Carrabba's Italian Grill: Not the Usual "chain" Restaurant

During the part three weeks, I have had the pleasant experience of dining at Carrabba's at two locations in Tampa, Florida. I have also visited venues of the same chain on the east coast of Florida in Vero Beach. Each and every one of these experiences has been successful and a treat. I am not that much of a fussy eater, but wife Joan has definite standards with regard to restaurants.

Some three weeks ago, we joined eight people with whom we had worked at the Florida Department of Revenue. One woman had retired, was now living with her husband in Texas and was back in Tampa for a visit. Another woman was taking courses to become a teacher and the rest were still employed with the state. We agreed to meet at the Carrabba's on 56^th Street in Temple Terrace at 6:30 P.M. on a Friday evening. The restaurant does not accept reservations, especially on a weekend evening, but it does offer a "call-ahead" service whereby one can call, request the name be placed on the list and, by the time one gets to the restaurant, there is likely no wait.

When most of our party was in attendance, we were taken to our table, a round large table which would easily accommodate ten people. The restaurant has an ambiance that is designed to be friendly. Its lighting is subdued, the wait staff extremely friendly without being familiar. The room abounds with Italian ceramics, black and white photographs of a family I guess is that of the founders, and odds and ends. The operation is obviously well-oiled and well run by a management who cares. (Parenthetically, the identical atmosphere - but not the identical furnishings or layout - have been in evidence whenever we have visited any of the restaurants.)

While we waited for the remaining members of the party, our waiter took a drink order and brought very warm, fresh, crusty bread, along with several dishes with spices which he mixed with olive oil. We devoured, almost inhaled, the bread, dipping each thick slice in the oil. By the time our party was complete, a new basket of bread had been brought and has disappeared.