I worked at Carrabbas years ago, 95% of the menu was prepared in house. The only items that were frozen were the kids chicken fingers, bread, and ice cream, and there wasn’t a microwave in house. I learned so many great recipes working there, and still love the food!
THE original Carrabba’s owners were cousins who had a cooking show (maybe PBS?) THEY were the ones who first said “Ciao Y’all” that YOU COPIED! They started years ago in Houston. They are Italians. My ex-husband knew them before they started the restaurants. But sadly, they sold the restaurant chain, so I guess the recipes may have been downgraded.
I'm just commenting to say you two lift me up. I'm laying in bed very ill in alot of pain & just waiting on medication to kick in. Scrolling through RUclips as I'm struggling, I get to your channel & you twos energy and just tender but wise upbeat vibes ✨️ it just immediately makes me feel at home again & a feeling of peace as well as just like I'm being welcomed in by you twos sincere friendliness can know no stranger vibes while you're sitting before us ...essentially just putting the simplicity of joy in the little things but honest humor in the ability to make light hearted humor into the realism of life in a simple food review. Anyhoo thanks for getting me distracted from pain a little bit and feeling like I'm with my people again just having a good laugh together. Love you both. Prayers as always for that miracle of life for you both ...with ivf.. or the miracle happening without it... just naturally. You two ARE destined to be WONDERFUL parents & a solid wise couple who will last a lifetime respectful genuine marriage too. I just know it. So with or without the ivf that miracle will come when the time is right & the right soul to land in your beautiful nest is chosen to be put there by the good lord above. ✨️ 🕊⚜️💖
Bringing home food is not the same as eating at the restaurant. The chef's preparation is best when it comes out of the kitchen. Vecsio's in Minneapolis was pretty good. I am a fan of garlic and lots of basil. The best Italian food I've ever had was at Il Panorama at the top of the mountain in Sarento.
I think you did Carrabba's an injustice. You can't bring stuff home in a small box of a sauna and expect it to taste as good as when it's brought out fresh from the kitchen. Of course the bread was tough. Of course the fried foods were soggy. And then it sat for another 30+ minutes while you set up and taste tested. Try eating at the restaurant and see if your opinion gets better. I haven't been in years, it got too expensive for me, but when i went back then, we really enjoyed it. We certainly found out during the pandemic years...its never going to be as good when you take it home as it is freshly made.
If you two ever make it to Houston, Texas, to visit, definitely try. The family owned version of this restaurant are far superior than the franchise versions of their restaurant. They still own the original two restaurants, and the family-owned versions of this restaurant are far superior than the franchise versions of their restaurant. The menu is different slightly as well. The family-owned versions of Carrabba’s are off Voss Road, and there’s another off Kirby Road.
100% agree with this! I’ve been going to the one off Voss since I was a kid. Also, better eating fresh at the restaurant instead of after it’s been sitting in to-go containers and brought home.
I'm happy you both liked it. I mentioned Carrabba's in your olive garden video. Carrabbas is very underrated compared to most American Italian restaurants.
Interestingly, the Carrabbas you purchased from is a franchise. There are two "original" locations owned by the Carrabbas family still operating here in Houston , and without commenting on authenticity, they are widely regarded as superior to the franchise version.
I was just about to comment this as well. I am a native of Houston, Texas, and you are 100% right that the original Carrabba’s restaurant is owned by the family, and the food is as far superior, and the menus are slightly different as well. I used to live in Spring Branch/Memorial and not far from the family-owned location off of Voss Road. The franchise version of the restaurant has nothing on the family-owned version.
I’m only 10 mins in and I’m Italian American, but I’m so glad you like Carrabbas bc my family loves it, especially the bread and oil (add chili flakes) …as you know we have to always be dipping our bread 😅GREAT VID so far👍
Cannoli are filled to order, so if you want it crunchy, eat it at the restaurant not an hour later at your house. A lot of his complaints would be fixed if you are it in house. But either way, I'm proud you enjoyed so much of our stuff! (It's caprino goat cheese in the Al Forno, btw, weird that you saw the website description of tiramisu but not that) ;)
Carrabbas is not bad. In fact, I think it is the best Italian chain in the US. Wine list prety good as well. When I'm on the road for work, I'm always happy to eat at Carrabbas.
When I was a kid my family loved Olive Garden and Fazolis whereas I was a Carrabbas girl all the way! So now I feel special knowing that I was the one who had the better taste buds lmao
OMG. The canoli evaluation. My Italian grandmother left us metal tubes in which you wrap canoli dough & deep fry. She also left the recipe for the filling. Amazing! Mangia
Carrabas is Italian American, in 1910s and 1920s most Italian immigrants came from southern Italy. Carrabas is the food first generation Italian Americans like Sinatra, Tony Bennet, and Perry Como ate.
I just want to know where was the Pollo Rosa Maria? That's my favorite dish from Carrabba's. So steeeenking good. I never regret buying it. Their Marsala is really good too.
When I lived in New Jersey 30 years ago, there were family owned Italian restaurants. They had the typical Italian American dishes, but they also had "more authentic" dishes that were family dishes. Those were excellent.
I'm sure that if you ate at the restaurant, vs. taking it home, most of it would be so much better! I haven't been to Carraba's, but now I know what to avoid when I do. Thank you for your videos! I hope y'all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! Please post how you celebrate this year.
@annerussell-bruno9783 I haven't heard of Maggiano's, I only like the soup, salad, and breadsticks at Olive Garden. That's only if someone else invites me along.
I worked at Carrabba's for about 15 years, and my daughter works there now. I've never been to Olive Garden, but Carrabba's has great food for a chain. They call it "upscale casual." I love the Chicken Bryan. They make most things fresh, but do have a few that are premade. The Sicilian Chicken Soup is also amazing.
It's good to know that Carabbas isn't terrible for an Italian chain restaurant in America. Also, thanks to you guys, I went to Pasta Eater in New York based on Alessio's response to their pasta, and now I have a favorite pasta place!
You two are such a great couple.. I'm an American and am living in Norway with my Norwegian girlfriend. We both like your videos. Also I want to go back to Italy so bad. We were in Lucca italy about a year ago and I loved the Tordelli al ragú.
Scampi is the plural of scampo, the Italian name for the langoustine (Nephrops norvegicus, also called the Norwegian lobster/Dublin Bay prawn). The dish is said to have originated in the 14th century in the Italian city of Genoa. It was originally made with crayfish, but eventually, scampi became the main ingredient. Shrimp are more common in the US so that's where it got the name, it's sort of redundant since it is just the name of two shellfish.
@@trevorcook4439 I mean shrimp, you might want to look it up. Shrimp and pawn are not scientific terms. The term shrimp originated around the 14th century with the Middle English shrimpe.
I truly enjoy Alessio's advice on Italian dishes. I now, only buy Mutti. Yesterday I made Osso Bucco for my husband. And he was wowed. I use Mutti pizza sauce for a low carb pizza (pizza crust from Keto Grill) and it changed it to a really formidable pizza, low carb or not. I have never been to Olive Garden, and with Alessio's review, not likely to ever go. Good job.❤
Good decision. I have not eaten at OG in years because I can literally taste the garlic for DAYS! I felt like I had garlic running out my pores after eating there!
Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola, the founders of Carrabbas, have their own show on PBS called Cuchina Sicilia. It's been on for more than a decade. I wish I had a restaurant near me here. The pasta luna is delicious.
Would love to see her reaction to American food in Italy! It is very clear Italian food in America is less than perfect! Perhaps some review of local places next??
As an Italian I tell you: I don't put that stuff in my mouth...And that's not a joke. Packaged lasagna from italian discount stores (so the worst of the worst in italy) looks better than that stuff....😅
Now you need to actually go there and eat it fresh from the kitchen!!! Everything is made from scratch and they hire actual chefs who care about the food and the diner's pleasure. Carrabba's really is fantastic!
The lasagna that we all know in Italy is made with bechamel, even lasagna with spinach and ricotta, for example, has bechamel. Regional recipes remain as such.
I think the problem with meatballs in American Italian chain restaurants is most of them don’t make fresh meatballs they just use mass produced frozen product. I know I’m biased but I think my homemade Italian meatballs are actually pretty good. They are at least better than the frozen meatballs most restaurants serve.
OMG! Glad he tries Carabbas - they have a wonderful pasta with seafood- can’t find it in menu - but in includes shrimp and scallops and such! Delish! It is America- not Olive Garden 😉😂🤣 Linguine Pescatore 😋😋 I was hoping you both would try Carabbas! Yum.
You guys should open a small Bistro or Restaurant!!! I think Alessio would be an awesome and totally funny Chef, while Jessie would be amazing at running the restaurant with all the customers. People would love you guys.
If yall ever make it to Houston,TX. I highly recommend you trying my favorite Italian restaurant here. It’s called Perbacco in downtown Houston. The owner and his brother who does most of the cooking are from Capri. Their dishes are so simple yet so good. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday but open for lunch on the weekdays. Hope to see you here.
Alessio and Jessi, you guys should do a real Italian cooking show! Tell us the ingredients and we can follow along! I am a New York Italian and I would love to see what you guys could “cook” up😊!
It's OK to like a chain restaurant. I have long said that I believe Carrabbas may be the best large chain restaurant in the US. Is it single-location, hand-made amazing - no. But they put together a really good meal for an affordable price. I love their Calamari (especially with the Ricardo sauce) and their Pollo Rosa Maria. Are they authentic Italian? I can't say. Are they delicious? Absolutely.
Almost all fish is frozen... especially shrimp 🦐 They flash freeze it to kill microbes and keep it from deteriorating and rotting before getting to the store. Even sushi 🍣 fish is frozen. Even if you think the fish is fresh, it's probably previously frozen and defrosted.
And at least at the grocery store....the frozen fish usually seems fresher than the fresh fish because it was quick frozen right off the boat while the "fresh fish" has been sitting some period of time to make it to our land locked city.
@suzanneohandley816 a lot are flash frozen on the ships. There are factory ships that even make artificial crab right on the ship. A byproduct is fish oil.
The sad part is Carrabbas quality has went down the last 15 years by a ton. It reminds me of olive garden 20 years ago now and Olive Garden is just inedible now. When restaurants get bigger you always see quality fall in favor of profit.
The seafood most restaurants use is farmed raised, because it is much cheaper. Even Sushi restaurants use farm raised fish like Atlantic Salmon, and use farm raised shellfish like Shrimp.
Try it in person! My favorite are the steak and chicken dishes. And the bread dipped in the oil with spices is delicious. Also, the chicken soup. SO delicious.
Nice!! Carrabbas is my go-to Italian. Spiedino di mare is probably my favorite dish there, but they also make some of the best steaks you'll ever get from a chain restaurant!
I've eaten at the Nashville Carrabba's and at the Huntsville, Alabama Carrabba's and both had really good meals each time that I went there. I can't compare the restaurant's food with "authentic" Italian food, because I've never been to Italy. As a born and raised in America individual, I do like Garlic unlike Alessio. As for Shrimp Scampi, I got a recipe from an Italian cookbook from the 1980's and it's one of my favorite alltime recipes. Making it homemade looks a lot different than what you got in a to-go package.
It looks like Alessio only likes bechamel, but apparently that's only a northern Italian thing. In the South of Italy, they use ricotta. Also a lot of Americans like extra garlic. So that's not a negative to us. Also we like to mix ingredients in pasta. Just keeping simple pasta, probably started as a food preservation technique. But we don't need to do that nowadays with refrigeration lol.
Great video! Most of that would have been way better at the restaurant fresh than sitting in those containers for awhile. Still they did way better than what I thought they would. I like Carrabba's just ate there yesterday!
The best tiramisu I've had in Nebaraska was from a Asian restaurant called Ling's. Strong coffee and cocoa powder flavor with a moist but not liquidity texture. There was also a layer I assume was mascpron. First one was free, and now I'm hooked.
The cannolo would’ve been better if it wasn’t packaged. It it was served on a plate it would’ve been crunchier. I’ve had them at the restaurant and they were much crunchier.
The big problem comparing meatballs from Italy to the U.S. is where the meat comes from. Most American meat comes from the Midwest with the cattle eating feed grass and hay from the U.S. Most meat in Italy is from cattle with a different diet, affecting the meat's taste. This is why cheese tastes different.
Expecting a northern Italian to judge (supposedly) Sicilian-inspired food, is that fair? A case of lumping all Italians together? Imagine a lifelong New Englander in Europe being asked to judge southern US cooking or southwestern cuisine for "authenticity". That said, glad he appears to be liking it (so far)
It's franchised Italian American food. Even in highly concentrated Italian American areas, there is a deviation between what Italians like vs what Italian Americans make. They are related, but separate things. Italians complain about pineapple on pizza, which is not my thing either. Yet they eat tuna fish, potatoes and hot dogs on their pizzas.
I used to have dinner with a friend who loved chain restaurants. I would always make him take me to Carabba's instead of Olive Garden because it was possible for me to eat healthy, without pasta. I would get something that they called "chicken gremolata" with mashed potatoes and some sort of green vegetable. I would eat half the meal and bring the other half home. It was always done to perfection and I didn't usually have dessert, but when I did feel like it, they had juice glass sized desserts so that you would just get a taste and you didn't have anything too heavy. But hey, what's not authentic about "chicken bryan"?😅
Only God knows how much grateful i am. After so much struggles I now own a new house and my family is happy once again everything is finally falling into place!!
Being from East Tennessee, Southern, I have always loved alleseios take in southern breakfast or bbq! Especially when he does the happy dance! But you two are just so cute together, it's always a pleasure to watch!!!
Great video! Thank-you! There is a Carrabba's in a town 45 minutes from me and I've never tried it. Now I want to try their Lasagna, bread, and Cannolli (spelling ? LOL). ❤ Your Christmas Tree is beautiful 😍
We absolutey ADORE Carrabba's Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. If it's a cold day, a big bowl of soup with their wonderful bread is a good, filling meal. Otherwise, it's always a side dish for us. We found a copycat recipe online for the soup and make big pots of it to put in the freezer. YUM!!!
Carrabbas had a fish dish I don't know if they have it everywhere or just here. It's fish with lemon, capers and I believe butter and white wine sauce. I don't remember the name of it but it is delicious.
In Houston,Tx we still have a few Carrabba’s that are still family owned and Omg they are so so good. Nothing like the chain Carrabba’s even tho they aren’t that bad. We go to the one on Kirby Dr between Richmond and Alabama.
I would love you to go to a Italian Mom & Pop restaurant and give a review. And if you could find one with Italians cooking all the better. Then see what your hubby says. 😁🍝🇮🇹
I was going to say the same that when they were living in New York City they went to a lot of different New York mom and pop restaurants and pizza places some better than others this is an adorable couple
I’m happy that it went this way. I’ve always thought Carrabba’s was the best Italian restaurant that I’ve tried, even though I haven’t been there in years. A lot of the locations seem to have closed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I wish you could’ve ordered the “Pollo Rosa Maria”. It was always my favorite dish from there. Might not be an authentic Italian dish, but it was always very good.
So Jessi, I'm with you on the seafood. You're not gonna find fresh saltwater fish in Tenn., freshwater fish I'm sure you can, but I've never seen freshwater fish at Carrabas, not even trout. To fly fresh seafood in from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic would be cost prohibitive for Carrabas. Remember Alton Brown's half hour rule for seafood, if you're more than 30 minutes away from the sea, freeze it or it will spoil quickly. Great review, guys, 👍
They make a linguine with mussels shrimp and scallops with marinara sauce that is very good I imagine it’s impossible to get a Italian to be satisfied eating at a American restaurant
We don’t have any in our area any more, but ten or more years ago we went to Johnny Carrino’s and it wasn’t bad. It was a little better than Caraba’s. My Italian grandpa said it was not bad, so that’s a pretty good endorsement.
I know that it isn't "authentic" to a true Italian... but Carabba's has been my favorite Italian CHAIN restaurant for a long time. Compared to most other "Italian" (at least in the midwest) it is by far the best. Yes I am sure there are some some authentic restaurants if you search them out, but Carabba's is my got to CHAIN.
I don't get food from there often, so when I do, I tend to get the same things. I think their lobster ravioli is pretty good. and they do a good enough job at the fried calamari. If I can make it at home, I don't usually buy it out, as I'm often disappointed, so I go for things I wouldn't normally make.
I love watching you guys taste Italian American food. I agree about Olive Garden. It's like calling Taco Bell, Mexican. Carrabas isn't bad...I agree. You should take a trip up here to Boston and try some food in the North End. The Cannoli.... shell is crispy and the crème is great at Mikes pastry.
Thanks for the review. As an Italian and lived in Italy for 10 years, it is hard to go out for Italian meal. We make most of our food, bread to dessert.
My family is as American as apple pie. As children we had spaghetti over at a friends house and were weirded out because it was sweet like candy and had corn in it. My little brother said politely but honest” this isn’t like my moms”. 😂
Love Carrabbas! Johnny Carrabba used to visit table side at his original restaurant on Kirby Lane in Houston. Johnny and his Uncle Damian made good food. Damian has branched out and owns a few Mandolas here in Austin as well as a higher end restaurant in Driftwood.
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I worked at Carrabbas years ago, 95% of the menu was prepared in house. The only items that were frozen were the kids chicken fingers, bread, and ice cream, and there wasn’t a microwave in house. I learned so many great recipes working there, and still love the food!
Mezzaluna came in frozen and eventually they started out sourcing the manicotti and I think something else, right before I left.
THE original Carrabba’s owners were cousins who had a cooking show (maybe PBS?) THEY were the ones who first said “Ciao Y’all” that YOU COPIED!
They started years ago in Houston. They are Italians. My ex-husband knew them before they started the restaurants. But sadly, they sold the restaurant chain, so I guess the recipes may have been downgraded.
If you get 20 dishes to go and wait an hour to eat it, OH why is it so dry?
That arugala lemon chicken salad was my favorite! Worked there too and yes, it's made on site fresh
I'm just commenting to say you two lift me up. I'm laying in bed very ill in alot of pain & just waiting on medication to kick in. Scrolling through RUclips as I'm struggling, I get to your channel & you twos energy and just tender but wise upbeat vibes ✨️ it just immediately makes me feel at home again & a feeling of peace as well as just like I'm being welcomed in by you twos sincere friendliness can know no stranger vibes while you're sitting before us ...essentially just putting the simplicity of joy in the little things but honest humor in the ability to make light hearted humor into the realism of life in a simple food review. Anyhoo thanks for getting me distracted from pain a little bit and feeling like I'm with my people again just having a good laugh together. Love you both. Prayers as always for that miracle of life for you both ...with ivf.. or the miracle happening without it... just naturally. You two ARE destined to be WONDERFUL parents & a solid wise couple who will last a lifetime respectful genuine marriage too. I just know it. So with or without the ivf that miracle will come when the time is right & the right soul to land in your beautiful nest is chosen to be put there by the good lord above. ✨️ 🕊⚜️💖
I love how she learns his culture and language. Its so sweet and comforting ❤
Bringing home food is not the same as eating at the restaurant. The chef's preparation is best when it comes out of the kitchen. Vecsio's in Minneapolis was pretty good. I am a fan of garlic and lots of basil. The best Italian food I've ever had was at Il Panorama at the top of the mountain in Sarento.
Yeah, but filming in a resaurant, esp corporate franchises, can be ... problematic.
Is Sarento the midway point between Sorrento and Salento??
Yup. Very true. Take out never going to taste the same as the food you eat in the restaurant. I realized that during pandemic
Sure let's blame it on the delivery lol
@@robertomanfredi342its not the delivery, its sitting in a container, allowed to be steamed basically, everything gets soggy and watery
I think you did Carrabba's an injustice. You can't bring stuff home in a small box of a sauna and expect it to taste as good as when it's brought out fresh from the kitchen. Of course the bread was tough. Of course the fried foods were soggy. And then it sat for another 30+ minutes while you set up and taste tested. Try eating at the restaurant and see if your opinion gets better. I haven't been in years, it got too expensive for me, but when i went back then, we really enjoyed it. We certainly found out during the pandemic years...its never going to be as good when you take it home as it is freshly made.
Yeah, I agree with that. Anything you take away from anywhere, is gonna suffer.
I also agree cause the food there is delicious and not that it matters but I’m Italian 🇮🇹
Especially shrimp.
If you two ever make it to Houston, Texas, to visit, definitely try. The family owned version of this restaurant are far superior than the franchise versions of their restaurant. They still own the original two restaurants, and the family-owned versions of this restaurant are far superior than the franchise versions of their restaurant. The menu is different slightly as well. The family-owned versions of Carrabba’s are off Voss Road, and there’s another off Kirby Road.
100% agree with this! I’ve been going to the one off Voss since I was a kid. Also, better eating fresh at the restaurant instead of after it’s been sitting in to-go containers and brought home.
I'm happy you both liked it. I mentioned Carrabba's in your olive garden video. Carrabbas is very underrated compared to most American Italian restaurants.
Next time you go there try the Mezzaluna. Really good pasta dish!
Interestingly, the Carrabbas you purchased from is a franchise. There are two "original" locations owned by the Carrabbas family still operating here in Houston , and without commenting on authenticity, they are widely regarded as superior to the franchise version.
100%
Good to know
Oooo i like this information. I live in houston. Sweet
@ either the Kirby location or the voss location
I was just about to comment this as well. I am a native of Houston, Texas, and you are 100% right that the original Carrabba’s restaurant is owned by the family, and the food is as far superior, and the menus are slightly different as well. I used to live in Spring Branch/Memorial and not far from the family-owned location off of Voss Road. The franchise version of the restaurant has nothing on the family-owned version.
I’m only 10 mins in and I’m Italian American, but I’m so glad you like Carrabbas bc my family loves it, especially the bread and oil (add chili flakes) …as you know we have to always be dipping our bread 😅GREAT VID so far👍
Cannoli are filled to order, so if you want it crunchy, eat it at the restaurant not an hour later at your house. A lot of his complaints would be fixed if you are it in house. But either way, I'm proud you enjoyed so much of our stuff!
(It's caprino goat cheese in the Al Forno, btw, weird that you saw the website description of tiramisu but not that) ;)
Carrabbas is not bad. In fact, I think it is the best Italian chain in the US. Wine list prety good as well. When I'm on the road for work, I'm always happy to eat at Carrabbas.
I'd be interested in his wine pallet with what's at Carrabba's
I am pleasantly surprised he enjoyed it! I rarely eat there but when I do, I always enjoy it. Now I can say it has the Alessio seal of approval!
Spiedino, all scallops, with butter angel hair pasta - yum!
When I was a kid my family loved Olive Garden and Fazolis whereas I was a Carrabbas girl all the way! So now I feel special knowing that I was the one who had the better taste buds lmao
OMG. The canoli evaluation. My Italian grandmother left us metal tubes in which you wrap canoli dough & deep fry. She also left the recipe for the filling. Amazing!
Mangia
Carrabas is Italian American, in 1910s and 1920s most Italian immigrants came from southern Italy. Carrabas is the food first generation Italian Americans like Sinatra, Tony Bennet, and Perry Como ate.
I just want to know where was the Pollo Rosa Maria?
That's my favorite dish from Carrabba's. So steeeenking good. I never regret buying it.
Their Marsala is really good too.
They are some of the few Italians who stayed in Houston Texas. We don't have a lot of Italians here but the ones we do have are quality.
When I lived in New Jersey 30 years ago, there were family owned Italian restaurants. They had the typical Italian American dishes, but they also had "more authentic" dishes that were family dishes. Those were excellent.
I'm sure that if you ate at the restaurant, vs. taking it home, most of it would be so much better! I haven't been to Carraba's, but now I know what to avoid when I do.
Thank you for your videos! I hope y'all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! Please post how you celebrate this year.
We of course don't like Olive Garden and Maggiano's is not so great either. We do like Carrabba's
@annerussell-bruno9783 I haven't heard of Maggiano's, I only like the soup, salad, and breadsticks at Olive Garden. That's only if someone else invites me along.
@@charli3811 Same here tho also, I'm not totally 'put off' by the Alfredo dishes, esp the chicken one w/ fettuccini.
I worked at Carrabba's for about 15 years, and my daughter works there now. I've never been to Olive Garden, but Carrabba's has great food for a chain. They call it "upscale casual." I love the Chicken Bryan. They make most things fresh, but do have a few that are premade. The Sicilian Chicken Soup is also amazing.
Only place where i choose the Chicken soup over the salad...
Carrabba's is ten times better than Olive Garden. As Sheldon would say, "I don't like Olive Garden. They treat me like family."
Sadly they closed the one around here so I have to drive about 90 miles to find a Carrabba's.
It's good to know that Carabbas isn't terrible for an Italian chain restaurant in America. Also, thanks to you guys, I went to Pasta Eater in New York based on Alessio's response to their pasta, and now I have a favorite pasta place!
You two are such a great couple.. I'm an American and am living in Norway with my Norwegian girlfriend. We both like your videos. Also I want to go back to Italy so bad. We were in Lucca italy about a year ago and I loved the Tordelli al ragú.
I love the mussels at Carraba, and Chicken Bryan and Chicken Rosa Maria.
WOO HOO!! Alessio enjoyed it......made us all smile :) Thanks for the video!
Alessio you’ve lived in America long enough that your taste buds are adjusting to American 🇺🇸 cuisines.
The Pollo Rosa Marie Chicken with the garlic mashed potatoes is the best! Soooo good💯😋💯
Yessss! So good! ❤
I dont like fontana cheese and prosciutto. The basil lemon butter and mushroom sauce sounds yum.
Scampi is the plural of scampo, the Italian name for the langoustine (Nephrops norvegicus, also called the Norwegian lobster/Dublin Bay prawn). The dish is said to have originated in the 14th century in the Italian city of Genoa. It was originally made with crayfish, but eventually, scampi became the main ingredient. Shrimp are more common in the US so that's where it got the name, it's sort of redundant since it is just the name of two shellfish.
Oat milk, chicken fried steak, cauliflower steak, etc.
And by shrimp you mean prawn. Totally different animals.
@@trevorcook4439 By shrimp I mean shrimp. Shrimp is the most widely consumed seafood in America.
@ by prawn I think you’ll find that’s what animal you’re eating. Shrimps are a different animal.
@@trevorcook4439 I mean shrimp, you might want to look it up. Shrimp and pawn are not scientific terms. The term shrimp originated around the 14th century with the Middle English shrimpe.
He's the most precious person. I'm so happy you have each other. Reminds me of the early days of my marriage. I love watching your videos. :)
I truly enjoy Alessio's advice on Italian dishes. I now, only buy Mutti. Yesterday I made Osso Bucco for my husband. And he was wowed. I use Mutti pizza sauce for a low carb pizza (pizza crust from Keto Grill) and it changed it to a really formidable pizza, low carb or not. I have never been to Olive Garden, and with Alessio's review, not likely to ever go.
Good job.❤
Good decision. I have not eaten at OG in years because I can literally taste the garlic for DAYS! I felt like I had garlic running out my pores after eating there!
If you are about to starve, Olive Garden would be amazing. The food is edible.
Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola, the founders of Carrabbas, have their own show on PBS called Cuchina Sicilia. It's been on for more than a decade. I wish I had a restaurant near me here. The pasta luna is delicious.
Would love to see her reaction to American food in Italy! It is very clear Italian food in America is less than perfect!
Perhaps some review of local places next??
As an Italian I tell you: I don't put that stuff in my mouth...And that's not a joke. Packaged lasagna from italian discount stores (so the worst of the worst in italy) looks better than that stuff....😅
Now you need to actually go there and eat it fresh from the kitchen!!! Everything is made from scratch and they hire actual chefs who care about the food and the diner's pleasure. Carrabba's really is fantastic!
Béchamel in a lasagne is in his part of Italia not the southern lasagne
Better than ricotta
Where is Alessio from in Italy
The lasagna that we all know in Italy is made with bechamel, even lasagna with spinach and ricotta, for example, has bechamel.
Regional recipes remain as such.
@ where I live in southern Italy we do not use bechamel.
@@jaymiedepace7773 Like I said, it's a regional thing.
I think the problem with meatballs in American Italian chain restaurants is most of them don’t make fresh meatballs they just use mass produced frozen product. I know I’m biased but I think my homemade Italian meatballs are actually pretty good. They are at least better than the frozen meatballs most restaurants serve.
OMG! Glad he tries Carabbas - they have a wonderful pasta with seafood- can’t find it in menu - but in includes shrimp and scallops and such! Delish! It is America- not Olive Garden 😉😂🤣 Linguine Pescatore 😋😋 I was hoping you both would try Carabbas! Yum.
That's my favorite! I was hoping he would try that as well
You guys should open a small Bistro or Restaurant!!! I think Alessio would be an awesome and totally funny Chef, while Jessie would be amazing at running the restaurant with all the customers. People would love you guys.
A restaurant is not an easy business. You have to really love all aspects. You deal with health inspector, employees, clients, vendors.
You guys needed to try the fried calamari! I love carrabbas and I always get the calamari.
Best calamari! ❤ Have you tried it with the Ricardo sauce? So good.
That's one of the two things we get. The other is the lobster ravioli.
@@suzanneohandley816 No, that's the sauce with the calamari.
If yall ever make it to Houston,TX. I highly recommend you trying my favorite Italian restaurant here. It’s called Perbacco in downtown Houston. The owner and his brother who does most of the cooking are from Capri. Their dishes are so simple yet so good. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday but open for lunch on the weekdays. Hope to see you here.
Alessio and Jessi, you guys should do a real Italian cooking show! Tell us the ingredients and we can follow along! I am a New York Italian and I would love to see what you guys could “cook” up😊!
Carrabba's sounds like the kind of commercial Italian restaurant chain that I would be reasonably able to tolerate and enjoy.
It's OK to like a chain restaurant. I have long said that I believe Carrabbas may be the best large chain restaurant in the US. Is it single-location, hand-made amazing - no. But they put together a really good meal for an affordable price. I love their Calamari (especially with the Ricardo sauce) and their Pollo Rosa Maria. Are they authentic Italian? I can't say. Are they delicious? Absolutely.
Almost all fish is frozen... especially shrimp 🦐 They flash freeze it to kill microbes and keep it from deteriorating and rotting before getting to the store. Even sushi 🍣 fish is frozen. Even if you think the fish is fresh, it's probably previously frozen and defrosted.
And at least at the grocery store....the frozen fish usually seems fresher than the fresh fish because it was quick frozen right off the boat while the "fresh fish" has been sitting some period of time to make it to our land locked city.
@suzanneohandley816 a lot are flash frozen on the ships. There are factory ships that even make artificial crab right on the ship. A byproduct is fish oil.
You need to go to Little Italy in Baltimore, Maryland. There is good Italian food there.
They have a little Italy in Orlando that’s really good
@@putjesusfirst9217where the hell in Orlando are you talking about????
not really
The sad part is Carrabbas quality has went down the last 15 years by a ton. It reminds me of olive garden 20 years ago now and Olive Garden is just inedible now. When restaurants get bigger you always see quality fall in favor of profit.
Olive Garden is much better nowadays
The seafood most restaurants use is farmed raised, because it is much cheaper. Even Sushi restaurants use farm raised fish like Atlantic Salmon, and use farm raised shellfish like Shrimp.
Try it in person! My favorite are the steak and chicken dishes. And the bread dipped in the oil with spices is delicious. Also, the chicken soup. SO delicious.
Nice!! Carrabbas is my go-to Italian. Spiedino di mare is probably my favorite dish there, but they also make some of the best steaks you'll ever get from a chain restaurant!
I've eaten at the Nashville Carrabba's and at the Huntsville, Alabama Carrabba's and both had really good meals each time that I went there. I can't compare the restaurant's food with "authentic" Italian food, because I've never been to Italy. As a born and raised in America individual, I do like Garlic unlike Alessio. As for Shrimp Scampi, I got a recipe from an Italian cookbook from the 1980's and it's one of my favorite alltime recipes. Making it homemade looks a lot different than what you got in a to-go package.
I really love chicken, mushroom, peas, alfredo in pasta. Maybe not authentic Italian, but it’s a good dish.
It looks like Alessio only likes bechamel, but apparently that's only a northern Italian thing. In the South of Italy, they use ricotta. Also a lot of Americans like extra garlic. So that's not a negative to us. Also we like to mix ingredients in pasta. Just keeping simple pasta, probably started as a food preservation technique. But we don't need to do that nowadays with refrigeration lol.
Yes but real good ricotta, they've travelled all over Italy so they know the real deal well.
You two are so fun. Keep each other laughing! I love carrabbas chicken marsala.
Great video! Most of that would have been way better at the restaurant fresh than sitting in those containers for awhile. Still they did way better than what I thought they would. I like Carrabba's just ate there yesterday!
The best tiramisu I've had in Nebaraska was from a Asian restaurant called Ling's. Strong coffee and cocoa powder flavor with a moist but not liquidity texture. There was also a layer I assume was mascpron. First one was free, and now I'm hooked.
The cannolo would’ve been better if it wasn’t packaged. It it was served on a plate it would’ve been crunchier. I’ve had them at the restaurant and they were much crunchier.
The big problem comparing meatballs from Italy to the U.S. is where the meat comes from. Most American meat comes from the Midwest with the cattle eating feed grass and hay from the U.S. Most meat in Italy is from cattle with a different diet, affecting the meat's taste. This is why cheese tastes different.
I love how he’s very comfortable being dramatic and animated but she is awkwardly shy
Expecting a northern Italian to judge (supposedly) Sicilian-inspired food, is that fair? A case of lumping all Italians together? Imagine a lifelong New Englander in Europe being asked to judge southern US cooking or southwestern cuisine for "authenticity".
That said, glad he appears to be liking it (so far)
It's franchised Italian American food. Even in highly concentrated Italian American areas, there is a deviation between what Italians like vs what Italian Americans make. They are related, but separate things. Italians complain about pineapple on pizza, which is not my thing either. Yet they eat tuna fish, potatoes and hot dogs on their pizzas.
they've travelled all over Italy so they know the real deal well.
By now many typical regional dishes have become typical throughout Italy, for half a century or even a century...
I used to have dinner with a friend who loved chain restaurants. I would always make him take me to Carabba's instead of Olive Garden because it was possible for me to eat healthy, without pasta. I would get something that they called "chicken gremolata" with mashed potatoes and some sort of green vegetable. I would eat half the meal and bring the other half home. It was always done to perfection and I didn't usually have dessert, but when I did feel like it, they had juice glass sized desserts so that you would just get a taste and you didn't have anything too heavy.
But hey, what's not authentic about "chicken bryan"?😅
*I'm glad you made this video,* it reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, $89k biweekly and a good daughter full of love..
Only God knows how much grateful i am. After so much struggles I now own a new house and my family is happy once again everything is finally falling into place!!
Please how ?
Am a born Christian and sometimes I feel so down 😭 of myself because of low finance but I still believe God😞
Thanks to my co-worker (Scott) who suggested Mrs Maria Angelina🙏.
She's a licensed broker in the states 🇺🇸
Being from East Tennessee, Southern, I have always loved alleseios take in southern breakfast or bbq! Especially when he does the happy dance! But you two are just so cute together, it's always a pleasure to watch!!!
Great video! Thank-you! There is a Carrabba's in a town 45 minutes from me and I've never tried it. Now I want to try their Lasagna, bread, and Cannolli (spelling ? LOL). ❤
Your Christmas Tree is beautiful 😍
Hot tip; Dip the bread in the herbs and oil they give you.
And... if you like mussels, get an order as an appetizer for the table, dip your bread in the sauce!! YUM!!!
Buenos días Alessio desde España!!!
Me gustan vuestros vídeos.
Ah!! Además me ayudan mucho a aprender inglés.
Un saludo desde San Sebastián, España.
We absolutey ADORE Carrabba's Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. If it's a cold day, a big bowl of soup with their wonderful bread is a good, filling meal. Otherwise, it's always a side dish for us. We found a copycat recipe online for the soup and make big pots of it to put in the freezer. YUM!!!
I love Alessio's reactions to the desserts so much!
LOVE Y9U GUYS HAPPY THANKSGIVING COMING UP LOVE YOU
Carrabbas had a fish dish I don't know if they have it everywhere or just here. It's fish with lemon, capers and I believe butter and white wine sauce. I don't remember the name of it but it is delicious.
They usually had a seasonal tilapia dish, I still fondly remember the one with a parmesan-hazelnut crust
They used to do a trout wulfe and a mahi wulfe.
In Houston,Tx we still have a few Carrabba’s that are still family owned and Omg they are so so good. Nothing like the chain Carrabba’s even tho they aren’t that bad. We go to the one on Kirby Dr between Richmond and Alabama.
I would love you to go to a Italian
Mom & Pop restaurant and give a review. And if you could find one with Italians cooking all the better. Then see what your hubby says. 😁🍝🇮🇹
They have in NYC, and they loved it.
I was going to say the same that when they were living in New York City they went to a lot of different New York mom and pop restaurants and pizza places some better than others this is an adorable couple
@
Yes. It would be fun if they did it locally, where they live or in Nashville.😊
That was so interesting!!!! Thank you guys for sharing these reviews!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
My fave is not classic Italian but it's delicious! The chicken trio: Marsala, Maria, & Bryan.
I’m happy that it went this way. I’ve always thought Carrabba’s was the best Italian restaurant that I’ve tried, even though I haven’t been there in years. A lot of the locations seem to have closed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I wish you could’ve ordered the “Pollo Rosa Maria”. It was always my favorite dish from there. Might not be an authentic Italian dish, but it was always very good.
Totally agree..If I am going to be in a situation where I have to eat chain Italian, Carrabbas is going to be the best option.
To their defense bringing it home is not the way to go. You gotta eat it fresh or reheat it properly, to give it the best ratings!!
So Jessi, I'm with you on the seafood. You're not gonna find fresh saltwater fish in Tenn., freshwater fish I'm sure you can, but I've never seen freshwater fish at Carrabas, not even trout. To fly fresh seafood in from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic would be cost prohibitive for Carrabas. Remember Alton Brown's half hour rule for seafood, if you're more than 30 minutes away from the sea, freeze it or it will spoil quickly. Great review, guys, 👍
Jesse are you from Tennessee
They used to do mahi wulfe and trout wulfe.
I live in Houston and we have the original Carrabas which is way better than the other ones!
They make a linguine with mussels shrimp and scallops with marinara sauce that is very good I imagine it’s impossible to get a Italian to be satisfied eating at a American restaurant
The chicken Bryan is my favorite at Carrabbas.
I grew up in Bryan, Tex, where the original Carrabba family first settled. They are indeed from Corleone, Sicilia.
We don’t have any in our area any more, but ten or more years ago we went to Johnny Carrino’s and it wasn’t bad. It was a little better than Caraba’s. My Italian grandpa said it was not bad, so that’s a pretty good endorsement.
We used to go there, it was pretty good!
I know that it isn't "authentic" to a true Italian... but Carabba's has been my favorite Italian CHAIN restaurant for a long time. Compared to most other "Italian" (at least in the midwest) it is by far the best. Yes I am sure there are some some authentic restaurants if you search them out, but Carabba's is my got to CHAIN.
Why do I find these two so genuine?
So excited I love Carrabba‘s. Thank you
I don't get food from there often, so when I do, I tend to get the same things. I think their lobster ravioli is pretty good. and they do a good enough job at the fried calamari. If I can make it at home, I don't usually buy it out, as I'm often disappointed, so I go for things I wouldn't normally make.
I love watching you guys taste Italian American food. I agree about Olive Garden. It's like calling Taco Bell, Mexican. Carrabas isn't bad...I agree.
You should take a trip up here to Boston and try some food in the North End. The Cannoli.... shell is crispy and the crème is great at Mikes pastry.
Taco Bell isn't real Mexican food, but I'll give you one guess as to what flavor of people you will see every time you go into one.
Darling couple!!
The closest Carrabba's to me is in Tallahassee, Florida. I will go there next time I am in Tallahassee.
I really enjoy Carrabbas. I think it’s great. They compare to authentic a lot
Thanks for the review. As an Italian and lived in Italy for 10 years, it is hard to go out for Italian meal. We make most of our food, bread to dessert.
Try Mama Mondolo’s chicken Sicilian soup when you need a nice, warm soup.
10:35 the bread was microwaved probably. Then the steam hardens it.
Always tell them not to microwave your bread.
Hey, let's go to Italy and taste their American dishes!
How about we try Tex Mex in Italy??! LOL
Your shorts on CUTTING CARBS GIVES ME BEST BELLY LAUGHS EVERY TIME- i just can’t, don’t know Jess is this funny
God bless you two from London England
fettuccine alfredo is italian actually, it's a roman pasta dish with butter and parmigiano reggiano
Yes, but Italians do not call it Alfredo. They call it pasta con burro.
@Nick_Catania The official name of the dish created by Alfredo di Lelio is Fettuccine all'Alfredo, it doesn't matter what italians call it.
I'm a huge fan of their calamari.
I love Carrabba’s. The fried calamari- is lovely. The wood fired oven and music is glorious. Eat at the counter to really get a great experience!
My family is as American as apple pie. As children we had spaghetti over at a friends house and were weirded out because it was sweet like candy and had corn in it. My little brother said politely but honest” this isn’t like my moms”. 😂
This made my day after a long week, thanks for the video. :)
Most people never heard of Gene Kelly,depending on their age. I loved him, he was the best.❤
Love Carrabbas! Johnny Carrabba used to visit table side at his original restaurant on Kirby Lane in Houston. Johnny and his Uncle Damian made good food. Damian has branched out and owns a few Mandolas here in Austin as well as a higher end restaurant in Driftwood.
Do any of these restaurants ever get in touch?
Next you need to do a taste testing of Frozen Italian entrees like Rao’s, Celentano’s and Michael Angelo’s, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagne, etc.
The tiramisu at Olive Garden is really good. Not soggy at all
i knew i liked carabbas better than olive garden! i feel vindicated.
That was Funny! 😅
HOPEFULLY Carabas was watching this video, and takes your advice on EVERYTHING! 🤞