I wrote about a meal at Carrabba’s in my "Christmas in KC" thread. We were brought there by a friend and fellow foodie who has been a chef/owner of his own restaurant, a specialty food creator, and a man who generally knows his way around a kitchen and can turn out an exceptional meal.

Despite early trepidations about Carrabba’s chain status, we had an excellent meal. My friend Fred ordered a rare filet mignon that was as good as anything served at Gibson’s or any of the other old school steak houses here in Chicago. It was cooked exactly as he’d ordered it. It was butter soft and absolutely delicious.

Without referring back to the thread, I cannot remember many more specifics about the meal except that it was surprisingly good. I left with a full, happy belly that told me we should come back here some time.

As for the comments here regarding the authenticity of Carrabba’s, I cannot speak with any ethnic authority. However, my friend Fred Fatino, a second generation Italian, had no complaints. Good food is good food, even if ain’t exactly like mama used to make.

Buddy