We played hooky for a couple of days and decided to dine at the Olive Garden in . Wenatchee, Wa.
http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/Specials/
I have to tell you I’ve not been impressed with this chain in Canada, due to the fact, all but once, did our table get served at the same time. Usually one person won’t get their meal until everyone else is all but finished theirs.
Exception: Everything about this restaurant was fabulous. Our server, Calen, was superb. His smile would upgrade any order. Case in point: I order a glass of Pinot Grigio. He asked me if I wanted the regular or larger size. Before I looked up, I said regular. I looked up and his smile was really something. My husband says “go for it” and I did. I’ll have the 9 0z. glass please.
We then were served our salad. Icy cold plates (the only way to serve a salad- from now on). Also bread sticks hot from the oven, served with a side of ranch sauce. YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY.
Don ordered the Capellini di Mare – a dish he has previously loved. Well…..this was even better. Piping hot, served on a piping hot plate . It was a serving of shrimp, clams and mussels sauteed in white wine, garlic and a zesty sauce. This was served over capellini and topped with fresh basil. His comment throughout was: look at all the seafood…no skimping here.
I, on the otherhand, ordered the chicken and shrimp carbonara with bucatini pasta in a parmesan cheese sauce, pancetta bacon and roasted peppers, baked in the oven and topped with seasoned breadcrumbs. OMG, was this tasty. We had to leave some, on purpose, so we could “sample” the Lemon cream cake. HAH! We ate the whole darn thing and enjoyed their wonderful coffee.
We did actually take home our little packages and ate them for our supper later.
Calen had a “helper/assistant” who was just a delight. These staff members are two people who give over and beyond what you normally would expect. By the way, the restaurant was packed full.
Service: 1++
Food: 1++
Price: xx
When we got home, we told our neighbor where we ate and she said her two friends were there yesterday. They drive out to E. Wenatchee (from Oliver) for dinner and then drive back home the same day. They love it so much.
As I said…it is great, Calen is super and we will go back again.
Thank you for writing to us. At Olive Garden, we enjoy knowing when we’ve delighted our guests!
One of our goals at Olive Garden is to provide our guests with a genuine Italian dining experience on every visit. We were thrilled to learn Calen exceeded your expectations by expressing genuine care and concern that you were enjoying your meal.
General Manager Raymond M Allen and the entire team at our East Wenatchee restaurant will share in recognizing Calen for a job well done.
We know you have a choice when it comes to selecting a restaurant and appreciate your having chosen us. Our ongoing commitment is to always treat you like a valued member of the Olive Garden family.
Sincerely,
Lidia
Olive Garden Guest Relations