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

"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 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

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.
My favorite entree is the Chianti-braised short ribs. The portobella and
porcini rice pilaf served with them is seriously good, and the meat
practically falls apart.

It's a chain, so it's not what Nana cooked at home, but I like it...

Dave

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?

Andy

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!

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

>Lou Decruss said...


>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?

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!

Myrl Jeffcoat

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!"

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?

"Brawny" > wrote in message
...
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?

You really are a pig, aren't you? Exactly how would donating Olive Garden
gift cards to a homeless shelter benefit them? Maybe you think they have a
take a homeless person to lunch day or something. And by the way, not
everyone who ever mentions alcohol or drinking is an alcoholic. Either you
were a member of the women's temperance league in a previous life or you've
got a problem yourself and feel the need to project it onto everyone else.
I don't see you contributing much of anything other than snide commentary.

Jill

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

"Swertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:32:50 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> You really are a pig, aren't you? Exactly how would donating Olive
>> Garden
>> gift cards to a homeless shelter benefit them? Maybe you think they have
>> a
>> take a homeless person to lunch day or something.
>
> Uh, I would think the homeless people could use them directly.
> Or is there a stipulation that homeless people cannot dine at
> Olive Garden?
>
> Duh.
>

I don't know about where you live but the homeless folks I've encountered
don't exactly have transportation to get to and from restaurants. Depending
on the shelter, there may or may not be facilities for washing their clothes
and bathing. I'd like to think Olive Garden would prefer patrons not be
grimey and not come in wearing clothing that hasn't been washed in a week or
two, wouldn't you?

>
>> 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

One time on Usenet, 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,

I do like their Chocolate Lasagne, which is a nice layer cake with
chocolate "lasagne" and vanilla "sauce"...

--
Jani in WA

One time on Usenet, 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,

I forgot to mention, their "Zuppa Toscana" is a nice potato, sausage,
and greens soup -- a little spicy for me, but I eat it anyway. Yes,
I'm a wimp...

--
Jani in WA

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:39:45 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> "Swertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:32:50 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>>>
>>>> You really are a pig, aren't you? Exactly how would donating Olive
>>>> Garden
>>>> gift cards to a homeless shelter benefit them? Maybe you think they
>>>> have
>>>> a
>>>> take a homeless person to lunch day or something.
>>>
>>> Uh, I would think the homeless people could use them directly.
>>> Or is there a stipulation that homeless people cannot dine at
>>> Olive Garden?
>>>
>>> Duh.
>>>
>>
>> I don't know about where you live but the homeless folks I've encountered
>> don't exactly have transportation to get to and from restaurants.
>
> Walk. Bus. I don't have a car, but I seem to get around just
> fine.
>

I really don't know why I'm debating this issue with you but here goes. I
don't live inside the Memphis city limits; there is no public
transportation. But even if there were, you're assuming a homeless person
has change (or tokens or a bus pass or whatever). Might as well say "catch
a cab". Oh wait, there aren't cabs hanging around my neck of the woods,
either.

> Some of them probably live behind the dumpsters with all the
> uneaten plates thrown away at OG.
>
So why bother with a gift card? Can't possibly be the ambiance LOL

Jill

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?

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.

--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Blinky: http://blinkynet.net

"Blinky the Shark" > 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>
>
> Their Dr. Pepper is pretty good.


{DRUM CRASH!}

"Is this an audience or an oil painting?"
- Henny Youngman

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

"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

On Feb 16, 2:32*pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> "Brawny" > wrote in message
> > to be social and drink myself silly. <eg>
>
>
> gift cards to a homeless shelter benefit them? *Maybe you think they have a
> take a homeless person to lunch day or something. *

Jill, sweetie....my response was just as absurd as the original post.
It was like asking what to do with fifty bucks on a Krystal gift
card.

What difference does it make to you?

Regifting is a wonderful thing. Sorry that Lou got "regifted".

I would have graciously said "Thank you" and headed straight to the
Capitol Grille.

> >> 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!!!)

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
> "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?
>
>
I wouldn't know. Tonight I fixed lemon chicken with rosemary and whole
wheat spaghetti. Probable cost was less than $2.00 for the both of us
including the energy cost to cook. Chicken breast was on sale for 99
cents a lb and I bought 10 lbs, vacuum bagged it and kept in freezer.
That lowered the cost considerably.

George

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

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.

You will swallow ANYTHING when you don't have any better to choose
from.

The recipe was fine. NOT a single person will force you to eat
it. Stop being a culinary butthole.

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:

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.

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

"Mike Beede" > wrote

> "Nancy Young" > wrote:

>> Actually,
>> the pasta I've had there was so mushy it gave me the creeps.

> 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.

Is that what they do. I didn't know how they managed to
make such an unpleasantly textured pasta. It's not as if I
expected or demanded perfectly al dente pasta. This was
just nasty stuff.

> Maybe it's gotten
> better since then, but I don't think the chances are high enough
> for me to check.

When people have decided that's the place to meet, I order the
soup or the artichoke/spinach dip. Even so, it's been a long time
since I've been there, so I really don't know if they've improved.

It's pasta, seems like a restaurant whose specialty is pasta would
try to get that right.

nancy

"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

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

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

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.

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

OG was generally ok for work lunches, particularly in the winter. Just
get the unlimited soup and salad, the "tuscana" sausage and potato soup
is tasty, and you can change and get the next bowl of something else.

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)

To: Lou Decruss

> 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>

They actually have some decent food for a chain rectauraunt. Mom likes the
Lasagne Rollatini (which is nothing but rolled italian stuff in a lasagne
noodle) it was pretty good and reasonable. You should be able to enjoy food
and drinks for two people with that card along with a nice desert.

The olive garden here in Louisville, KY has gotten a lot better through the
years. At one time they had an awesome grilled italian sausage that was served
with an assortment of grilled veggies on a bed of wonderfully marinated
capellini. They don't have that on the menu anymore.

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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
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Where Friends Gather
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