New Fall Menu From Carrabba's Italian Grill Keeps it in the Family

With Options For Everyone at Carrabba's - Family Dinner is Back

News provided by

Oct 06, 2010, 10:22 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey from Carrabba's Italian Grill, conducted by Wakefield Research, found that 87% of Americans count "eating meals as a family" among their most cherished memories but over half of them (53%) wish they had more time to actually sit down together. In a busy time of year, full of school, work, sports, and after-school activities, Carrabba's is making it easier to come together around the table with an enticing lineup of new menu offerings, sure to please each member of the family – from "bambini" to "nonna."

"We know firsthand how hard it can be to get everyone from the family in the same room, let alone around the same table," said Steve Shlemon, president of Carrabba's Italian Grill. "This fall we have a really great lineup of seasonal flavors, food that's fun to eat, and the kind of hearty indulgence one craves as it gets colder."

New Rustic Risotto "Poppers" are Carrabba's version of innovative Italian "arancini di riso." Creamy risotto balls are mixed with homemade sausage and bell peppers then flash fried, sealing the flavors in a crispy, golden brown shell. Guests of all ages will love these bite size treats which are perfect for dipping with the accompanying marinara sauce and best of all - there's no silverware required!

Pumpkin & Butternut Squash Ravioli are stuffed full of oven-roasted seasonal pumpkin, butternut squash, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs – then topped with a sage brown butter sauce. These classically paired fall flavors are perfect for the season and light enough for moms and "nonnas" alike, and also for anyone craving a more delicate dish.

For the dads and more adventurous diner who appreciates the flavors of land and sea with a hearty helping of decadence, Carrabba's Sirloin & Crab Cake entrée boasts a mouthwatering combination of both worlds. The sirloin is prepared over a wood-grill, and paired with a jumbo lump crab-cake then served over a roasted red pepper-sauce with a side of seasonal vegetables.

For a sweet finish that will have the whole family grabbing for a spoon, Carrabba's light and flaky Cinnamon Apple Crostata is served piping hot from the wood-fired oven along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

In addition the new menu items, Carrabba's is also helping guests "give to get" just in time for the holidays. For the months of November and December, customers will receive a complimentary $20 gift card with every $100 gift card purchase. And, as the holiday RSVPs begin to pile up, customers can leave the cooking to Carrabba's by taking advantage of their private dining options, as well as family style catering.

For more information and locations, visit www.carrabbas.com, like Carrabba's on Facebook or follow @Carrabbas on Twitter.

About Carrabba's Italian Grill

Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola founded the first Carrabba's Italian Grill in 1986 in Houston, Texas. Today, there are 232 Carrabba's Italian Grill locations around the country, run by passionate local proprietors focused on delighting guests with fresh, made-to-order Italian cuisine and the ultimate dining experience. Carrabba's serves dinner seven nights a week in a casual environment that pairs innovative dishes and a complementary wine list with abundant hospitality. For on-the-go guests, Carrabba's also offers convenient Carside Carry-Out. To learn more about Carrabba's, please visit www.carrabbas.com.

SOURCE Carrabba's Italian Grill