Carrabbas. One of our favourite places to eat. There are a couple of them in the area. One is located in the Formosa Gardens area on the 192 at 7890 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407) 390-9600).
You need to get here early as it gets very busy and for good reason the food is excellent. As the name suggests it is Italian food but with a little difference. You can see the food being cooked and there is a large, brick, open flamed oven where they cook the wood fired pizzas. There are lots of pictures on the wall showing early Italian immigrant life in the US with pictures of one of the founders Damian Carrabba’s family and Grand Parents, Vincent and Margaret Mandola, who immigrated to the US in the late 1800’s. So the place does have a family atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
The menu has a very wide choice. They have Antipasti with such things as Calamari, Crab cakes and Shrimp Scampi but I always have to start Mama Mandola’s Spicy Sicilian, Chicken Soup. You can get cup size or bowl size. I have to have the bowl size it is served in something resembling the size of a large salad serving bowl and is wonderful.
The make everything from scratch at Carrabbas. They bring out fresh baked warm bread. The cup size is a more regular soup serving and should leave you with plenty of room for the main course and possibly dessert. Dawn sometimes has the homemade Minestrone. For the main course they offer such things as Wood Fired Pizza’s such as Margarita, Italian Chicken or you can create your own. The have grilled Salmon, Chicken (Dawn’s Favourite) or Sirloin Marsala with a delightful Marsala wine sauce. Pasta dishes include Scampi Damian and Lobster Ravioli.
Under the Italian specialities there is Lasagne, Spaghetti, served with Meat sauce, homemade meatballs or Italian sausage. I quite like the Chicken Parmesan you can have it with spaghetti or any of the veg of the day. I have it with garlic mashed potatoes. They have something for everyone including the kids who have a “Bambini Menu” with such delights as Spaghetti and meatballs, Cheese or Pepperoni pizza, Ravioli, Chicken Fingers or Chicken breast. For dessert, if I have room I favour the Tiramisu. The is a full a varied wine selection alomg with many domestic and imported beers.
If you are at the other end of town i.e. near Universal Studios there is another one there not quite as busy as the 192 location. Here is the address Just off Kirkman Road. On Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 355-7277 5701 if you are around the Florida Mall area then give this a try 1001 Sandlake Rd. Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 888-2727. Enjoy!!