When someone asks you: “what’s your favorite kind of food?”  At least 3 out of 5 people will say “Italian” in some shape or form; whether it’s their first or last choice, people will mention the Italian comida.  Perhaps one of the most popular Italian food restaurants around is “Olive Garden”.  And while their food is quite delectable, there’s something generic and impersonal about their food.

Overrated Italian

Again, the food at this establishment is not bad at all; however there’s room for improvement.  Other than the fact that everything seems so generic, the service- although good, feels cold and forced at times. 

Let’s be honest here, of all the Italian food places out there, “Olive Garden” is one of the least pricey ones.  And while it’s not expensive, if you’re a starving eternal student or a twenty-something on a budget, $18.95 for some pasta might be a bit too much.  

So, if you don’t want to sacrifice flavor to save a few bucks, head over to “Carpi’s” where the prices are just right, the food simply delicious and somewhat homey, the portions are great, and the service and atmosphere feel warm and genuine. 

For starters

If you know and love Italian food, “Carpi’s” is set to become a favorite.  It’s one of those comfy places where you just feel like you want to go back- this wouldn’t be so odd if it weren’t for the fact that you’re thinking all this while still waiting to be seated.

There’s no better way to start a good Italian meal than with some salad.  While my partner ordered the “Antipasto Di Prosciutto”, I went for the “Insalata Neapoletana”.  Both of them great choices- nice and fresh.  Kudos to the “Antipasto Di Proscioutto”, the Italian ham in my companion’s salad was just aged to perfection.  

Just right

The menu at “Carpi’s” is filled with Italian food “classics”, so in a way it’s easier, yet still hard to figure out what to eat.  Going with someone or with a group of people has its advantages since everyone can order a different thing and you’ll get to try various dishes without looking like a fatty.  

Now, if you’re by yourself or with only one more person, you can still do it, but it’s all about choices.  You can always come back, but at the moment you don’t think right.  See, once you’re in “Carpi’s” the scent will go through your nostrils and invade your senses, making it harder for you to choose just one or two dishes.

So after a thoughtful and kind of rushed decision-making session, my partner in crime and I ordered the “Paella Alla Riccardo” and the “Cannelloni Fiorentina” respectively.

This Italian take on paella was out of this world.  For the “Paella Alla Riccardo”, the saffron gave the food an exquisite aroma and an amazing taste without overpowering the shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari and the chicken in it.  

Now for the “Cannelloni Fiorentina”, the portion was just about right and the cannelloni were stuffed to perfection with spinach, ricotta, and ham. A great combination thoughtfully covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. 

Seriously!

If you’re into Italian food or if you like to spoil yourself every once in a while without spending more than you’re allowed to, head over to “Carpi’s” where you’ll seriously love the food, the service, and everything in between.