Olive Garden

Traditional dishes and all -you-can-eat salad, soup and bread sticks are the draw at this upscale-casual Italian restaurant.. In Short
Established in 1982, this chain gained a following for its laid-back atmosphere and generous portions. Patrons settle into comfortable booths and tables in dining rooms with plants, artwork and décor reminiscient of the villas in the Tuscan countryside. Starters include scampi, sausage or pepperoni pizza, and several soup choices, as well as a signature seafood dip (crab, shrimp, cheese and marinara). Entrees include classics like lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmigiana. There are also "Garden Fare" options, which promise 30 percent fewer calories.…

The Staff with a heart.. During my single days, I would stop after a date for salad and breadsticks. Then there were other great offerings including nicely seasoned steaks. But my single days ended several years ago, and Shelley, my new wife, and I selected the Olive Garden on Barry for dinner after the marriage. But we were late - real late - the cleanup volunteers all left us with the job of cleaning the church by our selves. By the time we got to Olive Garden, we were tired & late - the door was locked. The staff looked at us in our wedding clothes - reopened the door and applauded as we walked. They made us feel special! And we were not hurried. Thank you.

Since then, there have been other special family times at that restaurant. There will be another when my US Marine son returns from Uzebekistan.…