Cohen’s Optical

Splendid Sicilian Family Recipes

If you think you know what Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Stuart is all about, then think again! Now under new ownership, the restaurant has a local, family feel, likely due to the fact that the new owners are a local family themselves. Plus, if you didn’t know, all of the items on Carrabba’s menu are made using splendid Sicilian family recipes that have been passed down over numerous generations! The restaurant even features gluten-free pastas, whole grain spaghetti, vegetarian, and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

For anyone who appreciates a good libation, you’ll be happy to know that Carrabba’s also offers a full bar with plenty of delicious, creative craft cocktails, like a peach sangria (6 oz. for $8.49) that tastes sweet with a nice kick, and that Luis calls “deliciously dangerous.” Plus, if you sit in the bar area between 3PM-6:30PM, then you can enjoy special discounts, like half off select appetizers and drinks!

If you can’t decide on just one appetizer, then select the Classics Combination ($13.49), which includes hand-breaded calamari, mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, and four cheese and sausage-stuffed mushrooms. Both the calamari and mozzarella sticks are beloved classics that are sure to satisfy anyone and everyone, but the mushrooms are the standout star on the platter. Stuffed full of tender, juicy, and slightly spicy crumbled sausage, plus spinach, breadcrumbs, and ricotta, parmesan, romano, & mozzarella cheeses, the soft, earthy mushrooms are served over a tomato cream sauce. They make for a delectable one-bite appetizer, with their symphony of rustic avors resounding beautifully on your tastebuds! More of a shrimp lover? Carrabba’s shrimp scampi starter ($11.29) is an excellent choice, as the generous portion of sizable, sweet, succulent shrimp is smothered in what Abby declared a “perfect sauce.” Tantalizingly piquant, the scampi sauce is a balanced combination of garlic, white wine, and lemon butter that lusciously enhances the fresh, meaty shrimp.

A fabulous appetizer option for vegetarians or anyone with a gluten allergy is the tomato caprese with fresh burrata ($10.29). Vibrant grape tomato halves and red onion chunks are delicately arranged around a generously-sized ball of fresh, cold, and creamy burrata mozzarella, then nished with fresh basil, a balsamic glaze that isn’t overly sweet, and extra virgin olive oil. Light and bright, this simple, yet elegant, starter is excellent not only on its own as a pseudo-salad, but also when placed on top of a slice of the complimentary bread (deliciously warm and crunchy) that Carrabba’s gives to each table.

For a comprehensive tasting, Abby selected the chicken trio ($26.79), which comes with Carraba’s Chicken Bryan, Pollo Rosa Maria, and Chicken Marsala, plus your choice of side and soup or salad. Her favorite of the three entrées was the Chicken Bryan, which comes wood-grilled and topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil in a lemon butter sauce. “The subtle bite of the goat cheese combined with the seasoning on the moist chicken and the balanced sauce is really addictive and amazing,” raved Abby. The pollo rosa maria, conversely, is served in a basil lemon butter sauce, and offered what Abby deemed a “smooth taste” that was made richer by the “salty prosciutto and sweet fontina cheese stuffed” into the wood-grilled chicken. Finally, the chicken marsala delighted Abby because of its traditional execution, wherein the tender, wood-grilled chicken was sautéed with fresh mushrooms in a Lombardo Marsala wine sauce.

Luis’ chose one of Carrabba’s new Fall Specials, the spaghetti carbonara with chicken ($19.99). Al dente pasta, grated parmesan, romano cheese, and bacon are tossed in a creamy carbonara sauce, then topped with tomatoes and juicy grilled chicken. Upon eating his entire portion, Luis declared, “This may be the best carbonara sauce that I have ever tasted!” He added, “The smoky sauce pairs wonderfully with the salty bacon, and there is this subtle lemon zest avor on the chicken that elevates the dish even further.”

e Selesky Family

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DiningOutReview

by Gabby Gregory

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I wanted a lighter dinner, so I ordered the linguine positano ($14.49), which is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish. The perfectly al dente pasta is tossed in a robust combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. I also added fresh asparagus to the mix, per the recommendation of our attentive server. One forkful contains a vibrant burst of avors that actually make it fun to eat a healthier entrée! The positano is a fabulous option for anyone who wants an incredibly generous portion of a lighter meal.

If you don’t order dessert at Carrabba’s, then you’ve made a mistake. Abby, Luis, and I urge you to order either the cannoli cake for two ($11.29) or the sogno di cioccolata (a/k/a “chocolate dream,” $9.29)… or both!

The cannoli cake is an impressive, towering slice of vanilla cake with a chocolate chip crust and layers of rich, sweet cannoli lling. It is topped with a mini cannoli rolled in crushed pistachios, then drizzled in decadent chocolate sauce for a dazzling display. “I know this is meant for two,” Abby said, “but I want to eat all of it by myself… I don’t want to share! It’s too good.”

with Gabby, Abby, & Luis

I adored the chocolate dream, which was a rich, fudge brownie layered with smooth chocolate mousse, fresh whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. It’s an explosion of chocolate avor that is true to its name, i.e. it tastes so good, it’s like a dream!

Dare to exceed your expectations… savor splendid Sicilian family recipes by visiting Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Stuart!

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is located at 2700 SE Federal Highway in Stuart. The restaurant is open MondaysThursdays from 11AM-10PM, Fridays-Saturdays from 11AM-11PM, and Sundays from 11AM-9PM. To reserve your table or place an order, call 772-320-5398 or visit carrabbas.com.

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