[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by michelem

I would highly recommend Toscani's in Mulberry Grove (CR42). They have really good food and great service.

Toscani's in Mulberry Grove seemed to be the most authentic that we tried.......they make their own Buffalo mozarella, etc.
When we were there I was able to get a great "caprese salad" with nice ripe tomatoes alternating with mozarella, basil leaves, etc. and drizzled with either olive oil or balamic vinegar, etc.

I'm pretty sure they came down from northern New Jersey......
If my memory is correct, they might be Sicilian.........

Olive Garden is not authentic Italian at all...........you can make better at home, believe me......it's not that hard. Tomorrow I'm making baked ziti al forno........with ricotta, etc. You won't find that in these chain restaurants.......and there is no lasagna like the lasagna one can make at home..........

We both had the various soups prior to our meal at Olive Garden.
My husband's soup tasted exactly like my minestroni.....but it was another soup............pasta fagioli. They were identical. Either the waitress made a mistake or they use the same exact broth, throw in basically the same ingredients and just label it differently......

No good crusty Italian bread was served. Just bread sticks.

[raynan]

Angelos on 441 in Tavares.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by travelguy

Carabba's

If you enjoy Carrabba's, here is a simple dipping oil for bread.....
Makes 6 to 8 servings........

(At Carrabba's, we sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the herb mix in a saucer, and add about 3 tablespoons of oil. At home, a single batch is more practical.)

When the bread comes to your table at Carrabba's, you are also served a dish of this herb-scented olive oil to dip the slices. It's a delicious ritual that many people would like to re-create at home, and now they can.....

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
3/4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/8 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
SLICED CRUSTY "RUSTIC" BREAD FOR DIPPING

Mix the parsley, basil, rosemary, oregano, granulated garlic, hot red pepper, salt, and pepper together in a small serving bowl.

Add the olive oil and stir. Serve with the bread for dipping.

This is from the "Carrabba's Italian Grill" cookbook...........

Actually, I never ever can remember my Italian father or his family putting butter on their Italian bread. ???????

[johndamelio]

Giovanni's !

[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by simpkinp

I went there and it was awful. The lasagne is not edible. The only good thing was the topping for the bread.

We went to Mom & Dad's with buy one get one free coupons once. "ONCE" and threw the other coupons away.
Skip 2

[poker0814]

belleview pizza was absolutely terrific. best pizza since I left new york 35 years ago

[simpkinp]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

We went to Mom & Dad's with buy one get one free coupons once. "ONCE" and threw the other coupons away.
Skip 2

As my late husband used to say, it was two visits in one; first and last

[iaasah]

Giovanni's gets my vote. Florentine Lasagna and greek salad very nice!

[REDCART]

We tried Casa Mia an Italian restaurant in Tavares last evening. It's in downtown Tavares near the courthouse, about 20 miles from TV. The food was surprisingly good for Central FL. It's nice to discover restaurants away from TV especially during peak season where you can just walk in without waiting an hour and a half. Casa Mia Café -*Tavares Florida Restaurant - Home

[KansasSunflower]

When the hubby and I first arrived in TV 2 weeks ago (for the 1st time), we were driving around trying to find a place for lunch. Knowing we weren't going to go to a chain restaurant, we happened by Giovanni's and decided to give it a shot. We both thought the food was great.