Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Taste of Tuscany (sort of)

The Olive Garden's gluten-free menu has been suggested by a number of people. I wasn't in a rush to try it, since feedback from other celiacs who have dined there wasn't positive, but a gift card and curiosity prompted a visit.

I checked the menu online before going in and saw that it included salads (sans croutons), penne pasta with two choices of tomato-based sauces, and four types of meat and salmon entrees. The non-pasta entrees are low-carb, served with vegetables on the side. I arrived at a local Olive Garden already disappointed that the chain's famous garlicky breadsticks were not available in a GF version, but otherwise resigned to the limited menu.


The lunch was mediocre.

The tossed salad appetizer appeared to me to have come out of a bag with some olives and a couple of peppers thrown in. One of my dining companions says he thought it was fresh. (We later learned the chain's salads were being recalled due to an outbreak of cyclospora, a stomach virus, and it was not using produce from its usual supplier, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.)

My entree was the Penne Rigate with Marinara. It can be topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for an additional cost. I intended to choose one, but forgot to mention it and the server didn't bring it up. Oh well.

The GF pasta served at the Olive Garden is the corn-based variety. Mine was pasty, slightly undercooked and broke apart easily when stirred. By itself, the taste was bland, but it was a decent dish when mixed with the marinara sauce and freshly grated cheese. Overall, the meal was OK. I've had much worse, elsewhere, and I've had much better.

In my opinion, a different brand of GF pasta (and the inclusion of GF garlic bread) could improve the meal.

On the plus side: The Olive Garden tried. It's not a great effort, but it's more than many other restaurants have done to accommodate those with gluten issues and provides us with one more option for dining out. I'm glad I gave it a try. In a pinch, I'd eat the same meal again or choose another entree.

In addition, the table service was above average. Our server seemed to understand the importance of getting the GF order correct and when she brought out a big salad to be shared by the entire party, she also delivered croutons on the side for those eating off the regular menu. We also noticed a manager making the rounds of the dining room and talking with customers were happy. While she didn't approach our table, she did spend a great deal of time with a nearby party that had a series of fussy complaints.

They left happy.

There are 20 Olive Garden restaurants spread across the state. According to the company, they are located in Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Brunswick, Eatontown, Freehold, Lawrenceville, Livingston, Manahawkin, Mays Landing, Paramus, Piscataway, Ramsey, Rockaway, Secaucus, Springfield (Union County), Toms River, Voorhees, Wayne and Woodbridge.

You won't be transported to Tuscany, but your belly will be satisfied.

No comments:

Orlando Road Trip: Animal Kingdom

Gluten. Free. Churros. They are as delicious as they sound. Paired with vanilla and strawberry dipping sauces, they're heavenly. ...