This is a sponsored post for Carrabbas Italian Grill. All opinions are my own.
A few days ago, my husband and I were treated to another night out at our local Carrabba’s Italian Grill here in Birmingham as part of a #FirstTastes sampling event. Similar to the delicious Festa di Carrabba Seasonal Menu sampling we attended several weeks back, this time it was a sampling from their new menu featuring Carrabbas Italian Values – over 15 incredible items for $15 or less!
How Carrabba’s Came to Be
In 1986, two Sicilian boys from Texas with a love of cooking and eating founded Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Unlike many other restaurants, at Carrabba’s every meal is hand-made from scratch, using only the best fresh produce, herbs, seafood, and meats – all delivered daily. You will not find any processed or pre-packaged foods in these kitchens, and one taste is all you will need to know this for a fact! Whatever meal you order, whether it’s made with the rope grown mussels from Prince Edward Island or the Garofalo pasta from Italy, it will be made with the best!
Carrabba’s Italian Values
Carrabbas has always had an extensive menu with many delicious dishes, and now they have revamped the menu, adding several brand new items as well as bringing back some old favorites. The new menu featuring Carrabba’s Italian Values, includes over new 15 items for $15 or less! From appetizers to entrees to deserts, you can have a wonderful housemade meal without breaking the bank! Keep in mind, the photographs you are about to see show samplings, not the full size you will get when you order!
Carrabba’s New Menu Sampling
Once we sat down, our waiter took our drink order and set down the one thing that makes any Italian meal complete, a basket of warm bread with a side bowl of a special spice blend covered in Olive Oil. Be careful though! This is so good, you have to watch that you don’t fill up before your meal arrives!
After we were served the bread and our drinks, the sampling began with one of Carrabba’s all-time favorite appetizers known as Arancini. From there we were served several other tasty entrees then finished with dessert. So sit back, and start thinking about which of these you want to try the next time you head out to eat at Carrabba’s!
Arancini – bites of Italian Fennel Sausage, risotto, red bell peppers and romano cheese are mixed together, hand-breaded and cooked to golden, crispy perfection. Served with a bowl of warm, housemade marina with just a hint of spice. Together with the marinara, the taste is beyond incredible.
Pollo La Scala – calling all chicken lovers – this is the dish for you! Incredibly moist, sautéed chicken served in a sauce made of white wine, mascarpone and roasted red bell pepper;
Mahi Wulfe – let me begin by saying I do not like fish. After trying it once as a child, I never again felt the urge. However, when the Mahi Wulfe was placed in front of me, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! This dish is incredibly delicious and I see why it has been a Carrabba’s favorite for years! Regulars and newcomers will be happy to see that they have brought it back! Moist and flaky, this lightly breaded fish is wood-grilled, then topped with artichokes, sundried tomatoes and Carrabba’s housemade basil lemon butter sauce.
Rigatoni Martino – if you are in the mood for pasta, I highly recommend this dish! Wood-grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms and sundried tomatoes are tossed together in a rich, delicious housemade tomato cream sauce and served over tender Rigatoni.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – my second favorite of everything we tried, this boneless pork medallion is wood-grilled and so tender, you can cut it with your fork. It’s then topped with a port wine fig sauce that will make your mouth water just from its aroma!
Conchiglie Al Formaggi – another wonderful pasta dish, this one ideal for any cheese lover! Large, shell-shaped pasta is tossed in a creamy, housemade alfredo sauce with mozzarella, fontina, romano, parmesan and goat cheese.
For dessert was something that can only be described as little bites of heaven!
Mini Cannoli – a classic Italian dessert, Carrabba’s Mini Cannoli’s are a true treat! A crisp, mini pastry shell is stuffed with a sweet ricotta and chocolate chip filling, then topped with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Each bite literally melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more!
My Verdict
Carrabba’s has done it again! Where else can you get an authentic, delicious Italian meal for such an amazing price? Not only was the food was delicious, but the presentation of each dish was beautifully done.
From the minute we walked in the door, we received nothing but warm smiles and friendly service from everyone from the hostess to the waiter to the manager. We did not have to wait long at all before our drinks were served and the first of the food was delivered. The restaurant itself was nicely decorated and clean with a pleasant, casual, family friendly atmosphere.
In summary, I highly recommend visiting your local Carrabba’s, and checking out their new menu including the Carrabba’s Italian Values menu!