The 2008 and 2009 My Amore Winners (View the winning stories by dish)
Sadly my love story is based on secrecy, lies and denial. Years ago, in my early 20's, my favorite restaurant for me and my ex boyfriend was Macaroni Grill (still is my favorite, just not with him). Every weekend, he'd pick me up and we'd drive over to the local MG. It was love, true love. The ambiance, mood and lighting. My favorite dish and I would spend hundreds of minutes basking in the glow of our true and purely beautiful relationship. At first, I didn't know what to think. The round shape and red saucy body of this meal was intimidating. I had never seen anything like this before. I was floored as I tasted one bite. And from that moment on, BBQ Chicken Pizza (BCP) and I have been in love! On various weekends, when my ex would arrive to pick me up, BCP and I had already met up (delivery service) and I was satisfied by only BCP's great personality. It was hard to be away from him. My ex soon found evidence of our meetings and he left for good. Jealous of our love for one another. And I guess that worked out for the best because BBQ Chicken Pizza and I still see each other to this day. Nothing can stand in our way. Too much passion? I think not... It's true love! Thank you Macaroni Grill!!!
Can good food make or break a first date? Maybe. But can a bad date be redeemed by good food? Absolutely. Such is the irresistible power of Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni, cooked fresh from the kitchen, piled high in a pasta bowl and presented in all its creamy, saucy goodness in front of me — and my bad date — just as our conversation had broken for an awkward lull and we each took another sip of water from our glasses. We didn't have much in common, that much was clear, yet we shared that bowl of chicken rigatoni like two lovebirds reunited. The 'al dente' bite of the pasta made us smile. The sweetness of the marsala wine sauce and caramelized onions made us blush. And the chicken, grilled so tender, urged us to stay for dessert and coffee. I never saw my bad date again, but my love affair with Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni still continues today.
You may not live like a celebrity near the Mediterranean Sea, but Romano’s Macaroni Grill can transport you to Italy with its diverse menu. Dining at Macaroni Grill brings back memories of when I first set my eyes on Italy. It was over 20 years ago, and I was a sixteen-year-old foreign exchange student from Arizona. The mother of the host family was truly a “cuoca eccellente.”
Those carefree days are now replaced with working, running errands and raising a child. I just don’t have the time to cook an authentic Italian meal. Several times a month, I enjoy having an impromptu lunch with a friend or family member. Sharing good conversation while dining makes it “un giorno del tutto speciale.” That’s where Macaroni Grill steps in by giving you food and service fit for a VIP—all without leaving your chair!
Since I want the feeling of being full without being stuffed after a meal, my favorite entree is the Chicken Cannelloni. This dish is a cornucopia of flavor; beginning with juicy oven roasted chicken, melted cheese and fresh spinach packed into hand-rolled pasta. It’s then baked in an aromatic Asiago cream sauce and topped with tomato sauce. So delizioso it will have you dancing the tarantella back to the restaurant kitchen for some more!
It was our fifth wedding anniversary. My husband treated us to our favorite Italian restaurant, "Romano's Macaroni Grill," with its romantic ambience. I couldn't wait to order! I already knew what I was craving to eat, the scrumptious Chicken Cannelloni. I remembered the first time I had ordered this Italian dish. I wasn't sure whether it would be better than the tasty lasagna. But, when I was served this hot plate, I knew that I had picked my new favorite Italian entrée. With each mouthwatering bite, I tasted the roasted savory chicken, finely blended with its melted cheeses and cooked spinach. I could only imagine how the meticulous chef had carefully hand rolled each of these homemade pastas with the precise amount of this delicious mixture. After the waiter had placed our order on that special evening, my husband took out a small black box. As I slowly opened this velvety box, a beautiful gold wedding band decorated with seven tiny diamonds was sparkling back at me. As I looked affectionately at him, he quickly slid this new addition onto my ring finger. At that moment, our personable waiter approached our dinner table grinning. As my favorite entree was served to me, I noticed the delectable presentation of the baked Chicken Cannelloni with its luscious Asiago cream sauce topped with a tangy tomato sauce. What a wonderful way to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary!
My love for Macaroni Grill started on my 23rd birthday. I was a newly married college student trying to live on rice and beans. Eating a dinner out was a luxury that we couldn't afford. My best friend decided to treat me to a birthday meal. Since she was accustomed to eating at nice restaurants, she chose Macaroni Grill for the special day. We started with the delicious, savory bread that the waitress explained we were to tear because you never want to put a knife between friends. We dipped it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar until the whole loaf was gone! I could have just eaten the bread and left the restaurant happy. But, soon the main entrée was placed before me. Chicken, cheese, and spinach...it was heaven wrapped in a homemade noodle. It was Chicken Cannelloni. I ate every last bite of that meal, not wanting to leave one drop of it behind!
Needless to say, I never forgot that meal. After graduating from college, my husband and I found a Macaroni Grill in our area. My husband, who comes from a very traditional Italian family that makes all pastas and sauces from scratch, loves Mac Grill. After all these years, the taste and experience is still the same. I always get the Chicken Cannelloni, and thanks to the consistency of Macaroni Grill, I am forever able to recreate that first experience.
Mt. Fuji, Kimonos and Geisha—that is what was coming to mind when my husband called and said we would be entertaining his Japanese clients for dinner. His boss suggested that we find a sushi bar or a nice Japanese teahouse to make them feel at home. A good idea, but I thought I had a better one. I decided we should take them to my favorite restaurant, Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
When we arrived at the restaurant, our guests looked over the menu and asked us what to order. I had to suggest the Chicken Portobello, my favorite. While we ate our salads and poured from the never-ending bottle of wine, the Chefs in the open kitchen provided wonderful entertainment. Soon we were all laughing and relaxing.
The Chicken Portobello was served and was an immediate hit. They loved the freshness of the dish and the great complement of flavors. It was exciting to see how excellent Italian food is enjoyed by everyone. When our guests weren't looking, my husband gave me a quick wink and a smile. I knew it meant that the evening was a success, and soon the two of us would be returning to Macaroni Grill for a romantic celebration dinner.
I was already looking forward to the next time I would enjoy Chicken Portobello.
(Sung to the tune of "Funniculi Funnicula") I love to eat your Chicken Scaloppine, It's always so nice, so very nice. Behind a platter of it is where you'll see me, It is a vice, my only vice. Each time my hubby takes me out to dinner, It's always the same, the restaurant's name. Romano's Macaroni Grill's the winner, It far exceeds the rest in fame! Pizza, 'Fredo, Cannelloni, But my choice is always Scaloppine! I love it so, I gotta go, ya know I only wanna go, To Romano's and the Grill for Chicken Scallopine!
The Mac Grill is my true love. The wine and pasta is far above. The first visit hooked me for sure, Since then I'm constantly craving: there is no cure. Honor system wine..thank you very much. Appetizers and dessert- no others can touch. Passionate I am, I can't get enough The food is the best - I eat 'til I'm stuffed, I'd love the prize that is no lie, I'll be my family's hero - I can not deny, Please consider my compliments and praise, The Macaroni Grill is the best - to you my hat is raised!
I dream of it. I see capers dancing in my head. My thoughts are of artichokes at sunset. A Hawaiian vacation he asked? No, Scaloppine from Macaroni Grill I pleaded. Diamonds? Gold? No. Lemon Butter Sauce. Who could want more? It completes me. Encompass me in lemon butter sauces. Fill my dreams with capellini. Succulent shrimp - Chicken so tender. Ooooohhhh, my heart cries out for satisfaction. Please me my delicious dinner. Take my home, take my land - but leave my Scaloppine!
The crab-stuffed mushrooms blow me away, I really don't know what else I can say, The taste is delicious, they are also nutritious, my husband is starin', so I guess I'll start sharin'!
I love the create your own pasta menu - I love the dishes and I love the idea!
I have loved to cook since I was a little girl. I started my first kitchen fire when I was only 5 years old (I think I needed more parent supervision)! I still enjoy cooking, but a lot of nights we are cooking just to get dinner on the table for our family. We have quite a few special requests every night...make mine crispier, make mine with no cheese, make mine with extra sauce, don't put ANY onions in mine (who can cook without onions?).
When I go to Macaroni Grill, I get to be the one with the special requests, I get to be the creative one that tries new sauces, new pastas, new combinations. I get to be a kid again - no dishes to do, no one telling me what I can or can't add to my dinner. I get to experiment. And, most importantly, even at my most creative... I have never started a fire at the Macaroni Grill.
Dina's Diary DAY 1: I WANT PASTA! I'm starving! I'm going to go to Macaroni Grill and get the Create Your Own Pasta. I'll get the Pesto with Artichokes and Spaghetti.
DAY 2: WOW, THAT PASTA WAS SOOO GOOD YESTERDAY! Do you think they'd notice if I come in again? I'll order something different this time...hmmm...Tomato Basil with the Sliced Grilled Chicken, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Broccoli, Sliced Mushrooms with the Penne. Perfecto! Just how I like it. Just like Grandma used to make!
DAY 3: Wow! Pasta two days in a row, that was soooo good! I'll have to go back tomorrow and try something different. These combinations are so good, I dream about what I can create....
Day 4: YAY! My friend wants to go to Macaroni Grill for lunch! Of course, I didn't tell her I had already been there two days this week already. Today, I'm going to try the Whole Wheat Penne, Tomato Cream Sauce, Fresh Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers and Diced Tomatoes. Yum! I'm going to order a Garden salad too for an extra treat!
Day 5: Wow! The waiter was such a great singer yesterday! It still amazes me that the staff write their name upside down so well. I think I'll go back this weekend and make another combination. I think this time I'll be spontaneous and see what else I can create. I'll just wait until I get there.
Hi, I'm Pescatora, and I am a seafood sensation. All of the other dishes envy me. When you make this wise choice and choose me, you get a choice of what pasta and sauce you want. In my opinion, I go best with the linguine and red sauce.
Ok, so I come out of the kitchen steaming hot, and end up right in front of you. Then, you take one bite and bam! You have just taken a bite of heaven. All of the delicious scallops, shrimp, and crab water in your mouth. It is official, you are in love. My cooked-to-perfection sauce ends up all over your face. Everyone at the table becomes jealous. Everything just blends together to make the perfect dish. All of my seafood just dissolves in your mouth. In no time you find yourself looking at an empty dish. It says it right in the menu, I am "the perfect combination of mmm and ahh".
I am in love with Create Your Own Pasta, Yes, I said it, it's true. My heart starts beating faster Whenever I think of you. Create your own pasta, Let me make the dish. Let me count the ways, It grants me my wish. Bowtie pasta with four cheese alfredo, Penne with mushrooms and vodka tomato, Oh I'm going crazy thinking these thoughts Mozzarella meatballs so cheesy and hot. I need it, I want it, and I feel no shame Parmesan crusted chicken drives me INSANE!!! Please, dear chefs, keep the pasta coming, I'll never love another, I will always come running When I get the craving I need it right now, I know Macaroni Grill won't let me down. p.s. I love the salad too.
My love affair with the Create Your Own Pasta (C.Y.O.P.) began when I started chemotherapy. I used to love to shop and cook for family and friends but now I have no energy or desire to do either. My tastes change daily so C.Y.O.P. allows me to create a fantastic meal and indulge my inner chef without ever entering the kitchen! I simply sit down at the table, pick up my pencil and pad and "make" the perfect meal based on how I'm feeling today. When I'm craving comfort food, my traditional favorites, like trusted old friends, are always there...huge beefy meatballs (better than even mama made!) cradled in a bed of linguine that's been cooked to perfection and topped in soothing tomato cream sauce. If I'm feeling adventurous I tempt my taste buds with something bold like garlic and red peppers, roasted just long enough to bring out their richest flavors, apple smoked bacon and succulent grilled chicken basking in Asiago sauce, sprinkled with crunchy pine nuts all happily nestled together on firm penne pasta delivering the perfect combination of flavors in every single bite! This is a love affair born of consistency, always served as ordered, fresh and hot, made from the finest ingredients. All without ever having to shop, cook, make a mess of my kitchen or wash any dishes. My affair allows me to enjoy mealtime with those I love most, my family and friends. This affair is best summarized in one word... LOVE!
Grazie, Mi Amore
I am returned in spirit, laughter, romance...to the home of incredible flavor, to Romano's Macaroni Grill, to the very heart of Italy, to ingredients so simple, honest and fresh... so delicioso!
At our local Mac Grill we meet, best friends sharing hot bread torn, dipped in rich balsamic and virgin olive oil, with pastas of smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs, parmesan-crusted chicken with four cheese Alfredo sauce, and hearty vino rosa... glasses raised and counted with honor... home again, warm, our joyful hearts full... once more.
Come to me now, twirling seductively upon my fork, plentiful strands of perfect pasta capturing every sense, drawing me in, each shouting its name in unison... as savory aromas mix and waft up, filling my imagination with promise and pleasure. "Please more, yes more," I silently plead, as each bite slowly succumbs. Rich ingredients sing their parts in chorus as they tempt and entertain with a song of many verses, each unique and glorious, seductively dancing behind my welcoming smile in vibrant new concerts of taste. The pasta dish I create combines my favorite ingredients, reminiscent of hillside gardens of Umbria, fresh and alive, each its own master, yet suitor of all... tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts, grilled chicken, tossed with strands of angel hair in the enticing tomato vodka sauce...united with a great old Tuscan soul, sweet, delicious, vino rosa.
And in this grateful celebration of amazing taste, texture and tradition, we each exclaim a heartfelt, "Grazie, mi amore, my Macaroni Grill!'
It is hard to simply give a description of a favorite dish, because much of the pleasure comes from the whole experience. The busy rush of the kitchen with flames roaring contrasts in the most delicious way with quiet conversation in our own little booth. The child in me loves to draw and I have to catch myself before copying the wine glass lest I confuse the Chianti count!
We first discovered Macaroni Grill years ago, when I was in graduate school and my boyfriend was working two jobs to support us. Once in a while, when some saint graced us with some extra money, we put it aside for an evening out. The restaurant down the street provided us with a perfect retreat from work. We'd sip Chianti and let the world melt away.
Then we discovered Create-Your-Own-Pasta.
It was like a magic wand. I felt like al dente bow tie pasta, rich tomato basil marinara sauce, sliced olives, toasted pine nuts and sizzling asparagus with a garden salad and Presto! It would be fresh and in front of me. Complete with salty rosemary bread.
As vegetarians, it's a real treat to enter a nice restaurant and be able to have choices on the menu made to order without a problem.
Now married, we have to drive 20 minutes to Mac Grill, though we still try to go every month. It's been a tradition for almost our entire relationship!
Visions of Italy fill my mind, the longing scent of pure olive oil, and pine nuts fill the air. The pine nuts are lightly toasted in the rustic Italian oven, while a big boiling pot of water holds the long strands of whole grain pasta till it cooks, al dente. Once noodles are perfect, they are blended with the toasted pine nuts, steamed spinach, pure olive oil, and last finely grated parmigiano-reggiano from Italia!!! Belisimo! Visions of Italy, with a glass of Italian wine, and my perfect pasta, truly a work of art at Romano's with love everyday.
I love the angel hair pasta with pine nuts, smothered with tomato sauce. To "CREATE YOUR OWN PASTA" takes guts, but at Macaroni Grill - I'm the boss! A glass of red wine, a Caesar salad on the side. This is sounding mighty fine, I love Italian food - there's nothing to hide!!
My name is Lance and I'm a Dessert Ravioliolic. When I found myself driving in rush hour traffic up to three times a week just to have one of these crumbled peanuts, sweet caramel and heavenly chocolate ganache ordered with a double side of insanely smooth ice cream.........I knew I needed help.
I often wake in the middle of the night chewing an imaginary bite of this incredible dessert and my wife can't figure out why I can't sleep....with the strange disappearances happening a few evenings a week.
Well now the secret is out and I'm in the open, living my life, telling everyone about this dessert but with a warning. If you have one, you will go back.
I'm late, I need to get to Macaroni Grill ahead of traffic today.
It's date night and my husband and I are in search of something that will make us feel indulged and secretly impassioned. Upon entering, our love affair begins with the smell of warm pasta sauces and rosemary. We bounce into the cozy booth and instantly feel at home. We see many entrees and appetizers that look amazing, but strike gold when our eyes lock on the Eggplant Parmesan. We order our eggplant with extra sauce and wait expectantly for our obsession to begin. Not even a minute later our fresh, hot bread arrives. Instantly, the outlandish smell of rosemary, garlic and olive oil is overwhelming. Our senses ignite as we finish every morsel. My husband and I start to play with crayons and find ourselves laughing and drawing. Minutes later our eyes grow wide while the plate is delicately placed in front of each of us. Quickly, we slice the tender eggplant. The aroma warms our noses as we sample the first bite. Our response, simple, we are head over heels, intoxicated. The eggplant was breaded just right; the sauce sweet, warm and tangy engulfed the eggplant perfectly. The pasta was flavorful and light, a perfect compliment to a perfect meal. Happily, I look at my husband and say, "Well that's it, now I remember what it feels like to be in love." He responds gently, "Honey, I remembered when I saw you laugh again." We both left hand in hand feeling joyful and free. I know we'll be back again.
My obsession with the Macaroni Grill started three years ago during a family gathering. This first experience left an everlasting impression on my taste buds. When I eat at a restaurant, I play it safe and order the same thing every time, so I wasn't sure what to try on the menu. I wanted something unique but also something that I wouldn't take one bite of and wish that I had ordered something else. My love of seafood led me to apprehensively choose the Grilled Halibut. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made. About 90% of my eating experiences at restaurants leave me disappointed and feeling that my money and time were wasted; however, the Macaroni Grill left me with new hope. This first taste of the Grilled Halibut provided my taste buds with the best food I've ever indulged in. I have returned to your fine establishment numerous times to relive this euphoria. My passion for this heavenly halibut does not stop at me spoiling myself with the perfect feast. I try convincing everyone I know to try the best food ever prepared. So far I have converted three others to Grilled Halibut fanatics. In fact, every time I eat at the Macaroni Grill I immediately call my brother-in-law to tease and taunt him about what I am eating just to rub it in his face and make him wish he was there eating Grilled Halibut too. Thank you for the best culinary contribution to mankind.
As a regular customer every entrée or appetizer that I have tasted at Macaroni Grill is like opening a new door for a delightful culinary experience. However, my #1 choice is the Grilled Pork Chops. The presentation on the plate seeing those nice grill marks on the two good sized pork chops, the broccoli served al dente, not the usual limp ones that you find in many restaurants and that creamy mound of risotto filled with plenty of mushrooms, I could make a meal just out of the risotto. Yes, just looking at this beautiful presentation, your mouth starts watering.
Starting off with the freshly baked warm bread for dipping in a plate of the extra virgin Olive Oil sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper and a glass of the Chianti house wine with a delicious Caesar Salad is a great beginning. This followed by the entrée above you cannot want for anything better.
Best of all, I am 85 and my wife is 82. We share the entire meal, not only delicious but when you live on a fixed income and want to go for a nice relaxing meal there is nothing better and at a reasonable price.
What do I like best at the Macaroni Grill?? There is one particular dish that is definitely made to thrill! One of my favorites is the Honey Balsamic Chicken. Look out everyone since it's better than finger lickin'! First, I start with some of that awesome Red Sangria Then it's appetizer time with some fried Mozz-a-rella'! After I've eaten more than my share of bread... I am ready to move on to the next thing in my head... The salad is so fresh and never ceases to amaze But soon it's time to taste that honey balsamic glaze Usually served on the side is sun dried capellini I like to mix it up, but not with plain linguine Creamy Pesto Risotto or Spinach Orzo Pasta as my side They go together like a groom and a bride After my meal it's time for something nice and sweet I'll order my favorite, the Tiramisu - A classic Italian treat!! They are all my Macaroni Grill favorites from start to end Don't worry since my next visit will be right around the bend!!
Do I have to choose ONE favorite? That's too hard! For many years, my favorite has been the Honey Balsamic Chicken. The incredible flavor of your delicious honey balsamic sauce on TWO chicken breasts is so fine. I could drink that sauce! It's really a great value too. The pasta with sun dried tomatoes is just scrumptious as well, then fresh grilled broccoli on the side. I top everything with your fresh grated parmesan cheese. Yummy. I don't feel guilty because it's really incredibly healthy too! Then we all enjoy your warm rosemary loaves of bread, toasty on the outside and soft on the inside. I'm getting hungry! With so many wonderful choices on your menu I was hard pressed to pick a favorite. Especially when I recently tried your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Salad. That's the best salad I've ever tasted!
Macaroni Grill is a great place for celebrations as well. My husband proposed to me at Mac Grill three years ago, and one year later we had an intimate wedding reception there. I like the atmosphere very much. With great music, soft lighting, beautiful Tuscan décor, excellent prices and superior service, Macaroni Grill is the best value around.
I'm in love with Romano's Macaroni Grill's Kid's Menu — yes, THE KID'S MENU!! Nooo, I don't drink from the "Fountain of Youth" before heading over; it's not for me. I'm sure it's not a difficult concept to understand - for us to go out as a family (and actually ENJOY the evening), the kids are going to have to enjoy the food too, or just forget it! Now, there are a zillion restaurants with good kid's menus .. good food & fun environment - no problem - except for us. My son is autistic with numerous food allergies/sensitivities. For us to go out, it is complicated - to say the least. I'm your typical soccer mom, and our family was out of town with my daughter's competitive soccer team. The team wanted to go out to eat together after a big win; I couldn't deny my daughter this special event, so we all went to Romano's Macaroni Grill. I figured my son would have to just snack on the "special" snack foods I had brought with me. To my AMAZEMENT - on your Kid's Menu was something my son could eat!! The Grilled Chicken & Broccoli, a chicken breast with no breading nor sauce and broccoli with no sauce — my son could actually EAT! I'm sure this is highly unusual to be "in love" with something so simple — but to me, it was not "simple."
The first time I had tried this dessert was 9 months ago while my husband and I were having dinner with friends at Macaroni Grill. We decided to try a few different desserts and the Lemon Passion Cake was my selection. I have to tell you, this dessert is unbelievable. It's the perfect blend of sweetness with just a hint of lemon flavor. The cake itself is incredibly moist and extremely flavorful. It literally is heaven. Every time we go to Macaroni Grill, I have to order this dessert. No matter how full I am, I always make room for it. It is by far my favorite dessert from the many restaurants we have dined at. Once you try it, you are hooked.
It was a blind date. I'd been seeing the Chicken Scaloppine, but the thrill had worn off. Someone said "Give Lobster Ravioli a try. It’s just your style!" What good advice that turned out to be!
As the plate slid in front of me, the delicious aroma of lemon and garlic caressed my senses. The first forkful made my heart race. Perfectly cooked shrimp melted in my mouth. Al dente asparagus teased my taste buds. Bits of tomato added excitement. All wrapped up in sauce as smooth as a lover's kiss. Mmmm...
It's been years now. Chicken Scaloppine tries to tempt me back, but my love is true. The Insalata Blu can join us, the Smothered Chocolate Cake is a welcome friend but Lobster Ravioli is my true love.
My husband treated me to a night out a few weeks ago. He'd discovered a Romano's Macaroni Grill on the business side of the town we'd just moved to.
It was a wonderful night. We took the kids with us. We were in no hurry. I don't know how long we waited for a table, and it didn't matter. It was bitterly cold outside, but inside the restaurant was robustly warm and fragrant with garlic, olive oil, and grilled chicken. We stood and talked and laughed with our children, unhurried.
Our table turned out to be directly next to the kitchen which was perfect for us. Our son, six, wants to be a chef, and was delighted to watch the cooks in their big white hats. The kids played tic-tac-toe on the white '"table cloth." My husband and I played hangman.
The waitress was friendly and professional.
I don't remember what anyone else ordered that night, but I remember my order. Lobster Ravioli. Heaven on a plate. Light, tender, delicate - the lobster sweet and buttery - the asparagus cooked so it was still firm but bursting with flavor. Then my husband ordered me a Leaning Bellini and as I sipped the night turned rosy and magical.
This was a date that I'll never forget, at once romantic and yet encompassing our entire little family, made all the more special by a fantastic restaurant and fabulous food created by people who understand it.
My lovely Lobster Ravioli - I love you more than guacamole. The way you hold your sautéed shrimp....just thinking of you makes me go limp. When our family and friends gather at the Macaroni Grill, we gaze through the menu but suddenly become still As we read about what makes you 'you' - we go no further - there's no need to my little green lover The asparagus is a delightful accessory But you're so delicious - nothing else is necessary. Don't you change a thing, especially your sauce with lemon and butter. No other entree can make my heart flutter. I'll always love you.
When I took my first mouthful of the Lobster Ravioli at Macaroni Grill, I heard angels singing. I wondered if I had been transported to another dimension of eating that I did not know even existed. The pasta melted in my mouth, and the tart, tangy taste of lemon slipped over my taste buds. I began to swoon with pleasure and nearly fell out of my chair. The succulent white lobster, lusty crimson tomatoes, and crisp green asparagus melded into a perfect blend of tastes, textures, and colors. It was as though Michelangelo had taken his brush and replaced it with a skillet. It was, in a word, a masterpiece.
When the Lobster hits your tongue, like a dream on the run That's Ravioli. When the yummy shrimp sauce, caresses your taste buds Well that's true love. Bread will come, with olive oil too And you'll smile, cause it's all so - wow! That's the joy, of Macaroni Grill, Lobster Ravioli! Yum Yum!!
I love the Lobster Ravioli. The lobster is sweet. The sauce so creamy. The pasta and shrimp delicious. With every bite I taste the sweetness and think "Is this my entree or my dessert?" It melts in my mouth. I can't wait to take my next bite. It isn't just little pieces of lobster either. Every bite has big succulent pieces of lobster. The asparagus is tender yet firm - not soggy, not hard. I especially like to have this meal when out with my husband for a romantic dinner. It's a very romantic entrée to get the night going.
There I was - tired of the same ol' boring seafood. You name it, I tried them all. I thought salmon could be the real deal, but he just swam upstream every time I got close. Squid was just a little too clingy for me. Shrimp? Well, he had issues about being so short and besides, his tail curled! Then, I was introduced to you. Love is everything it's cracked up to be with you! Who knew love could be so sweet, so succulent, so absolutely delicious? You shyly hid in pillows of tarragon pasta, but you knew how to work your magic, didn't you, you cute little crustacean? I love to stare at you, swimming in your lemon butter sauce, you and those perky friends of yours, asparagus and tomato! They're awfully cute, but you are magnificent! You are my one and only. Once in a while, friends will try to "steal" you away from me. They innocently (ha!) ask for a bite.
Back off, I say! He is mine, and mine alone - get your own arthropods! The only one I'll share you with is Pinot Grigio, who understands the delicacy of your buttery flavor and is only interested in enhancing your perfection.
Yes, I have found my perfect match - your decadence has hypnotized me and I am yours forever, my sweet Lobster Ravioli!
Can a restaurant meal instantly transport you to Italy, into the cozy kitchen of a loving mama? YES, it most certainly can. Mama's Trio is a meal after my own heart; Macaroni Grill knows there are people like me out there that can never choose just one dish to have! The trio gives me the best of THREE worlds and provides a plethora of roadmaps: eat each dish independently from one another, rotate and take one bite from each until your plate is clean (my preferred method), or mix them all up because they all taste great together! Committing to a single entrée can make me anxious (I suffer from food envy and must try as many things as I can!) and Mama's Trio gives me exactly what I came to Macaroni Grill for: a comfortingly familiar meal that warms my belly and my heart. The Primo Chicken Parmesan is rustic and hearty, but also surprisingly light from the tender chicken to the fine strands of capellini. The lasagna is unrivaled; the sheer amount of layers makes me clap with glee, and the spiciness from the sausage, pepperoni, and beef dances on my palate. Chicken Cannelloni is pure decadence, and it tastes like Mama spent all day rolling pasta, roasting chicken, and slow-cooking creamy spinach. How could you choose just one? And why would you when you don't have to?!? Macaroni Grill has anticipated this dilemma and solved it with this thoughtful trio of Italian classics.
The Mama's Trio is a dish so flavorful that it is my favorite of the menu. With the lasagna, you get such wonderful marinara sauce with just the right amount of noodles and meat and then you realize there is pepperoni hidden throughout and your mouth begins to sing with delight. As you move to the left, the next dish is a wonderful breaded chicken parmesan smothered in the magical amount of cheese that melts in your mouth with just enough spice that you get an amazing combination. Then you move on to the icing on the cake, the Chicken Cannelloni. Rolled noodles so full of sauce and chicken and spinach that it is ready to burst and drizzled with marinara to give it the perfect taste combination. The Mama's Trio, a dish to make the taste buds dance and the stomach sigh in delight as I make my next reservation.
The Mozzarella alla Caprese brings me back to my romantic honeymoon in Italy. It reminds me of a gorgeous day sitting in Piazza del Campo, the center square in Sienna, looking at the beautiful duomo (church), while enjoying a great glass of red wine and the best mozzarella I ever had. We reminisced about our wedding just a few days before and already began talking about when we could visit Italy again. I remember that the cheese was so soft that it just melted in your mouth - it was the best I ever had...
Was I ever shocked to learn that Macaroni Grill had a dish just as good! Now the Mozzarella alla Caprese is my "pick-me-up" food of choice...it will always remind me of those two amazing weeks in Italy with the love of my life - my amore.
From the moment the server places my Mozzarella alla Caprese salad in front of me, my demeanor changes, a smile comes over my face, my cheeks brighten and (in my mind) I am whisked away to the Isle of Capri, sitting in a sun drenched piazza overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The slices of creamy white buffalo mozzarella framed by the bright red discs of sun ripened tomatoes, the pale green leaves of garden fresh basil all married together with the sweet, tangy balsamic vinaigrette. There is no more perfect combination of ingredients on the planet. Sadly, the server removes my empty plate, pours me another glass of wine and I relish the tastes still left in my memory.
An Ode to Cheesecake:
Your skin so fair,Your crust so crisp,I have never tasted,A love like this,
With cream whipped and fruit topping,You're the one I adore,To my one beloved cheesecake,My lifelong paramour,
At times we must hide,A love known so true,From those that would tell us,It's not them it's you,
It is jealousy most nefarious,Of that I'm quite sure,My dear, dear, sweet cheesecake,With each bite I love you, more, and more, and more.
One day it will pass,No matter how hard we might try,Our love will be consumed,My cheesecake will die,
Consumed by my love,Her beauty shall wither,All that remains,Perhaps just a sliver,
A sliver on silver,With knife and fork laid next,Those tools of emotion,Destruction of my best,
For days I shall weep,And dream of one day,Being reunited with my cheesecake,A mouthful once again,
And whence that day comes,Another pie catches my eye,That new piece of cheesecake,Will consume all my pride,
I shall love her as I did you,Deeply, without holds,And if all rings true,She shall join you in the folds,
The folds of my belly,Happy yet sad,Until that next day,Another cheesecake is had.
I love you, cheesecake. I always will...
I gently scrape the fresh pesto from the crispy golden bread-crumbed shells of the trio of mozzarella medallions and lick it from the back of my knife, the parmesan jostling with the basil to tingle on my tongue.
The shell of the first medallion cracks under my knife revealing the oozing moistness of the bright white mozzarella within. My fork wipes the first tempting mouthful through the tomato goodness of the pizzaiola sauce and as it reaches my mouth, my taste-buds are assaulted on all sides by the crisp, cleanness of the mozzarella, the crunchiness of the shell and the tangy spices of the tomatoes...and a fiery side-swipe that seems to come from nowhere. Was there a peppery element hiding amidst the breadcrumbs or was it some secret spice combo striking from amongst the ingredients of the zesty pizzaiola sauce?
Therein lies the mystery of the Mozzarella Fritta.
"Hi Mom. It's me. I'll be home Thursday. Yeah, by dinnertime. But don't worry about feeding me. I'll take care of my own."
I hang up, already salivating. It's my fourth year of college and I don't know how I've survived this long without a Macaroni Grill in this town, but every time I go home, it's the first thing I want. On Thursday night, the family dinner will be rushed. No problem. I'll stop by Macaroni Grill on my way home. Then over the weekend, I will convince my parents to take me there. Later in the week, when I see my boyfriend, I will suggest that we eat out. When he asks where, I will nonchalantly volunteer "hmm, how about... Macaroni Grill?" He will probably look at me knowingly, and say "Of course. You and your Pasta Milano."
Yes. Me and my Pasta Milano. It hits the spot every single time. It's so creamy, so warm, so comforting. As soon as the fork enters my mouth, the crayon name of our server, written on the paper table cloth, seems to dance and swirl around. I savor each bite, while a satisfied smile appears on my face. My friends and family now call that my Pasta Milano face.
It's Monday now. I have four midterms between me and spring break. I'm excited for time off from school and the time I'll spend at home, but I know I will be making one important stop first.
How much do I love the Pasta Milano? So much that I've never tried anything else when I dine there! Well other than tasting my husbands dish :) Let me spell things out for you... P is for perfectly delicious A + S is for scrumptious T is for tasteful A +
M is for magnificent I is for incredible L is for love A + N is for nothing like it anywhere O is for out of this world
That's my story and I'm sticking to it like I stick to my favorite dish at Macaroni Grill when I go there!!!
Macaroni Grill holds a special place in my heart - it was where my husband and I went on our first date over TEN years ago! I still remember how wonderful the dish of Pasta Milano tasted to me, though the great company made it even better! Macaroni Grill was the perfect spot for our first date; we sat at a cozy table for two and enjoyed our first of many evenings together. We went back to that same Macaroni Grill restaurant for dinner on our wedding day. And, yes, I ordered the Pasta Milano again! Those sun-dried tomatoes and the yummy garlic cream sauce reminded me of that quiet dinner just a few years earlier.
Now we've been married almost seven years, and we still smile and sit a little closer together each time we eat at our local Macaroni Grill. Now we like to go because our two kids LOVE pasta! Our four-person table may not be as quiet and charming that way, but the Grill is now a family affair! Thanks for keeping Pasta Milano on the menu!
My husband and I had our first date at Romano's Macaroni Grill. That's where I fell in love with him, but that's also where my love affair began . . . my love affair with Penne Rustica. Little did my future husband know that my eyes were already straying so early in our relationship. I couldn't get over the creamy sauce or the meaty pieces of shrimp and chicken. I could see him looking at my plate, but I was not about to share this wonderful dish with him. The best part was the oven-smoked flavor mixed with the spices. I could barely listen to my date. I had to kick myself when I got carried away by the delicious taste of the Penne Rustica.
I had to tell someone about my secret affair with this amazing pasta dish. I feel so much better now that I have told the world. Just don't tell my husband. I don't have the heart to tell him that half of my smiles on our first date were for my Penne Rustica.
It all started in March 2003. John (now my husband) was courting me at the time and took me out to an amazing dinner at Macaroni Grill. As I looked at each amazing item on the menu, it hit me...Penne Rustica.
From the chicken and shrimp all the way down to the creamy sauce, OHHHHH my goodness. How long would it take until I was able to taste the tender shrimp? After a romantic talk with John, our meal arrived. As our waitress began grinding the Parmesan cheese onto the pasta, I couldn't wait any longer. I immediately took a bite of the shrimp with the creamy sauce and OHH, it was LOVE!
Now the imported penne pasta with shrimp, grilled chicken and smoked prosciutto baked under a golden crust of Parmesan cheese is the only thing I order on the menu.
Macaroni Grill is the place my husband and I go to remember how it all began over Penne Rustica and the Smothered Chocolate Cake. Our son Joshua is now 5 months old, and that hasn't stopped us from having our romantic get-a-ways to Macaroni Grill. We just eat a little faster and take the Chocolate Cake to go. Thank you, Macaroni Grill, for the continued memories in our lives from start to whenever it finishes.
So you're looking for a delectable, and yummy treat, Well, come on in to Macaroni Grill and have a seat. If your taste buds could scream and twirl in the air, They would excite your soul and even curl your hair.
Start your meal with iced tea with a little lemon slice, Then get ready for warm, toasted bread, now that is nice! The fresh olive oil and pepper is there for the dipping, Be careful don't get excited you want to avoid dripping.
Oh what a selection, just how does a person choose, No matter what you order, you just can't lose. The prices are reasonable so you don't have to be wealthy, I'm tempted to savor the flavor of salmon so healthy.
My head is spinning and I was impressed with the cost, I started with a salad of greens, that was freshly tossed. I was tempted by Fettuccine Alfredo sauteed with cream, Please don't wake me, if I dozed off and this is only a dream.
Penne Rustica's grilled chicken and prosciutto dish, It's my choice covered with tender shrimp, now that's delish! The topping was baked with a kiss of parmesan cheese, If you want a tiny bite, you must smile and say please.
My final decision was not really hard to make, Please bring me a large piece of Smothered Chocolate Cake. If Macaroni Grill was located a hundred miles away, I'd still eat there often, as it sure makes my day!
The mere thought of Penne Rustica stirs feelings of longing in my stomach. There are days I find myself reminiscing about our first meeting. My date at the time is now long gone. But, Penne Rustica and I are still well acquainted. Each time I visit Macaroni Grill, I glance over the menu as if I have no preference. Who am I fooling? I always remain faithful to Penne Rustica. Our bond has deepened over the years. We have shared so many important occasions together...birthdays, anniversaries...so so much. Penne Rustica's natural ability to still remain perfect after so long is unequaled by any dish I've had before or since. I find myself craving our next meeting. Until then, I have our memories to sustain me.
It comes to the table and as the smell wafts up your eyes are entranced by the colors. Your ears hear the waiter ask "Would you like extra freshly grated parmesan" and you put your hand up slightly as you hear yourself utter "No thank you - it's perfect just the way it is." All your senses are on full alert as you raise the fork to your waiting mouth that is silently saying "Me too - the eyes, ears and nose are involved, now me too" and then there it is, the taste. The perfect blend of flavors. Al dente pasta marinated in a light sauce with the perfect mix of shrimp, chicken and prosciutto lovingly blanketed by parmesan. Comfy, cozy and delicious, the Penne Rustica is obviously my favorite.
Oh, my Penne Rustica. I just say the name and I trail off...lost in my own memories. Let me take you with me this time. When I order this dish, I feel like a school girl waiting for her prom date to ring the doorbell! The first forkful gives way to an array of tastes, smells and textures. The shrimp, the chicken, the prosciutto. Tastefully tender, subtly smoky, tantalizingly tangy...Oh! Not to be outdone, the parmesan and its sauce surrounds your palate like a warm blanket on a winter day. It is so good, that I eat it in very small bites, eyes closed, savoring every wonderful thing about it. You never want it to end; but sadly, too quickly, it does. You're supremely satisfied but it's bittersweet. Gone too soon...
"O solo mio." I love your Primo. I can't wait to place, your fork in my hand. I'm salivating due to the aroma. This plate so pleasing must come from 'Roma.' "It's wonderful. It's marvelous." It's beyond description just how succulent, moist, tender, and flavorful this Chicken Parmesan is. Then there's the presentation. Oh, marone! It comes out looking as if it's been prepared for royalty. That alone is enough to make me hesitate cutting into it. It's so awesome! However, the mixture of foods and spices make that impossible. Then comes the "moment of truth." I cut into it and savor the first bite, the explosion of flavor that takes place in my mouth. It's delightful. I find such enjoyment, such pleasure in everything this entrée offers that I never change. It's sinful to look and taste this tempting dish. Ahh, it's like taking a trip to Italy. I definitely say without hesitation, "I'll be back." This entrée speaks of true Italian charm. So my Macaroni Grill love is Primo Chicken Parm. I say it's grand just the way it is, don't change a thing! Proudly continue to prepare it as Frank Sinatra sang, "I did it my way."
You are unaware of my fantasies about you - from the moment I first open my eyes in the morning to my last conscious thought at night. No matter what I am doing, my thoughts return to you - little flashes that only reinforce my hunger for you. My passion for you is only further ignited discovering new ways to heat you up; to release you from your rigidity to your softest, most yielding state. You are spectacular no matter what, but it is when you are dressed in red that my stomach does little excited flips in anticipation. Oh mozzarella, when baked with oven-roasted tomato asiago sauce and placed atop a tender chicken breast, you are always red carpet ready. I know you feel it too - you become so bubbly and exciting. Please know that even though I occasionally can't resist temptation - my eyes and appetites wander to the other hot and saucy numbers that frequent Romano's Macaroni Grill - you are my first true love!
It was a perfect evening. Bacardi, limes, and mint leaves... a new drink I felt was a perfect blend. The mojitos set the mood, and paired well with the Italian bread dipped in oil and balsamic vinegar. What would I order tonight? What was everyone else having? I decided on "the blind date," - I would try something I had not yet had.
A handsome entrée it was. All tangled up in the pasta were succulent shrimp, open clams in their shells, and the most beautiful, sweet, little white pillows from the sea. The scallops were cooked to an absolute perfection... I savored each one, cutting it into smaller pieces, as to make the date last longer, giving me more opportunities to taste...
Mr. Seafood Linguine, turned out to be my perfect match. His large basil leaves, wisping amongst the shrimp and scallops, were something very special. I'll never forget that flavor as I intend to call on him often.
I think I'll call him tonight.
The first time I went to Macaroni Grill, I had the Shrimp Portofino. At that instant it became my most favorite food on the planet!! When my birthday rolls around every year my kids don't have to ask where I want to go...Macaroni Grill for Shrimp Portofino. When THEIR birthday rolls around...yep... Macaroni Grill...all four of them. I've tried to bribe six different servers to give me the recipe but no one will fold! I could tile my bathroom with used Macaroni Grill gift cards. All of my friends and family know that is the gift I will ALWAYS love!! Hmmm...I'm getting hungry...gotta run!!!!
My day job involves customer service on the phone. It can be stressful. So on the days that I need a "mind get away," I think of shrimp portofino and I am transplanted into happy land. The flavorful shrimp with fresh mushrooms and crunch of the pine nuts dancing around my head and heart covered in spinach and that lemon butter sauce. It helps me make it through my days knowing this could be the night I could be whisked off to paradise at Macaroni Grill. I can't even look at another pasta restaurant now that I have true love and stress relief waiting for me. Also, the first 2 letters in Macaroni Grill is ma and that means love. Caroni is a bird sanctuary in Trinidad. Macaroni Grill is my sanctuary and grill reminds me of home cooking. Hey, sometimes whatever gets you through your days...so you can have your nights at Macaroni Grill. Come share my excitement with me.
This affair started one night when I was sitting across the room by the toasty fireplace with my trio of friends. The four of us were having the most tasteful time in this romantic setting. I was really getting to know one of them when into the quietness this sizzling tantalizing love song drizzled into my ear. I could hear it off in a distance then it grew scrumptiously loud and succulently closer to my salivating buds. There was this deep appetizing aroma filling the air and over powering my sense of smell. I couldn't help but notice this rich, delightful sound coming from the table to my right. I tried to be tasteful when I made eye contact, but when I saw the elegance of temptation being poured out onto ribbons of pasta I wanted to fall onto the surface of that delectable dish with my tongue absorbing the rain of grated parmesan drifting over the mountains of shrimp and colorful array of sautéed veggies.
It was love at first smell. I was determined we would be together soon. I'm pleased to announce two weeks later we were physically introduced in an enticing and captivating moment when I heard the sizzle of its substance approaching the table where I sat waiting for that presentation. From this day forward we will be together because I have myself a winner and Mr. Sizzling Shrimp Scampi will always be my Main Dish.
It’s somewhat of a dance, this game we play every time we are near. We both know that we don’t want to wait, to idle through the courses as our anticipation builds for one another. But we must. It would be improper for me to sit at a table and savor you immediately without first enjoying Primo Chicken Parmesan or Layers of Lasagna or, at the very least, a salad.
Still, it is no secret that you, Smothered Chocolate Cake, are the one I have come for. The one I want to smother further with my love and my lips. The one I cannot resist even a crumb of, for you bring me too much pleasure whenever I taste the rich chocolate cake topped with that dreamy ganache. So I dance, and I play the game, and I enjoy my salad, for I know of what’s to come, and you are worth the wait.
The Smothered Chocolate Cake is simply to DIE for...My wife is the best baker in the world (that I know of course), however, your unbelievable chocolate cake is my favorite dessert in the world for many reasons...
*The rich chocolate flavor and texture is velvety smooth, rich and extremely moist *The slightly warm temperature makes you desire it before you finish your entrée *The chocolate fudge sauce drips all over the sides and compliments the cake like a perfect tie on a beautiful suit *The chopped pecans simply add that perfect nutty texture and flavor *And lastly, the whipped cream screams out for you to dip every last bite of cake into it
This is the most wonderful ending to a most wonderful meal for the entire family to enjoy, as it sits in the middle of the table just waiting for all to dive in. If you haven't indulged in this experience...you are surely missing out.
I grew up on a farm in the lovely Midwest. As a farmer's daughter, there was very little rest! It's no wonder that I love the Steak & Arugula Salad so much. Everything I was raised eating is all in one delicious bunch!
The sizzling sirloin from the cattle in the field, And the apple-smoked bacon from our pigs and apples that I peeled. Also, the cattle gave us milk, and blue cheese as it would harden. All of this rests on a beautiful bed of arugula, radicchio, and spinach from our garden.
This fabulous dish is my favorite from the Macaroni Grill. It brings back wonderful childhood memories, if you will.
An amazing item about this salad dish Is that it is the best natural food that one could ever wish. My five children and I come to eat this as much as we can. I must admit, though, I am the nation's greatest Steak & Arugula Salad fan!!
On one of our many trips to Romano's Macaroni Grill, I was torn between two dishes. I decided on the Chicken and Artichoke Ravioli. The description on the menu did not do justice to the dish itself.
When the entree arrived, the steam coming from it was the first to speak to me. It smelled heavenly, and it was so warm. It felt like I was being wrapped in a nice warm blanket. It was like unwrapping a present with every bite, and the asparagus was like the bow that topped it. It was so perfectly cooked. It tasted fresh from the garden. The ravioli was just the right texture, and the stuffing was so creamy. The chicken was browned to perfection while retaining all its juices. The artichokes were like I've never tasted before. They almost seemed to have this slight crispness around the edges and soft in the middle. The roasted tomatoes were amazing. They added a sweet smokiness undertone to the dish. I only wish there had been more of them.
Every bite was different and better than the one before. The prosciutto, mushrooms and capers were delightful. It was all brought together by the creamy garlic sauce.
There were the little surprises in every bite. Every element of it sparked some kind of emotion in me. Please make this a permanent addition to your menu, so that I can experience this all over again.
Picture a girls' night out. We enter Romano’s Macaroni Grill like celebrities and are eager to stroke our appetites with Italian flare. Immediately upon arrival, we are greeted with a great atmosphere and an ambiance to die for.
I opened the menu with excitement and decided to misbehave and go off course with a new dish. Suddenly it arrived, Parmesan Crusted Sole. It was breathtaking as the vibrant colors of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes danced around the orzo. Delicately placed on top was the hand-breaded sole with lemon butter sauce cascading down the sides. The sound of the fork hitting the crust followed by flaky white goodness made my mouth water.
Finally, I tasted it and I must say it was love at first bite. Its flavors were like a symphony in my mouth acting in accord to make this beautiful signature dish that only Romano's Macaroni Grill can create. Needless to say, I've had nights with this dish even without the girls.
Dear Diary,
I met up with V again last night for dinner at our favorite restaurant, Romano’s Macaroni Grill. The evening was intoxicating. When he arrived at the table, I had almost forgotten how large and beautiful he was. I stared into his smoky prosciutto eyes, caressed his golden brown outside, savored his tomato-creamy complexion and gently touched his penne and chicken. I saw he melted a little just being near me, and he knows I feel the same way about him.
I savored every moment we were together—first nibbling at his edges, and then closing my eyes between each delicious bite, almost feeling like I was in a dream.
I know V is the one for me. I think about him constantly and cannot imagine life without him. I’m hoping one day I will be called Mrs. Rustica.
I anxiously await the next time I can feel his warmth near me. I’ll write again after our next date.