Carrabbas

Miami is a vibrant city, full of culture, great food, and attractions.  There's something for everyone and I want to share a glimpse of some of my favorite spots. When I want to have a truly enjoyable dining experience, I go to Carrabbas Italian Grill.  My favorite location these days is in South Miami, but there are several locations throughout Miami and Broward County; I haven't been disappointed with one yet.

From the time I step in the door, I'm greeted by the friendly staff and a cozy environment of dimmed lighting, great music, and the smell of wonderful food being cooked to perfection. If it's Happy Hour, I usually settle in a booth and start things off with a pomegranate martini.  But, who am I kidding?  I usually start with a pomegranate martini-even if it isn't Happy Hour!

 The mix of citrus and pomegranate juices and peach Vodka is so light and refreshing, I almost forget that I'm drinking an alcoholic beverage-until a hint of tipsy sets in!  This is definitely a sexy drink.  After enticing my palette, my go to is the complimentary fresh baked bread served with a dip made with spices and olive oil.

Yum...yum...yum!  I try to pace myself because there's so much more coming.  The spicy sausage and lentil is next. The combination of the sausage and lentil blend together perfectly. It's spicy, tasty, and warm.

I can't enjoy an appetizer without adding calamari (fried squid).  So, there's a place for that on the table; it's actually a staple for me.

What makes this so delicious, aside from the well battered and fried calamari, is the combination of the two sauces that accompany it.  The marinara sauce which is unbelievably good in it's own right, is joined by the Ricardo sauce, made with lemon and butter. The combination of these two sauces produce a flavor explosion in my mouth!  By now, I have what I like to call the greedy grin-a silly smile on my face because everything tastes so good; ah, life is blissful.  This is usually about the time the server happens by to ask if everything is okay.  Although the look on my face says it all, I still find a way to answer yes between my enthusiastic chewing. 

My favorite entree is the Pollo Rosa Maria; two perfectly grilled chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese, in a lemon butter sauce. I choose Fettuccine Alfredo as the sidekick.  The pasta is made fresh daily, which is a major plus in my book.  The Pollo Rosa Maria actually has mushrooms in the sauce, but I order mine sans the mushrooms because of allergies.  I usually request a take out box right about now and just when I think I have no more room to fit anymore food, the server with his/her keen sense, appears and asks that question...would you like any dessert or coffee?  I get ready to say no and then I remember I saw a dessert special, a peach and raspberry crostata served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It's sweet, tart, flaky, buttery, and creamy; it simply divine! What a perfect way to end a wonderful meal.

Carrabbas Italian Grill
5829 SW 73rd Street
Suite 102
Miami, Florida 33143
Open 7 days a week

Post by: Nancy Monperousse
Photos by: www.Google.com