Of course it’s more important to be with one’s mother than where you spend the time, but if BT is back in San Fran, maybe she’ll like some of those good italian places in North Beach instead.

I don’t remember which one I went too, but it wasn’t the big tourist place on the corner that was packed with people. It was small and very good. After a brief google, it MAY have been L’Osteria del Forno, but I’m not sure. the description is right, and the name is familiar, but I’m not sure.

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

Fieldthistle: well written and I agree. Even though OG is not my favorite place, their salad is very good and I enjoy it. If my Mamaw Smith wanted to go there, I would take her anytime.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

2nd that motion, Fieldthistle, and Sundancer…
Although mom is not around anymore, the last years spent with her gave me more satisfaction of being around her then, than in my whole life.
Too soon, they are gone, and we wish for one more day.
So whats a few hours with good company and food you dont care for?
Which is more important to you?
I vote for Mom or Dad!

I actually like OG. I have many happy memories of going there with my 87 year old dad. Their bread sticks are nothing too special, their salad is good and their chicken dishes are good, especially with artichokes or something interesting. I also prefer the penne or a pasta with a little more texture then the spaghetti. Go for it. Your mom will think you’re wonderful and it’s not really torture! They have good beer and wine. Kerry

Olive Garden has decent food. Not my first pick, but I don’t mind going there when that is where friends want to go.

~Jessica

MY MOM LIKES Olive GARden too! But,you know, i actually kinda like their all you can eat soup and salad LUNCH option. the potato- sausage kale soup is actually tasty. the salad not too bad either ( iceberg lettuce, mostly)
The one thing that you shoold be able to count on is that everytime you order something at olive garden, anywhere it should taste exactly the same as the last time.. Go for lunch and see???[?]

Fieldthistle: well written and I agree. Even though OG is not my favorite place, their salad is very good and I enjoy it. If my Mamaw Smith wanted to go there, I would take her anytime.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Parses6 had the same dilemma. I wonder if he ever used his GC that he asked us to recommend dishes for.

quote:

Originally posted by Fieldthistle

Hello All,
BT, relax. Olive Garden is not the drama you think it is.
Olive Garden has okay food. I have eaten there once, didnt’
really like it, but with good company and wine, it was okay.
Even okay food is okay. It’s worth it for the company.
Perhaps your apprehension is dealing with your mother.
I have an elderly mother that I love, but is often demanding.
I have learnt to allow my love for mom to patch over the hard potholes in our relationship.
In the end, the memory of food is less joyful than the time
and effort of sharing love with her. To my joy, I discovered she loves
me and needs me in her life as I was willing to share my time with her, doing
the things she likes. There is no need for her to discover what I like.
Her time is limited, and I want to give her a special joy as long as I can.
Love is what we seek to give and expect back. In the end, giving it is better than getting it back.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

Fieldthistle, you brought tears to my eyes; very well written and expressive…………and I agree 100%

and yes, when all else fails, wash it down with wine or beer, (and in this case, breadsticks!)

ellen

The girls dragged me there for their lunch & I’ve gotta say, soup, salad & breadsticks, you can’t go wrong. They have a potato-sausage soup that was quite good & you’re right–ask for LOTS of cheese on your salad. Everything is Very Salty.

As a person of Italian descent, it bugged me they had zabaglione spelled wrong on their chalkboard & on their menu. If you’re going to do something, at least make the attempt to do it right. [:(]

Hello All,
BT, I must apologize. I shouldn’t have been so stupid to say that you have issues with your mother.
That really was wrong of me. Again, I am sorry.
I will join you on your quest against corporate "Italia" food. One of my true delights is eating
at a local Italian place that serves semi-true Italian food. My wife is the one who loves Italian food,
and whatever makes her happy, makes me happy. I have found a strange mystery…every Italian food place
I have visited that offers French Fries, makes the best French Fries that I’ve eaten. Why?
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

You folks have BT all wrong……………… you see it aint the food at The Olive Garden that has BT in a dither……….. nor is it spending time with his Mom ………….. it’s having to pay $11.95 for $ .50 cents worth of pasta that has his knickers in a twist ………………
good to have you back in the Bay Area BT

Fieldthistle:

You and I are in the same boat. Your message should be heard by all. Amen.

Hello All,
BT, relax. Olive Garden is not the drama you think it is.
Olive Garden has okay food. I have eaten there once, didnt’
really like it, but with good company and wine, it was okay.
Even okay food is okay. It’s worth it for the company.
Perhaps your apprehension is dealing with your mother.
I have an elderly mother that I love, but is often demanding.
I have learnt to allow my love for mom to patch over the hard potholes in our relationship.
In the end, the memory of food is less joyful than the time
and effort of sharing love with her. To my joy, I discovered she loves
me and needs me in her life as I was willing to share my time with her, doing
the things she likes. There is no need for her to discover what I like.
Her time is limited, and I want to give her a special joy as long as I can.
Love is what we seek to give and expect back. In the end, giving it is better than getting it back.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle