Lunch Date at Carino's Italian Grill

This is definitely a loved-up September. I got two dates in a month lol!! While I insisted the rendevouz early this month in Atlantis The Palm is more than enough to celebrate our 5th anniversary as sweethearts (corny! but this girl's in-love so give it to her please), Hubby still  felt like eating out. Last Friday, we headed to our long time favorite, Johnny Carino's Italian Grill.

We tried their branch at Dubai Festival City. Coincidentally, Carino's is also the first restaurant we visited during our first year in Dubai. This is also the first restaurant we dined in, after I gave birth to Andreas.

We love the place for its family farmhouse appeal. After all, the US-based chain originated  from Texas. Servings are enormous akin to feed a hungry cowboy. Because its' Friday, the place was packed with happy kids running around. Although they are given crayons and coloring books to keep themselves busy, the calories and carbohydrates they ate probably won't let them sit still. 

Before entering, I already had in mind what to order but when I checked their entree menu, the pepperoni calzone was no longer available. I settled then for portions of their best offerings. Hubby ordered steak as usual.

 After we were seated comfortably, the waiter came back with complimentary warm herb bread and toasted garlic. This is actually the reason why we always come back here lol! The bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil is heavenly. I wish Macaroni Grill will do the same - toast their garlic instead of roasting. But then that won't be so original hehe.

Grilled New York Strip. A hearty 12oz USDA choice center cut strip steak seasoned and basted on open-flame grill, served with fresh mushroom gravy sauce, roast potatoes and stir-fry vegetables.

Hubby thinks all steak tastes the same so he didn't say much. Me, thinks that the meat was a little dry. The seasoned stir-fry vegetables though was crunchy and oozing with goodness that we kept praising the dish every time we pop zucchini and broccolli into our mouths.

Chicken Parmigiana. Hand-breaded in special blend seasonings, layered with spicy tomato sauce, parmesan and  mozarella cheese served with spaghetti in marinara sauce.

The chicken was tender and succulent. Hubby was impressed with the spicy  fresh tomato sauce. I think I just found another reason to comeback here (big grin).

Home-made Lasagna. With 12 layers of pasta, ricotta cheese and meat sauce.

The staff were attentive and gladly refilled our tall glass of Coke Zero. When I checked the washroom, I smiled seeing a sketch of Rialto Bridge decorating the wall. Venice indeed, is such a lovely memory.

Like I said, the servings are huge so I had to bring home the ordered lasagna. I devoured it the following day and when warmed in the microwave, it's darned good! Definitely has a homey feel.

Farmhouse Italian style. Carinos at Dubai Festival City offers al fresco dining over looking the Ikea driveway.

Johnny Carino's Italian Grill also has a branch at Burjuman Mall - which I think has much more romantic ambiance.

New York Grilled Steak - 72 AED
Carino Combo - 69 AED
Coke Zero bottomless - 10 AED
Total - 151 AED (P1,812.00)

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