Carino’s Italian grill was located in Doral (Miami springs) at the center of Miami making it accessible to most people. It exhibited a casual but alluring atmosphere. Carino’s Italian Grill reminded Italians living in America of their traditions and cultures, which they missed because of staying away from their native land. It also gave a chance to non-Italians to sample the delicate flavors associated with Italian cookery.
The restaurant’s interior was painted in dark colors. There was free password-protected Wi-Fi, gigantic television screens, and background music that played in a low tone so that the clients did not have to complain of loud music interrupting their meals. The décor was moderately done, and there was nothing extraordinary. The clients could choose whether to dine in the restaurant or bar sections.
The service at Carino’s Italian Grill was outstanding. The waiters were extremely friendly and helpful when it came to choosing food. The restaurant served adequate portions of most meals and offered free soda refills. The meals incorporated traditional Italian ingredients and flavors especially the spices (Capatti, Montanari, and O’Healy 37). The quality of service at Carino’s Italian Grill rated first class because the staff served meals promptly (within twenty minutes of customers placing their orders) just as the menu indicated.
Carino’s Italian Grill was a pricey restaurant, but one could overlook that fact going by the well-prepared large servings that it offered. One expected to pay expensively for similar meals in the classier restaurant chains like Carabbas, but not at the Carino’s Italian Grill. However, one could take advantage of “happy hours” and special rates to save money and still enjoy sumptuous meals.
The high prices were probably because the restaurant was trying to fit in the same class as other highly rated restaurants. Another possible reason for the high prices was the cost of importing certain native ingredients from Italy. People from all walks of life frequented the restaurant including children, teenagers, couples, and the elderly.
The hotel was excellent for children and groups; it took reservations and was accessible by wheelchair (for the physically disabled customers). There was also the provision of paying using credit cards and carrying food away from the eatery (“Carino’s Italian Grill – Doral, FL”).
A large amount of the food provided at the café originated from the United States although a few ingredients were imported from Italy. The food was of moderate quality. It was impractical to rule out the presence of contaminating agents from food preservatives since some of the original “Italian food” was produced in Italy and thereafter exported to the United States of America before preparation in the restaurant. In fact, we overheard some diners complaining that their food tasted like canned beef.
We thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience especially the rich flavor of the food, the quality of service, and the fascinating ambiance of the refectory. However, considering the relatively high food prices at Carino’s Italian restaurant, I would only recommend the restaurant to anyone wishing to sample traditional Italian cuisine, but with more money to spend. I would undoubtedly love to go back to Carino’s Italian Grill with more people and sample the chicken scallopini.
Works Cited
Capatti, Alberto, Alberto Capatti Massimo Montanari and Aine O’Healy. Italian Cuisine: A Cultural History, New York: Columbia University Press, 2003. Print.
Carino’s Italian Grill – Doral, FL. N.d. Web.