Carrabba's can compete!

I'm not a believer in chain restaurants, especially in Youngstown. There are so many mom-and-pop family restaurants in Youngstown that you don't even need chains; they can't compete. The pizza industry is an excellent example. With little exception, there are no chain pizza restaurants in the city. Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Dominos were run out of town by Tomasino's, Inner Circle, Uptown, the Golden Dawn, the MVR and countless others, all providing good pie at a decent prize.

Heading out in to the burbs is a different story. The strip on 224 in Boardman is devoid of family run places in favor of TGI Friday's, Olive Garden and IHOP. The food is usually decent, but not great. The atmosphere is so-so, and the service is only slightly above marginal. I think I found a place that may be the exception to that rule, however.

On a recent visit to Carrabba's in Boardman, I was pleasantly surprised. The service was excellent, the food first class, and the prices were very moderate. We were greeted upon our arrival by a friendly hostess who seated us right away. Given that we ate around 8:30 p.m. in the middle of the week, there was a solid crowd, but it wasn't packed.

My fiancee and I quickly ordered an appetizer of mozzarella and soup. The cheese was out quickly, fried in excellent bread crumbs which gave it a nice crunch while keeping the cheese soft. My pasta fagiole also had an excellent flavor.

For our main courses, we tried two Italian staples: lasagna and ravioli. My lasagna was enormous and enough for two portions. I did, in fact, finish it the next day for lunch. While the noodles may have been ever-so slightly overcooked and not al dente like I prefer, the flavors were excellent. The ravioli, on the menu as 'Mezzaluna', was stuffed with chicken, ricotta, and spinach. Topped with a tomato cream sauce, the flavors went very well together. For dessert we split the a delicious chocolate mousse, made in the store.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read that each meal was created to order and that a local owner was usually in the store. If you are looking for home cooking at reasonable prices, Carrabba's is the place. I think it's the one chain in Youngstown that can compete with the local joints.

Editor's Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I will tell you that I received an email from Carrabba's marketing company promising me a free meal if I ate at their restaurant and wrote up a little something. I am true to my word.