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Now, that's Italian!
Of the major “chain” Italian restaurants and grills, there were two I had not tried. Now that I have visited Carino’s, there is only one left, and I will get to that one soon. I have to admit that it was that gift card I received from my sister that motivated my visit, but it was innocent enough since she lives in another state and was not trying to influence my review.
It sometimes amazes me how much the chain Italians resemble each other, emulate each other, and borrow from each other. I really should not be surprised since the market is so competitive and it pays to incorporate what works for your competitors, but I do notice. That competition just helps to improve the overall product and value as restaurants compete for dining dollars. It also produces ideas I approve of like the “Early Bird Special”.
When I first walked into Carino’s, the atmosphere immediately reminded me of a mixture of “Macaroni Grill”, “Olive Garden” and “Old Chicago”. The black and white pictures of famous Italians helped to give it a more personal feel since that is what many of the mom and pop Italian restaurants do. Besides, how many variations of Italian décor can a designer really come up with? It is best to go with what works, what people are familiar with, and what is easy to replicate. Carino’s does that in a clean, comfortable and friendly environment. It’s a winning combination.
Looking at the menu, I noticed right away the special offers and I happened to show up just in time for one of them. At the Carino’s I visited, they offer a special, “Early Bird” deal to diners who show up between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The deal is a dinner for only $6.99 if chosen from one of a number of popular entrees. Compared with most places, that’s essentially half price. As part of the deal, diners can add either a salad or unlimited soup for just .99 cents more. In this day and age, who would not like a nice Italian dinner complete with a good size salad for only $7.98 plus tax? If that is not enough to whet your appetite, try “Family Night”.
Mondays are family nights. Small families can eat for the price of one person. Carino’s offers a number of “platters” that night that they sell for the single entrée price. I did not actually see a platter since I was there on another day, but judging from the picture I saw, it looked as if it could easily feed a small family of four with two young children. Again, to this special, diners can add the unlimited soup or a salad for just .99. I am assuming, however, that the .99 price is for each individual and not served on a platter. Nonetheless, that’s a darn good deal and good opportunity for a family on a budget to enjoy a night out.
The Salad
Since we were there in time for the daily early bird special, (Monday through Friday), we ordered off that menu and went with the “Angel Hair with Artichokes” and, of course, the “Eggplant Parmigiana”. We also added in a carafe of Cabernet and the .99 salads.
The carafe of Cabernet was $16. It was not great, but it was good. It went with the meals we ordered, but we probably should have had the Chianti. As for the salads, they were an excellent deal for the price. They offer a choice of a house salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a Caesar. We took the house salad since we are vegetarian and the Caesar dressing contains anchovies. I do not know what the addition of a salad costs regularly, but it is silly to pass it up for .99. I inquired about the unlimited soup for the same, .99 price, but none of the options was vegetarian.
My date enjoyed the Angel Hair with Artichokes. It was a nice, light entrée, proportioned just right. The angel hair was good and topped with artichokes, diced tomatoes, capers, garlic, basil, black olives and cheese. It was good and similar to entrees we have enjoyed at other places.
Angel Hair and Artichokes
I, personally, tried the Eggplant Parmigiana. I know, it seems like I have the Eggplant every time I go Italian. It is interesting to me to see how many different variations there are to this simple, classic recipe. Carino’s had yet another twist that was similar, but just a little bit different from the rest. It was good, but it was not my favorite. The portion size was very generous, the flavor and texture were good, and I liked the quantity of spaghetti added to complete the entrée. I would, however, like to see more marinara on top. Some people like it with less sauce, but I love lots of sauce on all my Italian and Eggplant is no exception.
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The Eggplant
If you have not been to Carino’s, they offer the same unlimited soup and salad, curbside take-out and “build-your-own” pasta that other chains offer. Their regular prices are similar to their competitors and, in some cases, even lower. The early bird deal, if you can make it, is an outstanding value and worth any extra effort needed to take advantage of it. Even though this was not my favorite, I was very pleased with the service, the restaurant overall, and the great deals. On this visit, I rate Carino’s an “A”.
There are seven Carino’s in the Denver area. The locations are Lakewood, Westminster, Parker, Longmont, Loveland, Greeley and Fort Collins. The one we visited was in the Lakewood Commons across the street from Belmar on the southwest corner of Alameda and Wadsworth. I do not know the hours of operation of any of the restaurants, and they are not listed on the website. For more information including complete menus with pictures, visit: www.carinos.com
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Yes, bread comes with the meal.
Carino’s Italian Grill
389 South Wadsworth Boulevard
Lakewood, CO
720-963-1866 or
Fax 720-963-1867
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