I had a wonderful visit. I was shown straight to a table, visiting at an off-peak hour. I was given time to go through the menu and consider the various promotions on offer. At all times the service was excellent.
What I like about Olive...Garden is that, for example, if I want to share an entree, I can. If the breadsticks aren't hot enough, they bring out more (and let you keep the cooler breadsticks to take home) and if I ask for extra chocolates at the end, I always get them. For me, it's these small touches that make a difference, and this visit was no exception.
I asked for chocolates, I had to replace the breadsticks, and the server then gave me the first batch of hot breadsticks straight from the oven - I didn't complain about the temperature after that! On this occasion, I chose a main dish which I didn't 100% like, namely the shrimp with pasta. We didn't ask for a replacement of any kind as it wasn't the restaurant's fault. But we did say we didn't like it. The solution offered? Alfredo sauce duly brought out, mixed into the dish, and the taste was improved.
So, everything was just fine. Good food, hot breadsticks and I never feel under pressure to buy drinks (I just like to drink tap water) I also had half a salad bowl left which came home with me, and with the promotion of $5 for a take-away entree, I grabbed a couple of those for the next evening.
I really liked the location of this Olive Garden, and left the car for an hour in the parking lot to take a walk round Old Town Scottsdale after my meal - always good to burn calories by walking in the US where possible!
This was either the best visit I've ever had to an Olive Garden, or the second best, as I remember a previous visit in California that was the same high standard. I can't think of another place I've been to where the food is plenty, prices reasonable and service top-notch. Thanks for a great lunch!More