As much as I love my job as a REALTOR, there are just some days where after showing houses, making appointments, negotiating contracts, dropping off keys, making three dozen phone calls and talking to home inspectors the last thing I want to do is make dinner for my family.  Those are the nights Carrabba’s Italian Grill is my five star restaurant.  The one I prefer is located at 200 US Hwy Route 22 West, Green Brook, NJ 08812.

Carrabba’s is a nationwide chain but to me, this place does not feel like a chain at all. Areas of the restaurant have overhanging trellises with greenery.  There are pictures of family members and the places/occasions on which the photos were taken written below. There is a bar area as well as the restaurant portion with booths and tables. There is a Pasta Bar, which is a great idea for their customers to dine and enjoy watching the chefs prepare these amazing dinners.

Our server came to the table with herbs and oil for our hot, crispy and sourdough bread. When we finished, they brought us more.They make a great Caesar. I can taste the fresh garlic, anchovies, fresh parmesan, lemon juice, and vinegar.  It is the best Caesar salad I ever had. My husband also enjoyed his salad with the Italian Parmesan dressing.

As for our entrees, I had Chicken Marsala,(mushrooms, prosciutto and Lombardo Marsala wine sauce) with the garlic mashed potatoes. My husband ordered the chicken parmesan and it was crispy and delicious. His pasta came with a Pomodoro sauce. Pomodoro sauce is a type of Italian tomato sauce, like marinara sauce, made from tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, which had a little kick to it.

Do you know what else is great? Carrabba’s has Car-side Carryout.  I love this idea, especially since I can order my food online.  Most restaurants do not offer takeout, let alone reserved parking spaces and the convenience of bringing my order to my vehicle. After a long day whether it is take out or car-side, the chance to unwind with a good meal and my family makes Carrabba’s a great choice.

To find more locations or to see the menu check out their website: http://www.carrabbas.com/index.aspx