"As I approached Olive Garden on a stormy Friday night, the parking lot was packed. It seemed like everyone wanted to dine there that evening, but I managed to find a spot close to the entrance, which was nice. Upon entering, I noticed a long wait ahead. However, being over 21 and dining alone can be quite advantageous, like having a fast pass at Disney—while others waited in the lobby, I was already enjoying breadsticks.
I did face a bit of a delay in being greeted because the bartender was busy, but a manager came over to assist me. I have to say, I wasn't impressed with him; he felt more like a pushy car salesman. I had placed my ID on the table since I needed to be 21 to sit in the bar area, and usually, they check IDs in this situation. Instead of checking my ID, he started questioning why it was out and urged me to order something other than water, insisting on upselling me bottled water instead of simply bringing a cup of water. This was a poor first impression.
When he took my order, his approach didn't improve. After listing every appetizer available—despite me holding a menu—I finally said I'd like the Tour of Italy. He then proceeded to rattle off every possible upcharge for extras like broccoli, chicken, shrimp, steak, and mushrooms, all of which I declined. He then asked if I wanted dipping sauce for my breadsticks, which I also turned down. The barrage continued with a question about soup and salad (a trick question!), and I asked for just the soup, specifying which one. It felt like he was trying to squeeze money out of me at every turn, making the interaction uncomfortable and tedious.
Fortunately, I was soon introduced to my actual server, Huy, who was fantastic. He took care of me efficiently, and my food arrived quickly. Even the expo was very friendly, wishing me a great night.
I ordered the Tour of Italy, and even though I've been to Olive Garden many times, this was my first time trying it. I was thoroughly impressed! Everything had remarkable flavors, particularly the chicken, which was juicy and full of taste. The fettuccine Alfredo was just as enjoyable as I remembered, while the lasagna was decent—not outstanding, but certainly not bad. The Tour of Italy is a bit on the pricier side, so I’d probably only opt for it on special occasions.
For soup, I chose Zuppa Toscana, which is my favorite, and I appreciated that it’s unlimited. Overall, my dining experience was enjoyable. Huy was attentive and wonderful despite the busy atmosphere, and the food was delicious. Plus, I loved being able to take my leftovers home—including a cup of soup! I’m already looking forward to my next visit."
