Growing up in New York, I was surrounded by every restaurant imaginable. In the Big Apple, oftentimes it's the hole-in-the-wall type places that wind up being the most delicious meals. Olive Garden was never even on the radar for me. I simply never felt a need to go to a chain Italian restaurant with Little Italy at my access. However,I must admit, I was painfully mistaken. Since moving down south, I'd heard some chatter about Olive Garden. I was unconvinced that it would be worth the hype. However, I decided to live a little bit and go to Olive Garden.Needless to say I was delightfully surprised. In the wake of this life-altering experience, I've come up with the 10 stages of going to Olive Garden.
1. Mentally preparing for the exciting dining experience ahead.
2. Walking in, you’re welcomed with major Italian vibes.
At this point you're hungry and delirious.
3. After much anticipation, you’re finally seated in a cozy booth surrounded by other fine diners.
4. The wildly enthusiastic server comes around with menus
It's ridiculously overwhelming--(so many pasta dishes, so little time). Probably the hardest decision you'll ever have to make.
5. After much deliberation, you decide you’ll make a last minute, rash decision when the server comes back.
You crack under pressure: spaghetti with red sauce it is.
6. THE *free* BREADSTICKS.
Pure sticks of buttery goodness. 10/10. They do not disappoint. Absolutely incredible.
7. AND free salad?
Do you pay for anything??? AND there's cheese on it!
8. The main dish comes out.
It's beautiful. It's plentiful. It's simple, yet incredibly complex. More free cheese is cranked on top. *Brilliant*
9.The next five or so minutes are spent aggressively eating the work of art created by Olive Garden.
10. As your meal comes to a close and you waddle out those beautiful OG doors, your plate may be empty, but your heart is full.
Until next time, Olive Garden.
*Steals breadsticks on the way out*
