By Eric Horn, AKA Mr. Mama Maven
I was recently treated to a great evening at the Olive Garden in Times Square to promote a range of new menu options. If location is everything in real estate, the Times Square location has it made.
It is essentially an island right in the middle of all the action. The views are great in every direction and it was no surprise when they told us that they are swamped at 2pm leading up to New Year’s Eve because it must be spectacular setting for the show.
We started things off with the first batch of their famous breadsticks along with the first drinks. The drinks were very inventive and every type could be made into a frozen alternative (that sounded perfect to me). Then we got to business with course after course, with a few appetizers, followed by main courses and then topped off with dessert. We were fairly warned to pace ourselves and I did okay in that department, at least to start.
I managed not to go overboard on the crispy risotto balls, the wings or the salad.
However, the smashed chicken meatball sandwich was begging me for seconds. From there, I took some good sized portions of delicious main courses until the Pappardelle Pescatore arrived.
That was almost cruelly left to the second to last course because it was so good I had to soldier on and have a good portion. Then I realized I had made a huge mistake because I could only eat part of the pumpkin cheesecake.
Still, I don’t have any regrets.
Although my kids weren’t with me, I would like to note that there are a good variety of very fairly priced options for kids. There are lighter dishes as well, including the Garlic Rosemary Chicken, which was very good.
There are even some gluten free options.
Thank you to the Olive Garden for providing this tasting.
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