I’m the weirdo. I definitely agree that Mom gets to go where she wants, but if I were you I’d make sure to have a beer or a glass of wine, salad and get a sirloin. It’s probably Choice (even if it’s Select, Select is edible) and if it’s cooked correctly, it can’t end up that bad. Even if it’s not seasoned at all, you can do that at the table.

That’s my standby when I’m forced to eat at a place I’d prefer not to, and whose food I remember to be less than appealing. I get the Sirloin, order it Rare (then I’m likely to get an edible Medium, occasionally the Medium-Rare I actually want, and on once in a while an actual Rare, which I can definitely eat) and salt and pepper the heck out of it. [:I] {Bonus: The sirloin is usually no more expensive than the average entree. I avoid Strips and Ribeyes in places where the meat could be Select. For some reason the difference betwen the grades is much more noticeable to me in fattier steaks.)

Assuming the meat isn’t spoiled (and kitchen cleanliness / food safety is a strongpoint of the national chains, speaking in general) what can they do to it? It can’t be that bad. It might not be terrific, but it can’t possibly be that bad…

And that would be one surefire way to screw that combo up for my tastes.

All I know is that a group I chaperoned in Peoria, Arizona ate at an Olive Garden and 6 of the 9 travelers got sick.

You’re a good son Bernard. When in doubt, I can always find pleasure in a plate of pasta, red sauce and meatballs. A restaurant would have to try real hard to screw that combo up for my tastes.

My Mom passed away 12 years ago, so I see this dilemma in somewhat a different light.

A freind of mine whose mother is from Italy loves the place, go figure. And his mother was a great cook. Go and savor the moment, hell I’d take my mother to Arby’s for the mystery meat if she wanted. Chow Jim

Maybe you were adopted?

Seriously though- you can’t go wrong with bottled beer.

You know when you eat there it will be one of those "just food" meals…but that doesn’t make it bad food. From a taste stand point there’s nothing to get excited about but I’ve eaten worse at some m&p establishments.

My wife and kids like the place so I usually order one of their chicken dishes like Chicken Con Broccoli. I like orecchiette pasta and broccoli and when they finish it right (in a saute pan), the dish is not watery and has decent flavor with a little fresh pepper.

I stay away from anything they serve with their std red sauce…no flavor.

Other than that, just salad!

Ha ha! I agree with lleechef — keep it simple but take mom where she wants to go! A simple spaghetti marinara should be ok.

Andrea

Don’t know BT, never been to one, but safe choices usually are: bread dunked in olive oil, salad, some reasonably safe-sounding pasta.