"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

The only thing I like from OG is the Pasta Fagiole soup. It's delicious, spiced just
right, and doesn't leave you feeling a sudden urge to become a bulimic.

kimberly

"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

"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

"Mike Beede" > wrote in message
...
> 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

Hear hear! I may ask for opinions about a place before going there, as Lou
did, but I don't say the food sucks if I've never eaten there. BTW, the two
times I ate at Olive Garden I was absolutely not impressed. Ditto the food
at Applebee's, Chili's, Outback, etc. A chain is a chain is a chain.

Jill

"TerryinDTW" > wrote in message
...
> >> And by the way, not
> >> everyone who ever mentions alcohol or drinking is an alcoholic.
>
> > Step 1 is admitting you have a problem and focuses on overcoming
> > your denial.
>
> I'm glad you're admitting you have a problem, Steve. I know it's a big
> step
> for you
>
> Jill

Here she goes again, dropping eggs every which-a-way. Get off your
high horse and slap on another
estrogen patch, Missy. (P.S. I just can't wait for the details of
daddy's Dead Spread!!!)

I'd much rather hear about YOUR dead spread. **** you and the horse you
rode in on, loser bitch.

"Puester" > wrote in message
...
> Pennyaline wrote:
>> Lou Decruss wrote:
>>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden.
>>
>> Dumb ass!
>
>>
>> Go someplace YOU like, cheapskate. Spend a couple of bucks, get food you
>> don't mind eating, have some good wine, enjoy your friends and make a
>> real night of it.
>
>
> And throw the $80 in the trash? Lou and his guests will find something
> edible there, even if it's not five star quality. Reread his post and you
> will note that he is trying to make use of the gift card he received.
>
> If the economic downturn we are currently in continues, people won't
> be so quick to throw money away, whatever form it takes.
>
> gloria p

Good point, Gloria! Besides, maybe his friends *love* Olive Garden. Maybe
that's why he invited this particular couple to help use up the gift cards.
Apparently a lot of people love OG, otherwise they wouldn't be in business.

Jill

"Arri London" > 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.
>>
>> Lou
>
> Stick with the soup, salad and breadsticks. A friend took us there a
> couple of weeks ago as a well-meant 'treat' and that's what I ate. There
> is no Italian food at Olive Garden.

I don't think anyone here believes the food at OG is "Italian"

Jill

"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

"kilikini" > wrote in message
...
> jmcquown wrote:
>> Hear hear! I may ask for opinions about a place before going there,
>> as Lou did, but I don't say the food sucks if I've never eaten there.
>> BTW, the two times I ate at Olive Garden I was absolutely not
>> impressed. Ditto the food at Applebee's, Chili's, Outback, etc. A
>> chain is a chain is a chain.
>> Jill
>
> I agree with you about chain restaurants, Jill. Actually, we had a gift
> card that we had to use at an Olive Garden a few months back; Allan got it
> from someone at work. I'm trying to remember what we ate - it was *that*
> memorable. (Okay, I had to go to the online menu to check.)
>
> So, as for the chain restaurants we've sworn off Chili's, Ruby Tuesday's,
> Golden Corral, Olive Garden & Carrabba's. All are overpriced and
> over-rated. Why do people go? Is it because they don't know any
> better?????
>
> kili

I think that must be it, kili. Or maybe that's all there is nearby. Or
maybe they just buy into the marketing hype they see on TV. Chain
restaurants are just like big box stores run amok.

Here in SC in the last week or so there was a public outcry because a
property owner tried to sell one of his (many) undeveloped 40 acre
properties on Hwy. 21 on Lady's Island to Wal-Mart. The city council
quickly nixed the idea because the property is specifically zoned for a
series of small shops, no building higher than 2 stories. It's not zoned
for a 195,000 sq. ft. behemoth. (Not to mention, there's already a Wal-Mart
Superstore about 15 miles away in Beaufort.)

Why am I mentioning Wal-Mart, you ask? Because I was reading the message
boards associated with the local paper on this very subject. There was one
woman who was all in favour of someone building a big box store at that
location as long as it was an "upscale big box store" rather than a
Wal-Mart. She went on to say Lady's Island should get some *good* (chain)
restaurants like Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday and Outback. (She did
specifically add, "But not Olive Garden, I don't like them." LOL)

IMHO this woman's taste must be in her ass. She's all for ruining a
beautiful area by making it look just like every other cookie-cutter town
with chain restaurants. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants in the
area, she apparently just doesn't know how to recognize them.

Jill

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:

> "Arri London" > wrote in message
> ...

> > Stick with the soup, salad and breadsticks. A friend took us there a
> > couple of weeks ago as a well-meant 'treat' and that's what I ate. There
> > is no Italian food at Olive Garden.
>
> I don't think anyone here believes the food at OG is "Italian"


But they have tomatoes and peppers. Those come from Italy, don't they?

:-(

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

"kilikini" > wrote in message
...
>
> So, as for the chain restaurants we've sworn off Chili's, Ruby Tuesday's,
> Golden Corral, Olive Garden & Carrabba's. All are overpriced and
> over-rated.

At least one of the original locations of Carrabba's in Houston (on Kirby)
is pretty decent. The other locations I've visited were not nearly as good.

Mary

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:26:38 -0500, "kilikini"
> wrote:

>jmcquown wrote:
>> "Mike Beede" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> 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
>>
>> Hear hear! I may ask for opinions about a place before going there,
>> as Lou did, but I don't say the food sucks if I've never eaten there.
>> BTW, the two times I ate at Olive Garden I was absolutely not
>> impressed. Ditto the food at Applebee's, Chili's, Outback, etc. A
>> chain is a chain is a chain.
>> Jill
>
>I agree with you about chain restaurants, Jill. Actually, we had a gift
>card that we had to use at an Olive Garden a few months back; Allan got it
>from someone at work. I'm trying to remember what we ate - it was *that*
>memorable. (Okay, I had to go to the online menu to check.)
>
>We had an appetizer of Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta. It's a blend of cheeses
>on toast rounds. It was okay. Rather salty, though. I had a couple of
>toast rounds dipped in the cheese and let my husband pretty much eat the
>whole thing. At our OG in New Tampa, FL, the price for the appetizer was
>$7.25 USD. Then, I think I ordered a pizza for an appetizer, but I can't
>find a pizza on the menu, now. I've seen copycat recipes online for their
>pizza crust and I wanted to try it to see if it would be worth recreating at
>home. Again, it wasn't memorable. Oh, and gosh, it took forever to get the
>pizza, too! Of course we had the salad and breadsticks, which are always
>good, but instead of getting a full bowl of salad like you used to, it's
>down to half, if even. It was enough for two plates.
>
>We ended up being there about 3 hours because the service was so bad and
>unattentive. They did give us a few swigs of a complimentary wine. Pffft.
>We vowed to never go back again.
>
>So, as for the chain restaurants we've sworn off Chili's, Ruby Tuesday's,
>Golden Corral, Olive Garden & Carrabba's. All are overpriced and
>over-rated. Why do people go? Is it because they don't know any
>better?????
>
>kili

It is not just chain restaurants. In my small 5,000 population town
there are only two or three decent restaurants and 1 really good. We
went to the really good one for Sunday brunch a couple of weeks ago.
The tab with tip for 2 people was $32. In an area where many of the
jobs have moved to China (furniture and fabric) a lot of the
population cannot afford Elkin Creek. The Italian restaurant is
pretty good, but I do not expect Mario or Lidia's food there.

If you have to drive 80 miles round trip to find better places to eat
it really restricts your choices, especially with gas at $3/gallon.
And many of the younger families do not know how to cook from scratch.
Are boxes and cans from the grocery store any better than what you get
at the chain, especially if both of you have worked all day and are
hungry, tired and the kids are cranky when you get home?

We are getting to the 2nd generation of families who do not know how
to cook. When my younger son was in his teens (he is now 32) he went
home with a friend and they were going to fix something to eat.
Nothing to cook. No eggs, no milk, no flour, sugar. Even then my son
knew how to fix some things from scratch, or at least call and ask me.


--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)

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 16 Feb 2008 21:49:56 GMT, Blinky the Shark >
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>
>
>Their Dr. Pepper is pretty good.

<snort>

your pal,
blake

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

on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:55:03 -0800 (PST), rosie >
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,
>>
>> 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!

Thanks rosie. Dinner was edible. Friends were better.

Lou

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 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

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

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

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

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

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:05:31 -0600, Mike Beede > wrote:


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

I think you're right Mike.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:40:24 -0800, Dave Bell
> 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>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>>
>> Lou
>
>The soups are very good, IMHO, particularly the Tuscan.
>Salads are great, but I don't care for the breadsticks. Pretty bland.

I wasn't impressed with the bread either.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:03:16 -0600, Andy <q> wrote:

>Lou Decruss said...
>
>>
>> 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,
>
>Without an opinion, not having ate there, Olive Garden is a branch of a
>conglomerate. I think Red Lobster is a "sister" operation. I didn't look it
>up.
>
>Are your gift cards good at the other restaurants? You might ring them up
>and ask?

Yes, they're good at Dread Lobster which is 100 times worse. We went
to one a few years ago with this same couple. It was my turn to
spring and they got to chose the place. They love dread lobster. So
we landed at one in an upscale Chicago suburb. Our party was 3 white
people and a Puerterican. The staff and other patrons were 98% black.
The obvious discrimination in the quality of our service was enough to
make me never return.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:35:38 -0600, arthur alexander
> wrote:

>On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:03:16 -0600, Andy <q> wrote:
>
>
>>Without an opinion, not having ate there, Olive Garden is a branch of a
>>conglomerate. I think Red Lobster is a "sister" operation. I didn't look it
>>up.
>>
>>Are your gift cards good at the other restaurants? You might ring them up
>>and ask?
>
>You're right. The conclomerate is Darden restaurants, which includes
>OG, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze, Capitol Grill, Lobghorn Steakhouse
>and Seasons 2.
>
>A-
>
>BTW: There is a story about Marcella Hazan and her hubby eating
>at the OG on someone else's dime. She sampled a number of
>dishes, including a pasta with ragu bolognese. When she complained
>that the sauce was not bolognese, she was assured that it
>certainly was the genuine article. She is reported to have replied:
>
>"Poor Bologna!"

Even non-authentic things can taste good. OG lacks on both counts.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:11:40 -0800 (PST), merryb >
wrote:

>On Feb 16, 8:26*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 * *
>
>We got a gift card for Xmas- I had a shrimp/saffron risotto- I think
>it had asparagus in it, also. It was very good! I was quite surprised
>as my previous experiences were only so-so. Good luck- what the hey- a
>free dinner is always ok!

Thanks merryb. $80 didn't cover it though. <g>

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:33:22 -0800 (PST), Myrl Jeffcoat
> wrote:

>On Feb 16, 8:26*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 * *
>
>
>Shoot - I love Olive Garden! Maybe it's better now than it was 10
>years ago!

Just more expensive.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:02:28 -0600, Sqwertz >
wrote:

>On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:26:12 GMT, 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>
>
>Olive Garden GC's can be used at any Darden restaurant. I would
>pick Longhorn or Capital Grille, if you have those near you.
>
>http://darden.com/

We didn't have much time to plan and time wise this worked out. But
thanks.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:05:16 -0600, zxcvbob >
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>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>>
>> Lou
>
>
>I haven't eaten there in a long time. From what I remember everything
>is pretty good, but nothing is authentic. Set your expectations low,
>enjoy the company, and you might actually enjoy the food.
>
>Bob

Good advice Bob. I didn't expect much, and didn't get much. But we
had a nice time. Thanks.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:11:59 GMT, "Michael \"Dog3\""
> wrote:

>Lou Decruss > dropped this
: in rec.food.cooking
>
>>
>> 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>
>
>Lou, Steven was given a $50 OG card a couple of years ago. I've never
>liked Olive Garden much but their salad and breadsticks are good. IIRC
>Steven said his pasta was passable. Can't recall what he had. We went for
>lunch and I had salad and 4, 5 or maybe it was 6 bloody marys. I napped
>lunch off the rest of the afternoon IIRC.

LOL. Bloody Marys will do that.

Lou

On 16 Feb 2008 21:49:56 GMT, Blinky the Shark >
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>
>
>Their Dr. Pepper is pretty good.

LOLOL. That was a pretty silly thread. That stuff is nasty.

Lou

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:53:18 GMT, jay > wrote:

>On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:26:12 GMT, 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
>
>The only time I have been there the only things that looked *edible* wasn't
>on the menu.

There were many hotties there, but at my age I'm sure they didn't
notice me. <sigh>

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:39:49 -0800 (PST), Brawny >
wrote:

>On Feb 16, 11:26*am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>> to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
>
>Lou...why don't you donate the cards to a homeless shelter and then
>contact AA for help with your drinking problem?

Why don't you donate your computer to AA and drive your car into a
brick wall at 100 MPH.

Lou

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:58:56 -0800, "Nexis" > wrote:

> It's delicious, spiced just
>right, and doesn't leave you feeling a sudden urge to become a bulimic.
>
>kimberly

Interesting way to put it.

Lou

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:09:47 -0500, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>
>"Arri London" > 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.
>>>
>>> Lou
>>
>> Stick with the soup, salad and breadsticks. A friend took us there a
>> couple of weeks ago as a well-meant 'treat' and that's what I ate. There
>> is no Italian food at Olive Garden.
>
>I don't think anyone here believes the food at OG is "Italian"

I think you're right on that point.

Lou

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:07:21 -0500, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>
>"Puester" > wrote in message
...
>> Pennyaline wrote:
>>> Lou Decruss wrote:
>>>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden.
>>>
>>> Dumb ass!
>>
>>>
>>> Go someplace YOU like, cheapskate. Spend a couple of bucks, get food you
>>> don't mind eating, have some good wine, enjoy your friends and make a
>>> real night of it.
>>
>>
>> And throw the $80 in the trash? Lou and his guests will find something
>> edible there, even if it's not five star quality. Reread his post and you
>> will note that he is trying to make use of the gift card he received.
>>
>> If the economic downturn we are currently in continues, people won't
>> be so quick to throw money away, whatever form it takes.
>>
>> gloria p
>
>Good point, Gloria! Besides, maybe his friends *love* Olive Garden. Maybe
>that's why he invited this particular couple to help use up the gift cards.
>Apparently a lot of people love OG, otherwise they wouldn't be in business.

They do love it and were very happy. It was a nice time, but won't be
repeated unless someone else gives us more gift cards. <Gurrr>

Lou

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 04:07:44 GMT, Puester >
wrote:

>Pennyaline wrote:
>> Lou Decruss wrote:
>>> We've got $80 in gift cards for Olive Garden.
>>
>> Dumb ass!
>
>>
>> Go someplace YOU like, cheapskate. Spend a couple of bucks, get food you
>> don't mind eating, have some good wine, enjoy your friends and make a
>> real night of it.
>
>
>And throw the $80 in the trash? Lou and his guests will
>find something
>edible there, even if it's not five star quality. Reread
>his post and you
>will note that he is trying to make use of the gift card he
>received.
>
>If the economic downturn we are currently in continues,
>people won't
>be so quick to throw money away, whatever form it takes.

Thank you for adding something rational Gloria. We're far from poor,
but I still look at $80 as a lot of money. At minimum wage it takes
people 2 days to make that much.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:48:08 -0700, Pennyaline
> 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>
>>
>> Thanks for and advice,
>
>Since you've already thanked me:

My thanks were for any advice. Humor would even have worked. You
provided neither. So I didn't thank you.
>
>Dumb ass!
>
>Why would you take another couple out to Olive Garden for a nice time
>when you think the food there sucks? How much enjoyment is there is
>sitting staring at food you dislike because you've got gift cards to use
>up, and already grousing about it before it even gets that far. What a
>great friend you are. Does the other couple know that they are the
>beneficiaries of unwanted gift cards? Gee, what a great time!
>
>Go someplace YOU like, cheapskate. Spend a couple of bucks, get food you
>don't mind eating, have some good wine, enjoy your friends and make a
>real night of it.

One of the dumbest posts I've seen here.

Lou

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:27:10 -0800 (PST), Brawny >
wrote:

>On Feb 16, 6:55*pm, George Shirley > wrote:
>> 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...IF you have flour, butter and crean to your access....you are
>doing better than 90% of the people on this earth.

Where do you get those statistics from? Your ass?


Lou