There is nothing like good food and eating is one of my favorite past times so when I was invited by the Olive Garden to taste their new menu items I was thrilled. I was able to take one other person and fortunately my sister was in town and she loves the OG just as much as I do. What a great way to spend a Tuesday night. We were able to taste appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts. The items that my taste buds remember most were the Risotto bites, Artichoke Fritti and the Mediterranean flatbread, those were just a few of the appetizers. As far as entrees, I fell in love with the Northern Tour of Italy and the salmon. On my last visit to the Olive Garden I knew what I wanted before I walked in the door.
Most of us tend to order the same thing when we go to chain restaurants, but this time I felt comfortable trying something new. On your next visit, try one of the new items, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Right after the tasting event I went to New Orleans for a destination wedding.
Congratulations to Gail (formerly Gail Biggs Jackson) and Jessie Brooks, and thank you to Vikki Harris for adding me as her plus one. It has been a long time since I was in New Orleans and this was truly a treat. This beautiful well-planned wedding was nothing but fun and good food.
The weekend began with a brunch for the ladies and a golf outing for the men. The brunch was an indoor/outdoor affair and the weather was perfect. We dined on grits and pork chops with caramelized onions, quiche, pound cake and mimosas. Later that night there was a fabulous party at Tableau in the French Quarter. This was not an ordinary party. The bride- and groom-to-be arrived in a horse drawn carriage while other guests were shuttled in a party bus. Once we arrived to the restaurant, a New Orleans band and Mardi Gras Indians were there to greet everyone and lead the parade around the square.
Everyone joined in to cheer on Gail and Reggie. It was amazing and so much fun to participate in. When the parade was finished we moved to a private dining room at Tableau. Once again the food was delightful; it included shrimp and grits and other local favorites including praline desserts. We danced and partied the night away.
The next day was the wedding day. I spent the morning and early afternoon walking in the shopping district. I was told that I could not come to New Orleans without having a Muffuletta sandwich. First I had to find out what was on it: olive salad, ham, salami, and provolone are a few of the ingredients. I found one and it was great.
Now on to the wedding; a brief, but beautiful ceremony high atop the Ritz Carlton followed by a classy reception with great food complete with shrimp and grits. Food is what makes the event.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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