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Living gluten free easily by eating real food and a few gf processed foods

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

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This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Carrabba’s. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner was selected using random number generation from the entries submitted by midnight (Eastern) on June 3. Thanks to all who entered and congratulations to Rebecca! Her comment was: “I went to Carrabba’s once for an anniversary and would love to take my children!” Have a wonderful time at Carrabba’s with your family, Rebecca. 🙂

What great things come in small packages? No, not diamonds. Sorry. No, not tiny figurines that collect dust. Yikes … don’t need those. How about food? Don’t we often lament that restaurant portions are just too large these days? Well, you’re in luck … Carrabba’s has recently launched smaller entree sizes (right size, right price) and there are several choices that are on their gluten-free menu. Most of my gluten-free readers probably already know that Carrabba’s restaurant is in the Outback Steakhouse family of restaurants (which also includes Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Roy’s, and Bonefish Grill)—all offering gluten-free menus.

Carrabba’s advertises authentic Italian dishes with fresh ingredients. Let’s see if they keep their promise. I’m known for my long posts, but I’m going to try to keep this one a bit shorter and sweeter (yes, there was dessert, too!). Let’s get to what you really want to know right off. We really liked Carrabba’s and I didn’t experience any gluten issues—yippee!

Here’s a little more detailed information with photos. Although I will confess right off that these are not award-winning shots by any means. It just seems that restaurant lighting that is comfortable for patrons does not lend itself to the best photos, particularly in the evening.

Food: I was asked to check out the new smaller portions. The menu items that were available in smaller portions weren’t indicated on the gluten-free menu (PDF file), so I did have to reference it against the regular menu to see what I could order. The same was true when looking at prices for menu items. (Typically gluten-free menus do not have price information. That way they will stay current unless a food item itself changes; there is no need for the menu to be updated every time prices change.) There is also a specials listing called Less Is Amore, but I did not review or inquire as to the gluten-free status of those items.

We ordered the Shrimp Scampi appetizer to share. The gluten-free option simply means it is served without garlic toast. Ordering instructions for this item say “Order without garlic toast.” I really appreciate it when restaurants give this type of info for ordering safely. I’ll be honest here … as I’ve said before, while I love a restaurant with a gluten-free menu, they can give a false sense of security. The fact is it only takes one person and/or one small action to make a meal unsafe to eat. Plus, even with all the training in the world, servers and restaurant personnel are still human beings and will occasionally make mistakes. Reminders such as “order without breadsticks,”  are wise. I’ve ordered entrees in other restaurants with gluten-free menus and sometimes been surprised by a bread stick or roll on the plate. An additional note on the gluten-free menu like Outback family restaurants with specific ordering instructions increases the likelihood  of a safe experience.  As far as the Shrimp Scampi itself, it was excellent. The shrimp were not huge, but still a nice size, and they were plump and juicy in their classic garlic lemon butter sauce with wine and herbs.

Entrees come with a choice of soup (yes, there are gluten-free ones!) or salad. (These combinations start at $12.) We both opted for salads—Caesar for me and house for Mr. GFE. The greens, and other toppings like Parmesan cheese and Mr. GFE’s croutons (not gluten-free), were extremely fresh and tasty.

In the interest of a more thorough review, I ordered two of the smaller entrees. One was Grilled Norwegian Salmon with a tomato basil sauce and the other was Chicken Marsala. The salmon was perfectly cooked and the sauce was good. I admit when it comes to salmon, I really like it prepared simply. I could have done without the sauce. A simple tomato and basil sauce, it didn’t detract and it didn’t add in my opinion. The Chicken Marsala was topped with mushrooms and prosciutto in Carrabba’s Lombardo Marsala sauce.  It was cooked well—not overdone—as is the case in many restaurants. The whole piece was moist and flavorful. The Marsala topping added simple, enjoyable flavors. My side dish was garlic mashed potatoes. They were just one would expect—creamy enough, but still with some nice potato texture and “heft,” and just the right amount of garlic. I expected to pay the smaller entrée prices for each of these entrees, but I was actually only charged a small fee ($3) for the second entrée. So, the smaller entrees are also a good value for anyone who wants to sample more than one entree.

Mr. GFE ordered a meal that was NOT gluten free, but in the interest of sharing with the non-gluten-free readers, too, I’ll share info on it as well. His dish was Veal Marsala, which had the same topping as my chicken—mushrooms and a traditional Marsala sauce. Mr. GFE said it was some of the best veal he’s ever eaten. He ordered pasta as his side, cavatappi amatriciana. I was not familiar with this pasta, but you can see what type of pasta it is from the photos. Mr. GFE enjoyed it very much.

We already knew we had to try the one and only gluten-free dessert on the menu—John Cole. The John Cole consists of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and roasted cinnamon rum pecans. As you can see from the photo, it’s a very large portion. It could have easily served four people. Four very happy people. It’s an absolutely delicious dessert.

I hope you’ve already figured out that we did not eat all this food between the two of us. Our server placed the better part of both our meals in “to go” containers for us. We both enjoyed leftovers for dinner the next evening and I even managed to get another lunch out of mine. The leftovers were just as delicious as when first served, too. 

Service: Our service was excellent. We were promptly seated by a pleasant host and our server did a great job taking care of our needs in a friendly, yet non-obtrusive manner. Note that we did arrive after the dinner rush and we enjoy a more leisurely meal than most. Mr. GFE actually said, “This is great. They are on island time.” Let me explain further. In some restaurants we have felt extremely rushed by staff. We have felt like we were being hurried off so the next diners could occupy our seats. It is a fact that we’ll often see other diners arrive at the same time we do, but leave long before we are finished eating. When we are dining out, we like to talk and catch up (yes, even spouses need to do that!) and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Décor/Atmosphere: Some Carrabba’s restaurants are recognizable by their abundant vegetation, which surrounds their establishments, and even tops part of their roof. That greenery does attract your attention and draw you in. And, once you’re in the restaurant, the décor is somewhat standard as restaurants go, but it’s both attractive and comfortable—not too loud, not too bright. We especially enjoyed the comfort and privacy offered by the very large booth in which we were seated. Carrabba’s feels like a very friendly place, too. At the conclusion of our meal, our server, hostess, and even the proprietor all wished us a good evening, with the latter even holding the door for us as we exited.

While Mr. GFE and I love to support independent restaurants, we will frequent chain restaurants that we can depend on for a good meal that’s also safe for me. Carrabba’s made the grade plus some, so we’ll definitely return. Now if you are a Carrabba’s fan or would like to check them out for a meal, please enter the giveaway for the $100 Carrabba’s gift card by simply leaving a comment (one comment/one entry per person). You do not have to be a gluten-free reader to enter the giveaway; it’s open to all! Feel free to share any previous Carrabba’s dining experiences, too. The giveaway will close on June 3, 2010. The winner will be chosen by random number generation and notified via email. The winner must respond in 48 hours. Otherwise, a new winner will be selected. But don’t just enter the giveaway here … nine other bloggers are offering their reviews of Carrabba’s with this same gift card giveaway. Check them out at BlogHer.com special offers page, so you can be sure to enter all the giveaways! Finally, click on the following links to learn more: giveaway rules, Carrabba’s menu, and nearest Carrabba’s location.

Good luck in the giveaway!

Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!

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Comments

  2. Iris says

    I’ve never been to Carabba’s (or heard of it before this to be honest), but I checked and they have one near my parents house where I’ll be spending a lot of time this summer. So thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  5. Claire says

    I’ve never eaten there before, but it sounds good! I love the fact that they have Blue Bell ice cream! Yum :o)

    Reply

  6. sharon goldman says

    I have eaten at Carrabba’s. Do you have to ask for the Gluten Free menu? Is it stated on the regular menu that they can accommodate GF?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  10. sharon goldman says

    Carrabba’s says that their grill is NOT GLUTEN FREE…does that mean that they cook a the meat that is to be GF on the same grill that had meat with the sauce on it???? Or do they cook the GF item in a pan? I am very sensitive…and if they are cooking items next to mine which contain gluten, I may end up sick…

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Sharon–I’m so glad that Nina answered your first question. It seems that almost always one has to ask if the establishment has a gluten-free menu. Many times I’ve been pleasantly surprised that restaurants do, but it would be nice if they showed that info on the regular menu.

      I first talked to my server about how they would prepare my meal to ensure it was safe and then followed up with the manager. They cook gluten-free items on a separate part of the grill well away from the gluten items. I’m sure that statement is to protect themselves from a lawsuit and to caution folks who will not eat anything even prepared in the same area of the kitchen. I was assured that they are well aware of cross contamination issues and do everything they can to ensure gf meals are, in fact, gf. But, of course, use your own judgment. A few other things … first, I’m in the super sensitive crowd like you, and second, while I did not get ill, that doesn’t mean your experience will be the same. There are several who are commenting here though who have had good experiences. Finally, I’d recommend contacting your local Carrabba’s before you visit to see what they say about how they handle gluten-free meals. I often find that the feeling I get from their responses lets me know if I would feel safe eating there or not.

      Thanks for asking the questions and hope that info helps!
      Shirley

      Reply

  11. nina says

    I love Carrabba’s. To answer sharon’s question . . . you have to ask for the GF menu, it isn’t included on the regular menu.

    Reply

  13. Julie says

    What a great giveaway! I’ve been wanting to try Carrabba’s as I just learned they have a GF menu! Thanks!

    Reply

  14. CDM says

    I love that the Carrraba’s/Outback family has opened their doors to the gluten free population. It makes eating out with friends a little less scary.

    Reply

  17. Alta says

    I have never visited a Carrabba’s, but I was hesitant to try their GF menu (it kinda worries me, Italian restaurants with GF menus…) but good to know that you didn’t have issues! I’d love to try it. And I didn’t know that Roy’s was in that same family of restaurants – I’ve wanted to visit, and it’d be awesome if they already had a GF menu!

    Reply

  22. Justine says

    I love Carrabba’s!! I went for the first time in December and have been back twice already!!

    Reply

  28. Lisa Irvine says

    I have never tried Carrabba’s..but I would love to! It’s great that there’s another restaurant option with a gluten-free menu!!! Thanks for running this contest… 🙂

    Reply

  35. Jessica says

    Okay now I want chicken marsala and garlic mashed potatoes! I didn’t realize they had a GF menu, but now I like them even more!

    Reply

  37. Stephanie O'Dea says

    I had no idea you could safely order a marsala dish in an itallian restaurant! I’m terribly out of the loop—I haven’t heard of Carrabbas before you. We have two Outbacks near by. I’m going to play around with the zipcode finder thingy.

    xoxo steph

    Reply

  38. Meghan in SC says

    Already a fan of Carrabba’s, but previously unfamiliar with their GF menu. Thanks for the thorough review!

    Reply

  39. anna says

    i love Carrabba’s- i used to work there as a hostess and i loved working and eating there 🙂

    Reply

  40. Mikki says

    YUM! I’ve never eaten at Carrabba’s but I’ve heard great things about them. Would love to win this!!

    Reply

  41. Becky says

    I’d love to win! I think my family would enjoy a dinner out at Carraba’s. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  44. kathy says

    I have one of these restaurants close by but have not tried them yet. Would love to win and check the place out!!

    Reply

  45. Allison B says

    I’m not gluten-free but have other dietary concerns with allergens…have always found Carraba’s to go above and beyond to check if they weren’t sure on ingredients and to take great notes to make sure nothing was inadvertently added to an ordered item…they’d even ask extra questions like “Are you so allergic that if I touch a plate and then pick up yours, will it be okay?”…I love places where we can go and feel safe while we eat out…and their food is ALWAYS fabulous!

    Reply

  48. Mary says

    My 5 y/o granddaughter has celiac along with Type I diabetes. Carrabas is a godsend! Thank you!!!

    Reply

  49. Kelli says

    I love carrabas though it has been quite a while (3 years) since I’ve been. I have 3 angels all under 18 months adn would LOVE a reason to dine out! Please select me….oh please 🙂

    How do I know if an item is gluten free other than the package saying so. What should I look for or avoid in the ingredient list. I usually just look for partially hydrogenated oils/trans fats and avoid them but would love to try and be more gluten free for my family…..any suggestions woudl be great! Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Kelli–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Wow, 3 angels under 18 mos … even though I’m sure they are angels indeed 🙂 , a night out would be fun, huh? Well, have to see who the random number generator chooses on June 3. 😉

      As far as eating more gluten free … ideally one should get tested for gluten issues first before undergoing a gf diet or limiting gluten intake. Because doing either of those can skew test results and testing already is not extremely accurate. Testing and diagnosis for celiac and gluten issues can still be a can of worms and have too many “gray areas” unfortunately. First, I recommend that you take a look at the 20+ Reasons That You Should Get Tested for Gluten (PDF file) on my sidebar and this post by Ron Hoggan, Ed.D., Top 20 Things You Should Know About Gluten. Here’s a brief tutorial on testing by. Dr. Vikki Petersen who is the co-author of The Gluten Effect. Of course, some folks look at all the symptoms of gluten issues and just decide to forego testing and go gluten free. A definitive diagnosis is best, but I have seen some folks, even members of my own support group, go gluten free and stick with it. It’s very, very important to note that one must be 100% gluten free if one has gluten issues. If one has gluten issues, there can be serious, even deadly, consequences if one does not adhere to the gluten-free diet. Read more here.

      Now to get to your original question on reading labels. First and foremost, I recommend focusing on real food and eating gluten free naturally. My one friend describes this food as food you can wash: meat, seafood, fruit, and veggies. After real food, then some mainstream processed foods that are safe and some gluten-free specialty items can be used. Here’s a brief tutorial on labeling from Gluten-Free Living (magazine/website). Note that also on my sidebar under gfe’s tip sheets is a listing of 50 Foods You Can Eat Today (PDF file). This is designed as transitional guidance for when someone is moving from a standard diet to a gluten-free one. It lists real food, some mainstream processed foods, and some gf specialty items. Many are these foods (e.g., treats) are not ones you’d want to eat every day, but they are gluten free. Again, my gfe approach focuses on eating real food that is naturally gluten free. If you’ve watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution series, the food he is showing people to eat, with the exception of say homemade bread/rolls, is naturally gluten free. (BTW, there is a fantastic event going on over at The W.H.O.L.E. Gang right now to show people how to transition to real food. You’ll want to visit The W.H.O.L.E. Gang’s site every day to see what different bloggers have to say. Really great stuff!) Please send me an email later if you need additional info.

      All the best,
      Shirley

      Reply

  51. Amy in ne says

    Thank you for the review! We always enjoy finding new restaurants. I am excited about their GF menu!

    Reply

  55. Margret says

    I have only been to Carraba’s when we visited another city where our married children live, but it was a great visit. Thank you for the review.

    Reply

  56. Shirley says

    Hi all! While it’s typically my policy to reply to each and every person who comments on gfe, I don’t think that will be possible for this post thanks to your great response. I will respond to questions as quickly as I can, but don’t mind others stepping in to help out a reader if I can’t reply promptly. I do welcome you all and very much appreciate you entering the giveaway! If it’s your first time here at gfe, whether you are gluten free or not, I hope you take a look around. I think there’s information and recipes that you’ll find helpful. For example, because I focus on real food that is naturally gluten free, there are recipes that everyone should find delicious. 🙂 May is National Celiac Awareness Month. Because 95% of those with celiac remain undiagnosed, please take a moment to look at the info under gfe’s tip sheets on my sidebar. Also, consider that even more folks have non-celiac gluten issues, such as intolerance and sensitivity. I hope you don’t mind that I’m taking this moment/this post to help spread awareness even more. 🙂 My own life was transformed after going gluten free and I’m always spreading the word! 😉

    Best to all of you and good luck on the giveaway!

    Shirley

    Reply

  58. Denise says

    My kids love to go there because the wait staff will bring them a slab of pizza dough to play with while they’re waiting for their food. Fun!

    Reply

  60. jaxcheryl says

    I will always and forever LOVE Carrabbas. For seven! years the Carrabbas in our community opened up and hosted an annual fund-raising luncheon for a fireman family member who was in an accident that broke his neck and paralyzed him from the neck down. They don’t publicize it, but their fund-raising efforts are extraordinaire throughout the country.

    Reply

  61. Missy says

    How nice of you to have an awesome giveaway! And so close to Mother’s Day, too. Never been to Carabba’s. There’s one on the other side of the city so I’d sure like to try it out.

    Reply

  63. Carrie says

    I’ve never been to Carrabbas but have always wanted to try it. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    Reply

  64. Maryjane Metcalf says

    My husband and I love Carrabba’s. It is our “go
    to” place when we want a delicious Italian meal.

    Reply

  65. Stacy says

    I’ve always enjoyed my entrees at Carrabbas. We don’t go that often, but with $100 giftcard we will! Thanks.

    Reply

  68. Debbie says

    It has been at least 10 years since I have been to a carrabbas, I would love to win! Sounds really good.

    Reply

  70. Aubree Cherie says

    This is a pretty amazing giveaway Shirley, wow! I’ve only eaten at Carrabba’s before I went gluten free. I loved the food then; I doubt that my opinion has changed 🙂

    Did you notice if they had any gluten free food that also didn’t have cheese?

    ~Aubree Cherie

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hey Aubree– 🙂 Not all dishes contained cheese. There’s a definite emphasis on butter though in most of the dishes on the gf menu. However, it looks like a few have no butter, but are prepared using olive oil. From comments here, I’m guessing that Carrabba’s personnel will accommodate as much as possible. I’d take a look at the gf menu (just click on menu link in my post) and I’d call the restaurant and speak to staff, preferably the mgr or kitchen personnel, to see what they say on serving dairy free.

      Shirley

      Reply

  74. Castal says

    I haven’t eaten at a Carrabas since figuring out that gluten was a problem…Oh were they good! The closest one is an hour away, but I am near it at least twice a month… I would love to see how the GF menu compares to my memories of the non-gf foods.

    Reply

  77. Matt says

    I’d love to win this because I’ve never eaten at Carrabas! I’d love to try them out!

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com

    Reply

  79. Erin says

    I love Carrabba’s! But I never realized that for an Italian restaurant they took such care to provide gluten free alternatives. Makes me love them even more.

    Reply

  80. Kristi says

    I love Carrabba’s. I had no idea that they had a GF menu. My mom is GF so it would be a great place to take her. Thanks!

    Reply

  83. Jen says

    I love Carrabba’s, but it’s been a little while since I’ve gotten to eat there. You did a great job on your review and I am happy to see they offer the smaller portions now! I hate wasting food, but can’t eat the huge portions! Thanks for the info!!

    Reply

  84. Kim in AZ says

    I’d love a chance to win! Dh and I have wanted to try Carrabba’s for a LONG time, but it hasn’t been in the budget to eat out. Thanks for the chance to win a few free date nights. 🙂

    Reply

  85. jamie says

    wow! amazing giveaway! if i win, i am soo taking my sister- she hasn’t been since her diagnosis (she is a pasta fiend), but we go to outback regularly and the gfree service there is awesome! i agree with those who are alert and helpful with regards to allergies/intolerances. thanks heaps for the review!

    Reply

  86. Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says

    We never eat out…it’s just habit from not being able to because of my diet. But, it’s something I’d like to do more often just to experience different foods.

    I think it’s wonderful that you’re sharing so much good info with your readers about eating out g-free!

    Reply

  87. Barbra says

    Mmmm… it’s been awhile since I’ve been to Carrabas, but I do remember that they had great food!

    Reply

  90. T2Nashville says

    Thanks for the opportunity to win! Carraba’s is one of my favorite restaurants, and it also offers some low carb options for me, which is hard to find at an Italian restaurant!

    Reply

  91. Dani says

    I have only been there once, but it was a delicious meal. I would love the chance to win a gift card!

    Reply

  96. kara mason says

    We have always loved Carabba’s. I am in a deep Chicken Bryan rut and it continues to be one of my all time favorite things to eat.

    Reply

  101. Susan says

    Wow, that sounds delicious! I just moved to a town with Carrabas, and I’ve only gone once, but I would love to go back!

    Reply

  102. Linda says

    I would love a chance to win a gift card to Carrabas! It’s been ages since i have been there but we have always liked the food, and yes, the service is good. Since I have gotten more involved with my own real food cooking I never know which restuarants to go to anymore. I am glad to know Carrabas is a good place to go.

    Reply

  105. christina says

    While we don’t have a Carrabba’s in California, we will be visiting states that do have one, next year. I’d love to win the gift card, but it’s also nice to know to look for this restaurant as a safe place for Emily to eat. Thanks!

    Reply

  106. Denise says

    I would never have thought of a ‘pasta’ restaurant as a place for us. I have a wheat senstivity and though I can eat wheat *safely*, it causes unpleasant digestive and skin side effects. I will put Carrabba’s on my ‘to visit’ list. thank you for this website and review!

    Reply

  108. Sandy Cullum says

    My husband and I love Carabba’s and although we try other dishes, we have difficulty straying far from the chicken and steak marsala, they are so good. The salmon has always been cooked well. We will definitely be checking out the smaller portions menu.

    Reply

  109. Shriya says

    My husband and I love our Lansing Carabba’s and dine there often celebrating various events in life!

    It would be so wonderful to win a gift card and enjoy another awesome dinner on BlogHer! 🙂

    Reply

  110. Lisa says

    Yum, this sounds delicious! Thanks for posting a great review and mouth-watering pictures! I want to go there soon!!! 🙂

    Reply

  111. Amo says

    We rarely eat out because of my gf diet and finances. It would be such a treat to win this gift certificate! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply

  114. Lee says

    Our local Carabba’s provided lunch for the nurses on Nurses’ Day at the hospital where I work. It was the first time I’d ever tasted their food. It was incredible! They brought chicken marsala, Caesar salad, and penne pasta with marinara sauce. It was all yummy and much appreciated on Nurses’ Day!

    Reply

  116. kathleen roberts says

    love,love,love,Carrabba’s.I left my peepers at home,our kind waiter brought me a pair so I could see my DELICIOUS meal!

    Reply

  118. snowygreen says

    I have eaten there once off the gluten free menu, it was good, but i wish they had even more options!!

    Reply

  120. Melinda says

    AWesome giveaway- I would love to win this so my hubby and I could go on a date night! One great thing that comes in a small package is a kind word for someone.

    Reply

  121. laura says

    I have been gluten free for over 5 years and feel safe eating at Carraba’s! I am grateful that Carraba’s has taken the time to accomadate gluten free dining.

    Reply

  123. Chelle Parks says

    I love Carraba’s – it is a great place for “date night” with my hubby or when I bring my kids.

    Reply

  127. RisaG says

    I love Carrabba’s. Every time we visit with family in Sarasota we go to the restaurant to celebrate. I love their appetizer with the melted cheese and sauce that you dip into. Also the Pasta Pescatore is unbelievable. I could eat the whole basket of bread with the herbed olive oil. The Pasta Picci Pacchiu is yummy and the pork chops are thick and delish. Last time we actually went there 2x in one vacation.

    Reply

  128. Vickie says

    We never had a Carrabba’s in our tiny town…we just moved and NOW WE DO!!! I have been wanting to try them out forever…all my friends love Carrabba’s and I have heard about the mushrooms…would love to try and this great GF would be awesome to win. Wow, thanks for the opportunity to do so for free.

    Reply

  129. Marleen Viola says

    Carrabba’s is expensive, so we’ve only been a few times for “holidays”. Very excited to hear about their smaller portions/smaller price options. Their food is soooo good!!!

    Reply

  130. Brenda Reese says

    I’ve had a GF meal at Carrabas myself and it was absolutely delicious and our waiter was extremely attentive to both my GF and DF needs. I couldn’t have asked for a more delicious meal nor for better service. I will DEFINITELY return again. (I went to the Carrabas in Greensboro, NC.)

    Reply

  131. Shirley says

    While I’m not responding to everyone individually on this post, I do appreciate everyone’s comments/entries! The comments have been really helpful and let me know that Carrabba’s is a great place to dine in general, and especially so for those of us with food intolerances. 🙂

    Thank you!

    Shirley

    Reply

  139. Stacey Beck says

    We love Carrabas, but don’t get to go very often due to our child’s multiple food allergies, including gluten. I must say that the way they have simplified the menu for gf eating makes it so much easier! Thank you, Carrabas, for remembering the rest of us!

    Reply

  140. K. Smith says

    I am excited to hear you had a good experience there! We’ve been GF about 2 years now…and it is SO helpful to find places where our WHOLE family can enjoy the food!

    Reply

  141. Mari says

    Carrabbas is our favorite “romantic” place to go!
    We’ve been there over 40 times since it arrived in Utah
    and EVERY single time we’ve gone the service is amazing!!!
    The food is deliriously good! We love Carrabbas!!

    Reply

  142. amber says

    Ooh! If I win, I need to take my sister here. She has celiac disease and has a hard time eating at most restaurants. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  143. Carol says

    My mom will be 76 in June, I’d love to take her to Carrabba’s to celebrate. thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply

  156. momznite says

    I haven’t tried Carrabba’s yet, but would like to try the Insalata Fiorucci and Rigatoni Martino.

    Reply

  159. Shannon Crandall says

    I’ve only had Carrabba’s through a drug rep take out lunch and it was FANATSTIC, an hour later! Would love to be able to into the actual store. THANKS!

    Reply

  163. Mary Ann says

    I have never been to Carrabba’s! I will have to try them out since I loved your review and photos!

    Reply

  164. Amanda Stubblefield says

    I love Carrabba’s but thought I was done with it when I found out that I needed to be gluten-free. I’m so excited to see your review and know that some of my favorite dishes are on the GF menu!
    Thanks!

    Reply

  170. Dawnalee says

    Thanks for the great review. This is one of my favorite restaurants though I don’t often get the opportunity to go. The only disappointment I’ve ever had related to Carrabba’s is the time I left my take-home container in the car overnight. Boo! All that deliciousness had to be tossed. I agree that the normal portions really make at least two if not three meals which makes the price really reasonable.

    Reply

  171. Betty says

    Carrabbas is yummy- I’m sensitive to tomatoes which limits the menus a bit for me, but I can still find plenty of good things to eat! It’s my kids’ favorite place to have dinner.(I also love the garden on the roof. I’d love one of those.)

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  172. Lynn says

    There is a Carrabba’s near my house, but I’ve never tried it. Your review definitely makes me want to go check it out!

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  173. Jessica says

    My husband and I love Carrabbas. Their smaller portion menu is great because I get full fast and hate leftovers

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  176. Stephanie Eastman says

    These pics of Carrabbas look delicious! I have never been but have a celiac daughter who would LOVE eating out and knowing she won’t get sick! Thanks for posting these pictures and for all of the info!

    Reply

  177. Eve says

    I’ve never eaten there before but it sounds great. And I would love to try it since they have such great variation in their meals.

    shopgurl101 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  178. BarbS says

    My brother and I live about 2 hours apart, but there’s a Carrabbas right in between us. Love to meet up there and spend an evening together.

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  179. Kristen says

    Carrabba’s is one of my favorite places to eat – especially on a rare dinner alone with my husband! We usually share the sirloin marsala but with the new smaller entrees we could both try something different. Thanks for the opportunity and the detailed review!

    Reply

  180. Megan says

    It’s been a really long time since I ate at Carrabba’s…which is a shame since there is one less than 15 minutes from my house. My boyfriend is not a big fan of italian, so we tend to go elsewhere. I will have to suggest it for our next girl’s night.

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  181. scale junkie says

    I’ve never been in a Carrabbas but I do enjoy their food and would love to actually dine there. Last year before my birthday I seen so many commercials for this one beef brassoto dish and we had planned to go but I broke out in hives/rash that was extremely itchy and ugly I didn’t want to leave the house but my husband stopped and surprised me with take out and it was delicious.

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  183. Annie says

    I’m going to be much closer than normal to a Carrabba’s this summer, and it would be interesting to try it out.

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  188. Danielle says

    I am so hungry now! I’d love to go to Carrabbas RIGHT NOW but I guess I will wait for my free gift card 😉

    Reply

  189. susitravl says

    We have only been to Carrabba’s once and everything was delicious. I remember the Calamari being especially wonderful.

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  190. Shirley says

    Thanks so much for all the entries, reviews, and excitement re: Carrabba’s gf menu, folks! We have another week before the giveaway ends. Spread the word and best of luck to all!

    Shirley

    Reply

  194. Shannon says

    Thanks for the review. My sister has to eat gluten free and I am starting to think that it would be a good idea for me, too! Smaller portions would certainly be a good choice.

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  196. Shirley says

    I would love to visit Carraba’s. Have not yet been there, but have heard that it’s wonderful! Looking forward to the opportunity to find out for myself!

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  200. Becky says

    Carrabbas is my favorite restaurant. I had no idea they had a gluten free menu or smaller portion sizes! Good to know!

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  202. Carla Spacher says

    Hi! Not entering contest, as we do not have a Carrabba’s in California (darn! – sounds great!) I did, however, just post this giveaway on Facebook to these new pages: Gluten Free Giveaways, Gluten Free Giveaway and Gluten Free Give Aways. Good luck everyone!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Carla–We’ve “passed” each other on Facebook 😉 but not here at gfe—welcome! 🙂 Many thanks for spreading the word about the giveaway! Sorry you can’t participate … no relatives or friends you visit in other states who live near a Carrabba’s? 😉

      Thanks again,

      Shirley

      Reply

  204. Shari says

    I have not tried Carabba’s yet, but it is certainly on my list to try with it’s gluten free menu.

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  206. Jeanette Huston says

    I would like the TicTack Pasta or the Chicken Gratella. They both sound yummy. Anyway thanks for the chance the nearest Carrabbas is in Wilmington;-)

    Reply

  210. Donna B. says

    I’ve never eaten at Carrabba’s and all my friends RAVE about it. If I won this giveaway, it would give me the opportunity to treat my family to some yummy Italian food, with no cleanup for me afterwards!

    Reply

  211. Amy says

    we have a Carrabas and I have never been! shame on me! I need a night out and would love to win this! thanks for the great review!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Mary–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 The giveaway has ended, but be sure to check back (or subscribe) so you’ll know about future giveaways. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Melinda—FYI, the giveaway has closed, but welcome to gfe! 🙂 Hope you’ll visit again for recipes, info, and, of course, more giveaways. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Stephanie–LOL I’m sure many people would agree. 😉 The giveaway is now closed, but thanks for stopping by gfe! Hope to see you again. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  216. Rebecca says

    I was so excited to receive an e-mail that I won the contest.
    I can’t wait for the gift card – my family is going to celebrate the end of the school year with a fancy dinner.
    Thanks GFE for such a great opportunity!
    Rebecca

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Rebecca–I’m so happy for you! An end-of-school-year celebration sounds like the perfect way to use your gift card! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  217. Kristi says

    I would love to win. I have never been to Carrabba’s but my friend has and she say’s it is her very most favorite restaurant so they must be really good. TY!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Karina–So sorry to disappoint, but the giveaway has actually been closed for a while. Carrabba’s food is delicious.

      I hope you’ll check back for more gfe giveaways!

      Best,
      Shirley

      Reply

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