actually quite good. She finished her plate. I had some shrimp
thing with bell peppers and mushrooms. Big thumbs down. The
mushrooms seemed canned and although the peppers were fresh, there
weren't many in the dish. The shrimp were tiny and tough. I dug the
stuff out of the pasta and didn't finish the plate. I left most of
the pasta actually. We didn't have dessert.

We had a very nice evening, but we always do with these friends. The
bill with tip was about $110, so with the cards we had it was a pretty
cheap meal. But for the $30 the gift cards didn't cover we could have
gone out for some good Mexican. I'm sure we won't go back. I also
got heartburn, which I only get about once a year.

Lou

Lou Decruss wrote:
> "Nancy Young" wrote:
> >"Lou Decruss" wrote
>
> >> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden.
>
> >It's been a long time since I've been there, too. �I liked their
> >artichoke dip with pasta chips. �I also liked their Tuscan soup.
> >Someone I know likes their pasta fagioli, I don't think I ever
> >ordered that.
>
> >Not much help, I know.
>
> Sure it was helpful. �
>
> When we were seated I took basic advice from here, and had an open
> mind knowing it wasn't going to be a great meal. �But I was there for
> the company. �I noticed that the prices were much higher than they
> were 10 years ago. �Almost double it seems. The salad and the bread
> were un-remarkable. �Our friends both ordered the gorgonzola steak..
> It wasn't a steak, but rather strips. �I tried a sample and it was
> pretty good, but they raved about it and finished their plates. �It
> seemed the portions didn't have much meat. �But they were happy.
> Louise had the portabello ravioli. �She loved it. �I tried one and it
> was actually quite good. �She finished her plate. �I had some shrimp
> thing with bell peppers and mushrooms. �Big thumbs down. �


Whaddaya 'spect... shellfish n' 'shrooms... you would pick the onliest
taste-in-ass dish on the menu... anyone wanna bet he sprinkled it with
parmasean cheese too. hehe Good you had coupons, a better eatery
would be wasted on you.

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:35:32 -0800 (PST), Sheldon >
wrote:

>Whaddaya 'spect... shellfish n' 'shrooms... you would pick the onliest
>taste-in-ass dish on the menu... anyone wanna bet he sprinkled it with
>parmasean cheese too. hehe Good you had coupons, a better eatery
>would be wasted on you.

Thanks for the input Shemp.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:38:02 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Lou Decruss" > wrote
>

Well, where to start? THis group seems to (sorta)
agree that the beans are OK. I have Secret
Recipes 2, with a clone of pasta e fagioli, and
a real release of Tuscan bean soup with kale
from OG itself. I am trying to get my HP all-in-one
to talk to my laptop, and as soon as I can get these
verbatim, I'll pass them on.

In the meantime, I've reinstalled OmniPage OCR
and already distilled out the old chowder recipes
by Mrs. Chadwick and Mrs. Beecher. Allah willing,
I will post them in the next day or two.

A-

I cry for happy! - Elbonian Blessing

"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
...
>
> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
> Thanks for and advice,
>
> Lou


Before you're seated, and if there are others waiting to be seated, ask if
anyone would like to give you $60 cash for $80 worth of cards. Have the
cashier check the value so the other guest knows what they're getting.

Then, go eat somewhere else.

Who gives you these Olive Garden cards and why do they hate you?

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:42:21 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
> wrote:

>"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
.. .
>>
>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>>
>> Lou
>
>
>Before you're seated, and if there are others waiting to be seated, ask if
>anyone would like to give you $60 cash for $80 worth of cards. Have the
>cashier check the value so the other guest knows what they're getting.

LOL. We did talk about that when we had to wait.

>Then, go eat somewhere else.
>
>Who gives you these Olive Garden cards and why do they hate you?

They were trying to be nice. And they were.

Lou

On Feb 16, 10:26�am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. �It's been at least 10
> years since I've been to one because it sucks. �To use the cards up
> we're taking another couple out tonight. �I'm looking forward to
> spending time with our friends, but not the food. �Anyone know what's
> the most edible thing on the menu? �Otherwise I'll just order a salad
> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
> Thanks for and advice,
>
> Lou � �

Hi Lou, OG has some ok stuff, but it is not Italian, I did have a
pasta and seafood dish recently, it was fine, spagetti and mussels and
shrimp in garlic and oil. Not much they can do to that. Salad is
pretty good, and Yeah, I like the hot bread. Oh almost forgot, toss
some hot peppers on the pasta!

Rosie

On Feb 16, 10:26?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
> Thanks for and advice,

OG sucks, you're not looking forward to the food, and you may order a salad
to be social? And you're taking <friends> there?

Felice

"Felice" > wrote in
:

>
> On Feb 16, 10:26?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>
> OG sucks, you're not looking forward to the food, and you may order a
> salad to be social? And you're taking <friends> there?
>
> Felice
>
>
>

I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad. Some
folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and therefore
enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the regular choices he
makes.

--

The house of the burning beet-Alan

It'll be a sunny day in August, when the Moon will shine that night-
Elbonian Folklore

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:22:42 GMT, hahabogus > wrote:

>"Felice" > wrote in
:
>
>>
>> On Feb 16, 10:26?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>>>
>>> Thanks for and advice,
>>
>> OG sucks, you're not looking forward to the food, and you may order a
>> salad to be social? And you're taking <friends> there?
>>
>> Felice
>>
>>
>>
>
>I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad. Some
>folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and therefore
>enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the regular choices he
>makes.

Well said Alan. They loved it. I didn't, but it's not always about
me.

Lou

Michael "Dog3" wrote:
> hahabogus > dropped this
> : in rec.food.cooking
>
>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad.
>> Some folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>> regular choices he makes.
>
> Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
> mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
> anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
> where children are scarce.
>
> Michael
>
>
>
I've never eaten at an Olive Garden restaurant. Not for lack of trying I
assure you. The only one we have locally has, at a minimum, a
twenty-minute wait on any given night. Seems a lot of the local people
here like that "never-ending" pasta bowl.

George

"George Shirley" > wrote in message
. ..
> Michael "Dog3" wrote:
>> hahabogus > dropped this
>> : in rec.food.cooking
>>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad. Some
>>> folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>>> regular choices he makes.
>>
>> Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
>> mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
>> anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
>> where children are scarce.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>>
> I've never eaten at an Olive Garden restaurant. Not for lack of trying I
> assure you. The only one we have locally has, at a minimum, a
> twenty-minute wait on any given night. Seems a lot of the local people
> here like that "never-ending" pasta bowl.
>
> George


Let's see....99 cents for a box of average pasta...or how much does OG
charge for their never ending pasta feed?

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:37:12 -0600, George Shirley
> wrote:

>Michael "Dog3" wrote:
>> hahabogus > dropped this
>> : in rec.food.cooking
>>
>>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad.
>>> Some folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>>> regular choices he makes.
>>
>> Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
>> mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
>> anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
>> where children are scarce.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>>
>I've never eaten at an Olive Garden restaurant. Not for lack of trying I
>assure you. The only one we have locally has, at a minimum, a
>twenty-minute wait on any given night. Seems a lot of the local people
>here like that "never-ending" pasta bowl.

When we left the wait was over an hour. We got our table in about 30
minutes, but we were very early.

Lou

George Shirley wrote:

> I've never eaten at an Olive Garden restaurant. Not for lack of trying I
> assure you. The only one we have locally has, at a minimum, a
> twenty-minute wait on any given night. Seems a lot of the local people
> here like that "never-ending" pasta bowl.
>
> George

Yeah, for some folks quantity is more important than quality or
authenticity. And for many that's all they care about.
IF I were given an $80 gift card I'm sure I could spend it. I would
splurge on a bottle of good wine and something to eat and dessert. Oh
yeah, I could survive it... but I wouldn't confuse it for great food by
any stretch.

"Michael "Dog3"" > wrote in message
.121...
> hahabogus > dropped this
> : in rec.food.cooking
>
>>
>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad.
>> Some folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>> regular choices he makes.
>
> Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
> mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
> anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
> where children are scarce.
>
> Michael

Back in the day, when my husband and I were first together (I can hardly say dating,
since we married a week after first laying eyes on each other! lol)...we used to go
to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Back then they had spaghetti served with medallions of
filet for $6 or $7. It was good, the salad dressing was good, and the tea was
free...plus it included spumoni ice cream for dessert. A full dinner plus tip for
$20, perfect for a young couple just starting out!

It's also where I had my first Italian Cream Soda. Ah, the memories.

kimberly

"Nexis" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Michael "Dog3"" > wrote in message
> .121...
>> hahabogus > dropped this
>> : in rec.food.cooking
>>
>>>
>>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad.
>>> Some folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>>> regular choices he makes.
>>
>> Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
>> mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
>> anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
>> where children are scarce.
>>
>> Michael
>
> Back in the day, when my husband and I were first together (I can hardly
> say dating, since we married a week after first laying eyes on each other!
> lol)...we used to go to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Back then they had
> spaghetti served with medallions of filet for $6 or $7. It was good, the
> salad dressing was good, and the tea was free...plus it included spumoni
> ice cream for dessert. A full dinner plus tip for $20, perfect for a young
> couple just starting out!
>
> It's also where I had my first Italian Cream Soda. Ah, the memories.
>
> kimberly

Your Old Spaghetti Factory must have been much better than ours (Denver). I
went two different times many years ago (probably 25 or more) and was of the
opinion that they served lots of bad sauces over spaghetti. My comment even
then was that I could feed a whole crowd at home for what a meal cost at
OSF. We never went back.

DP

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:14:02 GMT, "Michael \"Dog3\""
> wrote:

>hahabogus > dropped this
: in rec.food.cooking
>
>>
>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad.
>> Some folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and
>> therefore enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the
>> regular choices he makes.
>
>Compared the The Pasta House Co. here, OG rocks. It is not a favorite of
>mine either but if someone wants to go, sure I'll go I'll go *almost*
>anywhere if needed... except a buffet... unless the buffet is a brunch
>where children are scarce.

I don't do buffets either. They were very happy last night. That's
all that matters.

Lou

"Sqwertz" > wrote

> OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
> people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
> everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
> reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.

Haha, yes, you're the clear thinker above it all. Actually,
the pasta I've had there was so mushy it gave me the creeps.
Don't get me started on the awful bloody mary I had there.

I formed my opinions before I ever heard of rfc.

nancy

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

>
> "Sqwertz" > wrote
>
> > OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
> > people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
> > everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
> > reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.
>
> Haha, yes, you're the clear thinker above it all. Actually,
> the pasta I've had there was so mushy it gave me the creeps.
> Don't get me started on the awful bloody mary I had there.

I haven't been to Olive Garden in around ten years. When
I went there way back when, it was not particularly cheap
and very puzzling-they make their own fresh pasta, then clearly
held it on a steam table until it was mushy. Maybe it's gotten
better since then, but I don't think the chances are high enough
for me to check.

Sometimes the bandwagon is accidentally going the right way,
even if there are a bunch of people riding it.

Mike Beede

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:34:29 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Sqwertz" > wrote
>
>> OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
>> people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
>> everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
>> reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.
>
>Haha, yes, you're the clear thinker above it all. Actually,
>the pasta I've had there was so mushy it gave me the creeps.
>Don't get me started on the awful bloody mary I had there.
>
>I formed my opinions before I ever heard of rfc.
>
>nancy
>

what did they do to the bloody mary, nancy?

your pal,
blake

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:34:29 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Sqwertz" > wrote
>
>> OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
>> people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
>> everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
>> reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.
>
>Haha, yes, you're the clear thinker above it all. Actually,
>the pasta I've had there was so mushy it gave me the creeps.

I left my pasta and ate everything else.

>Don't get me started on the awful bloody mary I had there.

One of our party had a margarita. They used sugar on the glass
instead of salt.

>I formed my opinions before I ever heard of rfc.

Me too.

Lou

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:22:42 GMT, hahabogus wrote:
>
> OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
> people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
> everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
> reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.

Oh, quit being such a non-conformist...

Mary

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:59:29 GMT, Sqwertz >
wrote:

>On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:22:42 GMT, hahabogus wrote:
>
>> I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad. Some
>> folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and therefore
>> enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the regular choices he
>> makes.
>
>OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. I think most
>people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
>everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
>reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.
>
>I suspect many of the people here can't cook as good as good as
>food they get at OG. Side by side taste tests of their cooking
>next to a plate of OG, the OG plates would probably win the
>majority of the time.

I think there are many people here who can cook, but I'm sure there
are many posers also.

Lou

Sqwertz wrote:

> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:22:42 GMT, hahabogus wrote:
> > I don't dislike the olive garden...for a chain it's not that bad. *Some
> > folks ain't as food crazy as us and don't know it's bad and therefore
> > enjoy it. When I dine out with my son it is one of the regular choices he
> > makes.
>
> OG isn't bad the three times I've eaten there. *I think most
> people here just like to jump on the bandwagon and agree with
> everyone else that thinks it's bad just because it has a bad
> reputation - perpetuated by the band wagon.
>
> I suspect many of the people here can't cook as good as good as
> food they get at OG. *Side by side taste tests of their cooking
> next to a plate of OG, the OG plates would probably win the
> majority of the time.


Yup...in large areas of the country (like downstate Illannoy where I
grew up) OG and their elk would be a gourmet *treat*. And the chain
places would be superior to most of what's available locally. Believe
me, the dining "scene" in such areas is really dire...

I read the nooze from Iowa at times and there was a big hullabaloo
when Des Moines landed the first Cheesecake Factory in the state, also
when the first Starbucks opened in the state. This was only a coupla
years ago. There is some good food in Iowa, but having those two
national chains finally open in Iowa was a sign for many that Iowa had
"arrived"...something that civic boosters could point to with pride.


--
Best
Greg

Gregory Morrow wrote:
>
>
> Yup...in large areas of the country (like downstate Illannoy where I
> grew up) OG and their elk would be a gourmet *treat*.



When did they start serving game meat? Do they serve
bison/buffalo, too?

gloria p

Michael "Dog3" wrote:
> Sqwertz > dropped this
> : in rec.food.cooking
>
>> I suspect many of the people here can't cook as good as good as
>> food they get at OG. Side by side taste tests of their cooking
>> next to a plate of OG, the OG plates would probably win the
>> majority of the time.
>
> Of course the people here can cook as good as OG. Here is a recipe that
> anyone can "copycat"
>
> Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta
> Serves 2 to 3 as an entree
>
> 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
> 2 cups heavy cream
> 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
> 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
> 1 12 ounce box fettuccine pasta
> 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
>
> 1. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.
> 2. Add cream, garlic powder and pepper. Simmer 10-12 minutes or until thick.
> 3. At the same time, bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil and add the pasta.
> 4. When the Alfredo sauce has reached the desired consistency, stir in the parmesan cheese.
> 5. When the pasta is cooked, drain and plate, top with Alfredo sauce.
>


That looks *good* to me. I know it's not authentic. It also doesn't
have enough cheese. But for a pasta with white sauce...

Bob

zxcvbob wrote:
> Michael "Dog3" wrote:
>> Sqwertz > dropped this
>> : in rec.food.cooking
>>> I suspect many of the people here can't cook as good as good as
>>> food they get at OG. Side by side taste tests of their cooking
>>> next to a plate of OG, the OG plates would probably win the
>>> majority of the time.
>>
>> Of course the people here can cook as good as OG. Here is a recipe
>> that anyone can "copycat"
>>
>> Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta
>> Serves 2 to 3 as an entree
>>
>> 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
>> 2 cups heavy cream
>> 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
>> 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
>> 1 12 ounce box fettuccine pasta
>> 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
>>
>> 1. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.
>> 2. Add cream, garlic powder and pepper. Simmer 10-12 minutes or
>> until thick.
>> 3. At the same time, bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil and add the
>> pasta.
>> 4. When the Alfredo sauce has reached the desired consistency, stir
>> in the parmesan cheese. 5. When the pasta is cooked, drain and
>> plate, top with Alfredo sauce.
>>
>
>
> That looks *good* to me. I know it's not authentic. It also doesn't
> have enough cheese. But for a pasta with white sauce...
>
> Bob
Heck, a buddy of mine in college lived on pasta and a white sauce that
was just flour, milk, a little cheese, and some black pepper. He managed
to get by on that for about four years. I tried some once and couldn't
even swallow it, was nothing but flour all the way through.

George

Michael "Dog3" wrote:

> Of course the people here can cook as good as OG. Here is a recipe that
> anyone can "copycat"
>
> Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta
> Serves 2 to 3 as an entree
>
> 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
> 2 cups heavy cream
> 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
> 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
> 1 12 ounce box fettuccine pasta
> 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

garlic powder? In Alfredo?
ONLY 1/4 cup of parmesan.

Those are the two most glaring problems I'd have with the recipe...

On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:38:20 GMT, "Michael \"Dog3\""
> wrote:

>Goomba38 > dropped this
: in rec.food.cooking
>
>> Michael "Dog3" wrote:
>>
>>> Of course the people here can cook as good as OG. Here is a recipe
>that
>>> anyone can "copycat"
>>>
>>> Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta
>>> Serves 2 to 3 as an entree
>>>
>>> 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
>>> 2 cups heavy cream
>>> 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
>>> 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
>>> 1 12 ounce box fettuccine pasta
>>> 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
>>
>> garlic powder? In Alfredo?
>> ONLY 1/4 cup of parmesan.
>>
>> Those are the two most glaring problems I'd have with the recipe...
>
>Then by gosh don't order it next time you're at the OG
>
Hey, it's a copycat recipe... did you really think it would be like
the real thing (that is if OG's Alfredo is even close to the *real*
thing). I've never tried any sort of copycat recipe (however it's
spelled), so I don't know if some hit the mark or not.

--
See return address to reply by email
remove the smiley face first

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:04:12 -0500, "Felice" >
wrote:

>
>On Feb 16, 10:26?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden. It's been at least 10
>> years since I've been to one because it sucks. To use the cards up
>> we're taking another couple out tonight. I'm looking forward to
>> spending time with our friends, but not the food. Anyone know what's
>> the most edible thing on the menu? Otherwise I'll just order a salad
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>
>OG sucks, you're not looking forward to the food, and you may order a salad
>to be social? And you're taking <friends> there?

It was a last minute thing. The friends didn't need to be impressed,
but needed a bit of stress relief before their trip. Spending a
boatload of money the night before an expensive trip wasn't an option
for them. We had a nice time.

Lou

To: rosie

> Hi Lou, OG has some ok stuff, but it is not Italian, I did have a
> pasta and seafood dish recently, it was fine, spagetti and mussels and
> shrimp in garlic and oil. Not much they can do to that. Salad is
> pretty good, and Yeah, I like the hot bread. Oh almost forgot, toss
> some hot peppers on the pasta!

Well not "authentic" but they definately are Italian inspired... which is
"Italian" to most consumers. We do have a restaurant that is a national chain
called Bucca De Beppo (Joe's Basement in Italian) that, to me, is closer to how
my granny cooks.



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Derby City BBS
-= Allen Prunty =- telnet://derbycitybbs.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Where Friends Gather
--- Synchronet 3.15a-Win32 NewsLink 1.85
* Derby City Online - Louisville, KY - telnet://derbycitybbs.com

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:36:37 -0500, "Allen Prunty"
-u4g-this> wrote:

> We do have a restaurant that is a national chain
>called Bucca De Beppo (Joe's Basement in Italian) that, to me, is closer to how
>my granny cooks.

DD has one near her and she likes it.

--
See return address to reply by email
remove the smiley face first

In article >, sf wrote:

> On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:36:37 -0500, "Allen Prunty"
> -u4g-this> wrote:
>
> > We do have a restaurant that is a national chain
> >called Bucca De Beppo (Joe's Basement in Italian) that, to me, is closer to how
> >my granny cooks.
>
> DD has one near her and she likes it.

Buca is kind of sad--it started as one really good place in Minneapolis
and is now a chain of acceptable places. But it is ten times better
than Olive Garden, and probably no more expensive. Their gimmick is
"family style" dishes instead of individual ones, and that works pretty
well for Italian.

Mike Beede

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:32:09 -0600, Mike Beede > wrote:

>In article >, sf wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:36:37 -0500, "Allen Prunty"
>> -u4g-this> wrote:
>>
>> > We do have a restaurant that is a national chain
>> >called Bucca De Beppo (Joe's Basement in Italian) that, to me, is closer to how
>> >my granny cooks.
>>
>> DD has one near her and she likes it.
>
>Buca is kind of sad--it started as one really good place in Minneapolis
>and is now a chain of acceptable places. But it is ten times better
>than Olive Garden, and probably no more expensive. Their gimmick is
>"family style" dishes instead of individual ones, and that works pretty
>well for Italian.
>
So, why is that sad? My DD knows decent food when it's served to her.
10 times better than OG would be pretty good in my book.

--
See return address to reply by email
remove the smiley face first

"Allen Prunty" -u4g-this> wrote in
message ...
> To: rosie
>
> > Hi Lou, OG has some ok stuff, but it is not Italian, I did have a
> > pasta and seafood dish recently, it was fine, spagetti and mussels and
> > shrimp in garlic and oil. Not much they can do to that. Salad is
> > pretty good, and Yeah, I like the hot bread. Oh almost forgot, toss
> > some hot peppers on the pasta!
>
> Well not "authentic" but they definately are Italian inspired... which is
> "Italian" to most consumers. We do have a restaurant that is a national
> chain
> called Bucca De Beppo (Joe's Basement in Italian) that, to me, is closer
> to how
> my granny cooks.
>
>
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Derby City BBS
> -= Allen Prunty =- telnet://derbycitybbs.com
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Where Friends Gather
> --- Synchronet 3.15a-Win32 NewsLink 1.85
> * Derby City Online - Louisville, KY - telnet://derbycitybbs.com


Bucca De Beppo was right up there among the worst restaurant meals I have
ever had. Large portions of bad food is what they specialize in.

DP