https://www.businessinsider.com/why-olive-garden-is-failing-in-america-2014-9
I haven't eaten there in a while. Too rich for my blood.
Did you even look at the URL? It's from 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN2C7whAOEA
Given this story is almost 7 years old, I'm impressed they're still around because I don't believe they took any of that criticism to heart for the long term.
Well blame google for putting it up front like it's news.
I haven't been there only cause it's so expensive, so I have no clue. However in 2014 I really never saw an issue with it then as my family would meet there back then. Loved the unlimited soup and salad lunch.
I though seem surprised people would be critical of that chain at all.
Olive Garden is just like most malls, way past the heyday.
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
In the South back in the day, yes. Now to me it just tastes like thawed out food.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on June 22, 2021, 02:06:31 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
In the South back in the day, yes. Now to me it just tastes like thawed out food.
I've never actually eaten at an Olive Garden.
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
(and FWIW, I agree with Peter Griffin that it is all rather salty...)
Quote from: roadman65 on June 22, 2021, 12:55:11 PM
Well blame google for putting it up front like it's news.
I haven't been there only cause it's so expensive, so I have no clue. However in 2014 I really never saw an issue with it then as my family would meet there back then. Loved the unlimited soup and salad lunch.
I though seem surprised people would be critical of that chain at all.
Even if you didn't notice the url date, didn't the chart from 2011-2014 clue you in?
I'm surprised this Hedge Fund group is so unfamiliar with how restaurants are run, that this would even be a report. You'll find burgers on nearly every restaurant's menu, because someone who dislikes the main entrées served will usually have a fallback option. And menu items in pictures rarely appear as such on a plate, regardless of the chain. Or even local pizzeria.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 22, 2021, 02:31:55 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 22, 2021, 12:55:11 PM
Well blame google for putting it up front like it's news.
I haven't been there only cause it's so expensive, so I have no clue. However in 2014 I really never saw an issue with it then as my family would meet there back then. Loved the unlimited soup and salad lunch.
I though seem surprised people would be critical of that chain at all.
Even if you didn't notice the url date, didn't the chart from 2011-2014 clue you in?
I'm surprised this Hedge Fund group is so unfamiliar with how restaurants are run, that this would even be a report. You'll find burgers on nearly every restaurant's menu, because someone who dislikes the main entrées served will usually have a fallback option. And menu items in pictures rarely appear as such on a plate, regardless of the chain. Or even local pizzeria.
If there is a picture on the menu chances are the food is not the best.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
mother in law is obsessed with it
You underestimate white suburbia. A new Olive Garden, Chili's, or Red Lobster is a big F'n deal.
Ilove Garbage
Quote from: roadman65 on June 22, 2021, 12:55:11 PM
Well blame google for putting it up front like it's news.
I haven't been there only cause it's so expensive, so I have no clue. However in 2014 I really never saw an issue with it then as my family would meet there back then. Loved the unlimited soup and salad lunch.
I though seem surprised people would be critical of that chain at all.
The salad and breadsticks was why I liked going to Olive Garden (not the other food).
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
A friend of mine moved to a small city in the midwest to take on a new job. She asked her new co-workers to recommend a nice restaurant. All they could come up with was Olive Garden. My friend was quite happy to move back to a bigger city with real restaurants.
Quote from: frankenroad on June 22, 2021, 04:13:09 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
A friend of mine moved to a small city in the midwest to take on a new job. She asked her new co-workers to recommend a nice restaurant. All they could come up with was Olive Garden. My friend was quite happy to move back to a bigger city with real restaurants.
I guess when the only other options are McDonalds and Subway Olive Garden is like a 5 star restaurant.
You're supposed to put your leftovers in the fridge.
Crappy Italian food is way too easy to make at home. If an Italian restaurant doesn't make its own pasta, I'm not eating there.
Chris
The popularity of Olive Garden in the Albany, NY area proves people have no taste there.
I could make a shit-ton of pasta and sauce for less money than one serving of their gruel costs.
I have only eaten there once (a year or two before this article was released), and the food there was mediocre at best. Sure, I like lots of breadsticks, but I can go to a local joint and get ones that blow anything at Olive Garden out of the water.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51265953370_06a46a92c0.jpg)
It's so true about the microwave. Friends of a friend worked there.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 22, 2021, 08:53:19 PM
I have only eaten there once (a year or two before this article was released), and the food there was mediocre at best. Sure, I like lots of breadsticks, but I can go to a local joint and get ones that blow anything at Olive Garden out of the water.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51265953370_06a46a92c0.jpg)
This is so true. It seems so much more apparent to me know than when in the past for some reason.
Quote from: renegade on June 22, 2021, 08:40:42 PM
I could make a shit-ton of pasta and sauce for less money than one serving of their gruel costs.
Well yeah. You don't have hosts, servers, bartenders, cooks, and busboys to hire. You're not including the costs incurred to go to the supermarket to pick up your food. You're not paying taxes and benefits for the employees. You may own or rent a house, but aren't allocating the costs into each meal you prepare and serve. You don't have a parking lot to maintain and clean. You don't have to print out menus. You don't have health inspections. You don't have advertising costs.
Of course it should be cheaper to make something at home versus going out to a restaurant. When you pay $10 or $15 for a pasta meal, the pasta is the cheapest part of that meal.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 23, 2021, 10:08:06 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 22, 2021, 08:40:42 PM
I could make a shit-ton of pasta and sauce for less money than one serving of their gruel costs.
Well yeah. You don't have hosts, servers, bartenders, cooks, and busboys to hire. You're not including the costs incurred to go to the supermarket to pick up your food. You're not paying taxes and benefits for the employees. You may own or rent a house, but aren't allocating the costs into each meal you prepare and serve. You don't have a parking lot to maintain and clean. You don't have to print out menus. You don't have health inspections. You don't have advertising costs.
Of course it should be cheaper to make something at home versus going out to a restaurant. When you pay $10 or $15 for a pasta meal, the pasta is the cheapest part of that meal.
Doesn't change the fact that Olive Garden sucks. I'd take my own kitchenmade stuff over it, but certainly would go to other restaurants over what I cook, too.
Quote from: renegade on June 22, 2021, 08:40:42 PM
I could make a shit-ton of pasta and sauce for less money than one serving of their gruel costs.
Do it please. Start a restaurant. The renegadestaurant.
The microwave joke was frequently associated with Applebee's for years.
Staff of failing restaurants seen on Robert Irvine's Restaurant: Impossible and Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares often comment that most meals are made by "Chef Mike."
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 23, 2021, 10:08:06 AM
Quote from: renegade on June 22, 2021, 08:40:42 PM
I could make a shit-ton of pasta and sauce for less money than one serving of their gruel costs.
Well yeah. You don't have hosts, servers, bartenders, cooks, and busboys to hire. You're not including the costs incurred to go to the supermarket to pick up your food. You're not paying taxes and benefits for the employees. You may own or rent a house, but aren't allocating the costs into each meal you prepare and serve. You don't have a parking lot to maintain and clean. You don't have to print out menus. You don't have health inspections. You don't have advertising costs.
Of course it should be cheaper to make something at home versus going out to a restaurant. When you pay $10 or $15 for a pasta meal, the pasta is the cheapest part of that meal.
I am sorry if you misunderstood. I could feed my family Olive Garden's slop for $60, after a two-hour wait to get seated, or I could make a full spaghetti dinner and have lots of leftovers for less than a third of that.
Quote from: ozarkman417 link=topic=29572.msg2629291#msg2629291 date=1624409599
img width=500 height=393]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51265953370_06a46a92c0.jpg[/img]
Full disclosure: I have previously worked in an Olive Garden. Unless the Darden group has changed-up things since those days, I never saw a microwave anywhere in the back of the house. That does not negate my opinion that Olive garden is nasty.
When I want authentic Italian food and don't feel like making it myself, which seldom happens, there's a small, family-run restaurant in my town that blows that corporate garbage out of the water.
Occasionally I'll go for lunch (mostly for the soup and breadsticks) or the early dinner prices, but I would never go when I can't get it on sale.
For a lot of smaller cities, it's a sign of progress to get some sort of national sit-down chain such as Olive Garden, Applebee's, or similar places. When Applebee's opened in Hazard, it was a really big deal.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Some people are food snobs. I am not, I like food but I'm fine with more casual dining.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Some people are food snobs. I am not, I like food but I'm fine with more casual dining.
Going to need a neck brace with that 180. :D
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Some people are food snobs. I am not, I like food but I'm fine with more casual dining.
Going to need a neck brace with that 180. :D
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Eh I've never actually eaten at Olive Garden, but I like Bertuccis which is similar Italian-American dining.
Also... I find that restaurants with better Italian food than Olive Garden tend to me more expensive. So the price argument doesn't really hold up for me. It might be different in cities with a stronger Italian-American population, but that's my experience in the Midwest.
More often than not, my wife and I go to Olive Garden for either her birthday or our anniversary (only 16 days apart)–typically our anniversary. An added bonus is that that's usually prom time for local schools, and people watching on prom weekend is amazing. We love chuckling at the girls who probably shouldn't have bought that dress, and at the boys who have never worn a suit before.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Oh. Well, if you say so, then it must be true. Apparently I was wrong about liking it.
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 05:08:16 PM
Also... I find that restaurants with better Italian food than Olive Garden tend to me more expensive. So the price argument doesn't really hold up for me. It might be different in cities with a stronger Italian-American population, but that's my experience in the Midwest.
More often than not, my wife and I go to Olive Garden for either her birthday or our anniversary (only 16 days apart)–typically our anniversary. An added bonus is that that's usually prom time for local schools, and people watching on prom weekend is amazing. We love chuckling at the girls who probably shouldn't have bought that dress, and at the boys who have never worn a suit before.
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden?
Yes.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area.
Wow, I really have no idea what restaurants prom meals commonly happen at. I just know I've seen them at Olive Garden. No clue where else people go.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
No.
The closest Olive Garden to me is in Framingham so it's not convenient for people. That's probably why not many people go there.
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 05:09:10 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Oh. Well, if you say so, then it must be true. Apparently I was wrong about liking it.
Nah. It's like someone saying they think DQ has the best ice cream when they've only been to a few places.
Expand your horizons and see it for the crapfest that it is.
Shoot, my wife still thought Olive Garden was passable and I took her there a couple months ago. Thankfully, having exposed her to real food, her eyes have been opened and we will not be returning. Money is best spent elsewhere.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:06:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Some people are food snobs. I am not, I like food but I'm fine with more casual dining.
Going to need a neck brace with that 180. :D
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Eh I've never actually eaten at Olive Garden, but I like Bertuccis which is similar Italian-American dining.
Expressing opinions not based upon experience leads people to not receive future opinions from that particular source very well.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:30:05 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:06:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Some people are food snobs. I am not, I like food but I'm fine with more casual dining.
Going to need a neck brace with that 180. :D
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Eh I've never actually eaten at Olive Garden, but I like Bertuccis which is similar Italian-American dining.
Expressing opinions not based upon experience leads people to not receive future opinions from that particular source very well.
I don't have any opinions on Olive Garden.
I like the salad and breadsticks but that's about it. Same thing with Fazoli's I like the breadsticks.
I run a much better restaurant than Olive Garden.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 05:09:10 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 05:04:00 PM
And no, Olive Garden does not have good Italian-American food.
Oh. Well, if you say so, then it must be true. Apparently I was wrong about liking it.
Nah. It's like someone saying they think DQ has the best ice cream when they've only been to a few places.
Expand your horizons and see it for the crapfest that it is.
Shoot, my wife still thought Olive Garden was passable and I took her there a couple months ago. Thankfully, having exposed her to real food, her eyes have been opened and we will not be returning. Money is best spent elsewhere.
Oh, I absolutely agree that there is better Italian (-American) food out there. But that doesn't mean Olive Garden is the utter crap people make it out to be.
Did you miss the part where I said I've eaten in Italy? I know what authentic Italian food is. So what? You know I've spent a lot of time in Mexico, but I still like On the Border and Qdoba just fine. I know they're not really authentic, and I know there's better Mexican food to be found, but I still like them just fine. Likewise, Olive Garden.
I'm a home cook, and I grew up with a father who is a home cook. Where I grew up, the best restaurant in town was our own kitchen, hands down. But I'm no food snob.
Just because you don't happen to like Olive Garden, that doesn't mean I have to agree that it's crap.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 02:03:59 PM
Did anyone ever think that Olive Garden was any good?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 02:21:34 PM
I think it's good for what it is - I don't go there expecting top-notch authentic Italian food, but it still tastes good to me. The breadsticks are always the best part :D
Yeah, my wife and I love Olive Garden. And yes, I've eaten in Italy. I really don't get why people hate it so much. Their food is decent, a good three notches above something like Fazoli's. Their salad and breadsticks are wonderful, and they have good Italian-American food. I've noticed that some of my favorite items have been removed from the menu during COVID-19 (limited menus most places), but I can still find one or two things worth getting. And, as for price, go for lunch rather than supper.
Comparing Fazoli's to Olive Garden is like comparing Long John Silver's or Captain D's to Red Lobster.
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
It's fine, but I wouldn't exactly call it "nice". I don't care what people do, however.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 08, 2021, 08:06:29 PM
Comparing Fazoli's to Olive Garden is like comparing Long John Silver's or Captain D's to Red Lobster.
Kind of my point. I like Red Lobster OK, too.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 09:31:08 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
It's fine, but I wouldn't exactly call it "nice". I don't care what people do, however.
If people can wear tuxedos and other formal wear at this roadside food place (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1879164,-74.1835635,3a,54.5y,83.91h,89.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssNG2UoeGtiOVAAff7GSfug!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) (which actually happened in a roadmeet), I'm sure people can have prom dates at Olive Garden.
Quote from: vdeane on July 08, 2021, 10:33:15 PM
If people can wear tuxedos and other formal wear at this roadside food place (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1879164,-74.1835635,3a,54.5y,83.91h,89.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssNG2UoeGtiOVAAff7GSfug!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) (which actually happened in a roadmeet), I'm sure people can have prom dates at Olive Garden.
I once worked my shift at a warehouse while wearing a tuxedo, because I was in a concert that evening and wouldn't have time to change clothes first. And I'm pretty sure I once took a public bus dressed in a tux, but I can't say for absolute certain.
Quote from: vdeane on July 08, 2021, 10:33:15 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 09:31:08 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
It's fine, but I wouldn't exactly call it "nice". I don't care what people do, however.
If people can wear tuxedos and other formal wear at this roadside food place (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1879164,-74.1835635,3a,54.5y,83.91h,89.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssNG2UoeGtiOVAAff7GSfug!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) (which actually happened in a roadmeet), I'm sure people can have prom dates at Olive Garden.
Eh at my prom we had food trucks because it was in the school cafeteria this year.
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
Cook Out is the bomb. I ate there often when I was in North Carolina.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 08, 2021, 11:12:46 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
Cook Out is the bomb. I ate there often when I was in North Carolina.
Hard to believe kids dressed up would cause much surprise. Pretty much assumed that they'd be going to a dance.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 11:26:56 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 08, 2021, 11:12:46 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 08, 2021, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 08, 2021, 05:11:27 PM
People do prom meals at Olive Garden? I mean no offense but that's not very common in my area. Is Olive Garden the fanciest restaurant in your area?
You think Olive Garden isn't nice enough? I once went to a pre-dance dinner with some friends at Cook Out. We were all dressed up in suits and definitely got a couple weird looks from some of the other people there. But hey, it was inexpensive and probably better than you might find at a place like say...Olive Garden?
Cook Out is the bomb. I ate there often when I was in North Carolina.
Hard to believe kids dressed up would cause much surprise. Pretty much assumed that they'd be going to a dance.
Yeah I don't think I'd be surprised by that.
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 07:28:12 PM
Just because you don't happen to like Olive Garden, that doesn't mean I have to agree that it's crap.
No, but you should.
Olive Garden may not have gone bad, but the grammar in the title definitely has!
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:33:49 AM
Olive Garden may not have gone bad, but the grammar in the title definitely has!
"The Lord is come"
Quote from: 1 on July 09, 2021, 08:38:45 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:33:49 AM
Olive Garden may not have gone bad, but the grammar in the title definitely has!
"The Lord is come"
You know, I never thought about it till now, but that sounds somewhat vulgar.
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 11:29:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 07:28:12 PM
Just because you don't happen to like Olive Garden, that doesn't mean I have to agree that it's crap.
No, but you should.
You should like Olive Garden.
There, did
I win the argument?
:fight:
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 12:48:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 09, 2021, 08:38:45 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:33:49 AM
Olive Garden may not have gone bad, but the grammar in the title definitely has!
"The Lord is come"
You know, I never thought about it till now, but that sounds somewhat vulgar.
The essence of life.
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 10:13:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 08, 2021, 08:06:29 PM
Comparing Fazoli's to Olive Garden is like comparing Long John Silver's or Captain D's to Red Lobster.
Kind of my point. I like Red Lobster OK, too.
But take that one step farther. Comparing Olive Garden to a higher-end Italian restaurant is like comparing Red Lobster to a fancier seafood place. Fast food to fast casual to fine dining.
Of course I'm not really partial to either Italian cuisine, nor am I a seafood aficionado. I'll eat fried clams, and have even tried and liked fried scallops, but if I'm eating something that lives in the water, I prefer fish.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 08, 2021, 11:12:46 PM
Cook Out is the bomb. I ate there often when I was in North Carolina.
They are rapidly expanding into Kentucky. One recently opened in Winchester. They've been in Richmond, Frankfort, and Lexington for several years now, and there's a drive-thru or pickup-only location now in Morehead.
Winchester should be ripe for expansion of any decent chain. Last time I was there, breakfast meant Frisch's or...lesser crap.
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 12:49:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 08, 2021, 11:29:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 07:28:12 PM
Just because you don't happen to like Olive Garden, that doesn't mean I have to agree that it's crap.
No, but you should.
You should like Olive Garden.
There, did I win the argument?
:fight:
But Olive Garden is bad. I shouldn't have to like bad things.
But Olive Garden is good.
I shouldn't have to hate good things.
How long till you realize that this isn't actually an argument?
This thread is ridiculous. We can each have our own opinions on Olive Garden.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM
This thread is ridiculous. We can each have our own opinions on Olive Garden.
|Rothman| says that's not allowed.
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 03:21:21 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM
This thread is ridiculous. We can each have our own opinions on Olive Garden.
|Rothman| says that's not allowed.
Oh, you can have your opinion. Doesn't mean that it's right.
Quote from: Rothman on July 09, 2021, 03:22:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 03:21:21 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM
This thread is ridiculous. We can each have our own opinions on Olive Garden.
|Rothman| says that's not allowed.
Oh, you can have your opinion. Doesn't mean that it's right.
There are no wrong opinions
I'm more amazed at how focused Rothman is on Olive Garden. It's a friggen meal, not a life-long commitment.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 06:17:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 05:17:27 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 05:08:20 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 03:40:45 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 03:40:14 PM
There are no wrong opinions
You're wrong about that.
Why?
Because your opinion is wrong. :-P
What opinion?
*sigh*
You're opinion that there are no wrong opinions is wrong.
And that's my opinion. You can't disagree with me without contradicting your own assertion.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 09, 2021, 03:49:29 PM
I'm more amazed at how focused Rothman is on Olive Garden. It's a friggen meal, not a life-long commitment.
But when you're there, you're family.
If Olive Garden is bad, then they must be located in Virginia. (Does Angelo71 have any comment?)
Quote from: Rothman on July 09, 2021, 02:45:53 PM
Winchester should be ripe for expansion of any decent chain. Last time I was there, breakfast meant Frisch's or...lesser crap.
They do have a Waffle House.
Golden Corral reopened this week after having been closed for several months due to the covid restrictions, but they only serve breakfast on weekends.
There was an excellent Shoney's there the first few years I lived there, but it closed.
I'm not sure what local spots might be good for breakfast, but I'm sure there are some.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:31:08 PM
If Olive Garden is bad, then they must be located in Virginia. (Does Angelo71 have any comment?)
Has hasn't been on the forum in months.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 09, 2021, 03:49:29 PM
I'm more amazed at how focused Rothman is on Olive Garden. It's a friggen meal, not a life-long commitment.
Every person needs a crusade to keep themselves alive.
Everyone here cares way to much about this
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 10:12:00 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:31:08 PM
If Olive Garden is bad, then they must be located in Virginia. (Does Angelo71 have any comment?)
Has hasn't been on the forum in months.
He posted this past Monday.
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 10, 2021, 12:19:46 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 09, 2021, 10:12:00 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 09, 2021, 08:31:08 PM
If Olive Garden is bad, then they must be located in Virginia. (Does Angelo71 have any comment?)
Has hasn't been on the forum in months.
He posted this past Monday.
Oh I haven't seen him lately.
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
Since I'm on a roll about REAL food cuisine. What do you people think of Taco Bell and Del Taco? Are those places REAL Mexican restaurants?
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:44:49 PM
Since I'm on a roll about REAL food cuisine. What do you people think of Taco Bell and Del Taco? Are those places REAL Mexican restaurants?
No but that doesn't mean that the food is bad.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
That's BS. Microwaves are just a cooking tool that's no more or less legitimate than an oven or range. They are very good at ensuring that the moisture content of a piece of food is heated evenly throughout, which can be very difficult to do with other cooking tools. Even Michelin-starred restaurants make use of a microwave when it's the best tool for the job.
What you
really have issue with is the food being pre-cooked, flash-frozen, shipped out, then warmed up in a microwave. I would agree that if that's what Olive Garden does, it's pretty shitty, since then you're basically paying for a TV dinner with extra window dressing.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
Based on what is on the menu at most Italian restaurants you've knocked out 90% of the meals served.
Here's a menu for a 90 year old Italian Restaurant in Flint, MI. Nearly every pasta dish contains cheese and/or sauce. Let them know they've been doing it wrong for 90 years. https://www.italiagardens.com/menu
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 05:09:15 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
Based on what is on the menu at most Italian restaurants you've knocked out 90% of the meals served.
Here's a menu for a 90 year old Italian Restaurant in Flint, MI. Nearly every pasta dish contains cheese and/or sauce. Let them know they've been doing it wrong for 90 years. https://www.italiagardens.com/menu
Italia Gardens is a real good restaurant. I never said that Italian cuisine isn't supposed to have sauce I said that it's not supposed to be smothered in sauce, I'm saying the sauce is supposed to be light and so is the cheese. I wouldn't let them know that they are doing it wrong because they aren't.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:44:49 PM
Since I'm on a roll about REAL food cuisine. What do you people think of Taco Bell and Del Taco? Are those places REAL Mexican restaurants?
No but that doesn't mean that the food is bad.
Well the food is bad, real bad. Taco Bell is disgusting if I wanted Mexican food I'd go to a real Mexican restaurant. Their meat is disgusting but that's my opinion and I honestly have the same opinion about Del Taco.
Other restaurants I avoid at all costs: Burger King, Subway, Little Caesars, Domino's.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
No sauce and cheese? I guess I've never had Italian food before.
The cuisine in Naples is different than the cuisine served in Turin or Venice. What is "Italian food"?
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 10, 2021, 05:03:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
That's BS. Microwaves are just a cooking tool that's no more or less legitimate than an oven or range. They are very good at ensuring that the moisture content of a piece of food is heated evenly throughout, which can be very difficult to do with other cooking tools. Even Michelin-starred restaurants make use of a microwave when it's the best tool for the job.
What you really have issue with is the food being pre-cooked, flash-frozen, shipped out, then warmed up in a microwave. I would agree that if that's what Olive Garden does, it's pretty shitty, since then you're basically paying for a TV dinner with extra window dressing.
That's how it's done with most of the food at Applebee's and I'm pretty sure that Olive Garden does the same thing. I'd much rather eat something made out of an oven than a microwave. I would have had to work at an Olive Garden to know for sure but I've heard rumors about what I'm saying being true.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:23:38 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
No sauce and cheese? I guess I've never had Italian food before.
Never said anything about no sauce or cheese. I said it's not suppose to be smothered in sauce and cheese. You use it lightly. Would you want to eat something that is just dominated by one thing? Like sauce is that what you want to eat or do you want to eat the vegetables and pasta too? I wouldn't want something completely dominated by one ingredient.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 10, 2021, 05:24:33 PM
The cuisine in Naples is different than the cuisine served in Turin or Venice. What is "Italian food"?
Italian food indeed has regional diversity.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:23:17 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:44:49 PM
Since I'm on a roll about REAL food cuisine. What do you people think of Taco Bell and Del Taco? Are those places REAL Mexican restaurants?
No but that doesn't mean that the food is bad.
Well the food is bad, real bad. Taco Bell is disgusting if I wanted Mexican food I'd go to a real Mexican restaurant. Their meat is disgusting but that's my opinion and I honestly have the same opinion about Del Taco.
Other restaurants I avoid at all costs: Burger King, Subway, Little Caesars, Domino's.
I'm shocked. Please, tell me more about this food. For $1.09, a taco created from meat chopped up in a regional warehouse made by a 18 year old with no culinary experience, I want and demand top notch perfection.
And it's fast, too. My lunch break is only 45 minutes, so I can't drive to a legitimate Mexican restaurant, be seated, eat, pay, and drive back in time to not get in trouble. But I can do that at Taco Bell.
Price has nothing to do with legitimacy. US$1.09 is enough to buy something at an authentic Mexican produce stand.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:24:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 10, 2021, 05:03:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
That's BS. Microwaves are just a cooking tool that's no more or less legitimate than an oven or range. They are very good at ensuring that the moisture content of a piece of food is heated evenly throughout, which can be very difficult to do with other cooking tools. Even Michelin-starred restaurants make use of a microwave when it's the best tool for the job.
What you really have issue with is the food being pre-cooked, flash-frozen, shipped out, then warmed up in a microwave. I would agree that if that's what Olive Garden does, it's pretty shitty, since then you're basically paying for a TV dinner with extra window dressing.
That's how it's done with most of the food at Applebee's and I'm pretty sure that Olive Garden does the same thing. I'd much rather eat something made out of an oven than a microwave. I would have had to work at an Olive Garden to know for sure but I've heard rumors about what I'm saying being true.
I've heard the microwave story about Applebee's for years. But interestingly enough, I've never heard it about competitors like O'Charley's, Chili's, and other chain sit-down casual places.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:26:33 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:23:38 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
No sauce and cheese? I guess I've never had Italian food before.
Never said anything about no sauce or cheese. I said it's not suppose to be smothered in sauce and cheese. You use it lightly. Would you want to eat something that is just dominated by one thing? Like sauce is that what you want to eat or do you want to eat the vegetables and pasta too? I wouldn't want something completely dominated by one ingredient.
There is no such thing as too much cheese.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 10, 2021, 08:00:12 PM
There is no such thing as too much cheese.
I don't know about that:
Quote from: Robert McNamara (https://www.thoughtco.com/andrew-jacksons-big-block-of-cheese-1773414)
The better-known enormous White House cheese was presented to President Andrew Jackson on New Year's Day 1836. It had been created by a prosperous dairy farmer from New York State, Col. Thomas Meacham.
Before sending it to Jackson, Meacham exhibited the cheese in Utica, New York, and stories of it began to circulate. The New Hampshire Sentinel, on December 10, 1835, reprinted a story from a Utica newspaper, the Standard and Democrat:
Quote
Mammoth Cheese – Mr. T.S. Meacham exhibited in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week a cheese weighing 1,400 pounds made from the milk of 150 cows for four days at his dairy in Sandy Creek, Oswego County. It bore the following inscription: "˜To Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.'
He also exhibited a National Belt, got up with much taste, presenting a fine bust of the President, surrounded by a chain of twenty-four States united and linked together. This belt is intended for a wrapper to the mammoth cheese when presented to the President.
Meacham, the intent of generation of good publicity for his project, transported the enormous cheeses with great showmanship. In some towns, the enormous cheeses were paraded on a wagon decorated with flags. In New York City the cheeses were displayed to curious crowds at the Masonic Hall.
The cheese for Jackson was shipped to Washington on a schooner, and the president accepted it at the White House. Jackson issued a letter of profuse thanks to Meacham on January 1, 1836. The letter said, in part:
Quote from: Andrew Jackson
I beg you, sir, to assure those who have united with you in the preparation of these presents, in honor of the Congress of the United States and myself, that they are truly gratifying as an evidence of the prosperity of our hardy yeomanry in the State of New York, who are engaged in the labor of the dairy.
The enormous cheese aged in the White House for a year, perhaps because no one really knew what to do with it. As Jackson's time in office was coming close to its end, in early 1837, a reception was scheduled. A Washington newspaper, The Globe, announced the plan for the colossal cheese:
QuoteThe New York present is nearly four feet in diameter, two feet thick, and weighs fourteen hundred pounds. It was transported through the State of New York with a great parade, to the place where it was shipped. It reached Washington accompanied with a splendidly painted emblematic envelope. We understand the President designs to offer this great cheese, which is finely flavored and in fine preservation, to his fellow citizens who visit him on Wednesday next. The New York present will be served up in the hall of the President's mansion.
The reception was held on Washington's birthday, which was always a day of celebration in early 19th century America. The gathering, according to an article in the Farmer's Cabinet of March 3, 1837, was "crowded to excess."
Jackson, reaching the end of eight controversial years as president, was described as "looking extremely feeble." The cheese, however, was a hit. It was very popular with the crowd, though some reports said it had a shockingly strong odor.
When the cheese was served "there arose an exceedingly strong smell, so strong as to overpower a number of dandies and lackadaisical ladies," said an article which appeared on March 4, 1837, in the Portsmouth Journal of Politics and Literature, a New Hampshire newspaper.
A postscript to the story is that Jackson left office two weeks later, and the new occupant of the White House, Martin Van Buren, banned the serving of food at White House receptions. Crumbs from Jackson's mammoth cheese had fallen into the carpets and been trampled by the crowd. Van Buren's time in the White House would be plagued by many problems, and it got off to a horrible start as the mansion smelled of cheese for months.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 10, 2021, 08:00:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:24:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 10, 2021, 05:03:58 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
That's BS. Microwaves are just a cooking tool that's no more or less legitimate than an oven or range. They are very good at ensuring that the moisture content of a piece of food is heated evenly throughout, which can be very difficult to do with other cooking tools. Even Michelin-starred restaurants make use of a microwave when it's the best tool for the job.
What you really have issue with is the food being pre-cooked, flash-frozen, shipped out, then warmed up in a microwave. I would agree that if that's what Olive Garden does, it's pretty shitty, since then you're basically paying for a TV dinner with extra window dressing.
That's how it's done with most of the food at Applebee's and I'm pretty sure that Olive Garden does the same thing. I'd much rather eat something made out of an oven than a microwave. I would have had to work at an Olive Garden to know for sure but I've heard rumors about what I'm saying being true.
I've heard the microwave story about Applebee's for years. But interestingly enough, I've never heard it about competitors like O'Charley's, Chili's, and other chain sit-down casual places.
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:26:33 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:23:38 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 03:16:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 11:14:19 AM
REAL Italian's run Tony's. A Saginaw staple for 75 years. Home Of The Giant Steak Sandwich.
Cool. And?
Olive Garden isn't REAL Italian food.
What defines "real Italian food"?
Ingredients and using quality ingredients. And Italian food isn't supposed to be smothered with sauce and cheese either it's supposed to be light with lots of vegetables and very little cheese. But eat what ya want to eat. I'm pretty sure the stuff cooked at Olive Garden is nuked in the microwave as well, that's not a real way of cooking either.
No sauce and cheese? I guess I've never had Italian food before.
Never said anything about no sauce or cheese. I said it's not suppose to be smothered in sauce and cheese. You use it lightly. Would you want to eat something that is just dominated by one thing? Like sauce is that what you want to eat or do you want to eat the vegetables and pasta too? I wouldn't want something completely dominated by one ingredient.
There is no such thing as too much cheese.
Cheese is the best food ever.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 10, 2021, 05:42:56 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 05:23:17 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 10, 2021, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 10, 2021, 04:44:49 PM
Since I'm on a roll about REAL food cuisine. What do you people think of Taco Bell and Del Taco? Are those places REAL Mexican restaurants?
No but that doesn't mean that the food is bad.
Well the food is bad, real bad. Taco Bell is disgusting if I wanted Mexican food I'd go to a real Mexican restaurant. Their meat is disgusting but that's my opinion and I honestly have the same opinion about Del Taco.
Other restaurants I avoid at all costs: Burger King, Subway, Little Caesars, Domino's.
I'm shocked. Please, tell me more about this food. For $1.09, a taco created from meat chopped up in a regional warehouse made by a 18 year old with no culinary experience, I want and demand top notch perfection.
Well I think a lot of people say that Taco Bell is only good at 3:00 in the morning when you're drunk.
Seriously though I live in a city that features a ton of authentic Mexican restaurants. If you're in Detroit you're going to eat at one of the authentic Mexican restaurants in Mexicantown before you eat at a Taco Bell.
I think some good cooked Mexican food is the best food ever. Give me a taco dinner with some rice and beans any day.
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 10, 2021, 08:28:53 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 10, 2021, 08:00:12 PM
There is no such thing as too much cheese.
I don't know about that:
Quote from: Robert McNamara (https://www.thoughtco.com/andrew-jacksons-big-block-of-cheese-1773414)
The better-known enormous White House cheese was presented to President Andrew Jackson on New Year's Day 1836. It had been created by a prosperous dairy farmer from New York State, Col. Thomas Meacham.
Before sending it to Jackson, Meacham exhibited the cheese in Utica, New York, and stories of it began to circulate. The New Hampshire Sentinel, on December 10, 1835, reprinted a story from a Utica newspaper, the Standard and Democrat:
Quote
Mammoth Cheese – Mr. T.S. Meacham exhibited in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week a cheese weighing 1,400 pounds made from the milk of 150 cows for four days at his dairy in Sandy Creek, Oswego County. It bore the following inscription: "˜To Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.'
He also exhibited a National Belt, got up with much taste, presenting a fine bust of the President, surrounded by a chain of twenty-four States united and linked together. This belt is intended for a wrapper to the mammoth cheese when presented to the President.
Meacham, the intent of generation of good publicity for his project, transported the enormous cheeses with great showmanship. In some towns, the enormous cheeses were paraded on a wagon decorated with flags. In New York City the cheeses were displayed to curious crowds at the Masonic Hall.
The cheese for Jackson was shipped to Washington on a schooner, and the president accepted it at the White House. Jackson issued a letter of profuse thanks to Meacham on January 1, 1836. The letter said, in part:
Quote from: Andrew Jackson
I beg you, sir, to assure those who have united with you in the preparation of these presents, in honor of the Congress of the United States and myself, that they are truly gratifying as an evidence of the prosperity of our hardy yeomanry in the State of New York, who are engaged in the labor of the dairy.
The enormous cheese aged in the White House for a year, perhaps because no one really knew what to do with it. As Jackson's time in office was coming close to its end, in early 1837, a reception was scheduled. A Washington newspaper, The Globe, announced the plan for the colossal cheese:
QuoteThe New York present is nearly four feet in diameter, two feet thick, and weighs fourteen hundred pounds. It was transported through the State of New York with a great parade, to the place where it was shipped. It reached Washington accompanied with a splendidly painted emblematic envelope. We understand the President designs to offer this great cheese, which is finely flavored and in fine preservation, to his fellow citizens who visit him on Wednesday next. The New York present will be served up in the hall of the President's mansion.
The reception was held on Washington's birthday, which was always a day of celebration in early 19th century America. The gathering, according to an article in the Farmer's Cabinet of March 3, 1837, was "crowded to excess."
Jackson, reaching the end of eight controversial years as president, was described as "looking extremely feeble." The cheese, however, was a hit. It was very popular with the crowd, though some reports said it had a shockingly strong odor.
When the cheese was served "there arose an exceedingly strong smell, so strong as to overpower a number of dandies and lackadaisical ladies," said an article which appeared on March 4, 1837, in the Portsmouth Journal of Politics and Literature, a New Hampshire newspaper.
A postscript to the story is that Jackson left office two weeks later, and the new occupant of the White House, Martin Van Buren, banned the serving of food at White House receptions. Crumbs from Jackson's mammoth cheese had fallen into the carpets and been trampled by the crowd. Van Buren's time in the White House would be plagued by many problems, and it got off to a horrible start as the mansion smelled of cheese for months.
Where do you come up with these tidbits, or even know to look for them?
Also, is this where the phrase "cut the cheese" as a synonym for flatulence came into being?
Quote from: 1 on July 10, 2021, 07:34:15 PM
Price has nothing to do with legitimacy. US$1.09 is enough to buy something at an authentic Mexican produce stand.
If one of those is around, sure. I've never seen one even in the Mexicantown area of Detroit. And you're sure not getting anything for $1.09 from any aspiring food truck.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2021, 05:14:16 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 10, 2021, 07:34:15 PM
Price has nothing to do with legitimacy. US$1.09 is enough to buy something at an authentic Mexican produce stand.
If one of those is around, sure. I've never seen one even in the Mexicantown area of Detroit. And you're sure not getting anything for $1.09 from any aspiring food truck.
I second that. As someone who has ate at several of the restaurants in Mexicantown I have never seen one for $1.09. Sometimes those food trucks have the best food it just depends I guess.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 11, 2021, 05:14:16 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 10, 2021, 07:34:15 PM
Price has nothing to do with legitimacy. US$1.09 is enough to buy something at an authentic Mexican produce stand.
If one of those is around, sure. I've never seen one even in the Mexicantown area of Detroit. And you're sure not getting anything for $1.09 from any aspiring food truck.
Go to Mexico and buy a tomato for a dollar.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 11, 2021, 04:46:59 PM
Where do you come up with these tidbits, or even know to look for them?
Also, is this where the phrase "cut the cheese" as a synonym for flatulence came into being?
I just tend to retain information that I've picked up through recreational reading, and one of my fascinations as a kid was the history of the various US Presidents. So I saw your post, remembered "Andrew Jackson's giant wheel of cheese", and Googled to find an appropriate article telling the story so as to get the details right.
As for "cut the cheese", Wiktionary offers this etymology, for whatever that's worth:
QuoteThis idiom references the foul smell emitted by some cheeses, many of which have a rind that keep the odor in. Once the rind is pierced, as in the case of slicing it, the smell is released.