Restaurant Review: Carino's Italian Grill in Lake Charles, Louisiana

It is now the second month in the restaurant review. This month my husband and I went to Carino's Italian Grill in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is located at 2638 Derek Drive. This is by the Highway 14 Wal-Mart. Their phone number is 474-4741. My husband and I did not make reservations and I do not know if they take them or not.

As we walked in, I noticed the music was way too loud. We were outside though and I thought maybe as we went in it would be a bit quieter. I was wrong. This of course made conversation a tad difficult.

Before we ordered we were given a loaf of bread and some bacon bits on a plate. The waitress poured olive oil on the bacon bits so that we could dip our bread in it. Fortunately, we knew this as it was not told to us.

I ordered a glass of Italian Sangria. I like regular Sangria so I thought I would try this type. In case you don't know what Italian Sangria is, it is fruit juice, brandy, and wine. I tasted it and my husband tasted it and we both agree that it seemed too much like soda pop.

At this point, we will look at our meals. My husband ordered one of their specialties, Skilletini with beef. This included either soup or salad. My husband got salad with Italian dressing. The Skilletini was good. There was enough to bring home.

I got an appetizer, for my meal, Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Bread. The shrimp had an odd flavor and neither the shrimp or bread had enough garlic.

Since this is an Italian Grill, the grill is in view of the diners. I found this interesting as you could see the flames leaping as the chef cooked.

The prices were reasonable, and they have curbside to go. In case you don't know what this is, you call in your order, drive up and park, and your order is brought out to you.

On the way home my husband told me that the Italian dressing had too much vinegar.

Both my husband and I agree that the atmosphere and the food is much better at Mamma Rosa's (see preview.) My husband thinks that if there was a rating of five stars, Carino's would get three stars. Mamma Rosa's would get 4 � stars.

At this time, we are not sure of where we are going next month.