DINNER: MCKINNEY - Italian Garden @ Custer/Virginia

[TTAM]

When: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 7:00 PM CDT
Where: Italian Garden, McKinney TX
Why: Because some of us like the place...
What: I said, "because some of us like the place..."
Who: You and your significant otther and your friends (PLEASE RSVP BELOW)
How: DRIVE! (although, there is a small airport a block away)

Coupon: (not sure how this will work with a large group, at least 1 appetizer is covered...)
http://www.italiangardenmckinney.com/Contact.html



This dish was AMAZING... Big Benny's Special (one of them)


The above dish consisted of Shrimp, Calamari, Fried Calamari, Scallops, Muscles, mushrooms, bell peppers, alfredo (amazing flavor, probably due to the seafood and spices added), etc.

[biketsai]

This dish was AMAZING... Big Benny's Special (one of them)

Wow, that looks good! How much are most plates? and this one?

Chris

[TTAM]

Some dishes come with side salads, like the one above. Average prices I saw were $7-$15. This was $16.95-- same price as their chicken and scallions alfredo special... but this was Benny's Special. He asked what I wanted, and made this suggestion-- it was awesome-- our server even wanted Benny to make it for him as he's never seen it before...

[biketsai]

Some dishes come with side salads, like the one above. Average prices I saw were $7-$15. This was $16.95-- same price as their chicken and scallions alfredo special... but this was Benny's Special. He asked what I wanted, and made this suggestion-- it was awesome-- our server even wanted Benny to make it for him as he's never seen it before...

Not bad, I would def like to try Bennys Special, was it a "one-time" thing?

[TTAM]

Not bad, I would def like to try Bennys Special, was it a "one-time" thing?

I don't think so... he asked me what "special" I had before... I said a friend recommended I ask for his special, and not knowing what to order, Big Benney recommended this.


Also, they know who Mitch and MattK are... I told him we were planning a group dinner soon, and they were happy to hear....

[superalpha]

+1

[MM120]

The wife & I went tonight to check it out. I had the shrimp alfredo & she had the shrimp arabiata w/ scallops (sp?). First bite of mine was pretty hot & it tasted ok. Let it cool down--and thicken--some, then added some salt & grated parmesan to my liking...which was a pretty generous amount each. It got better & better with every bite, & I must say it was pretty darn good. I could tell that the alfredo was made with real cream & not some powdered mix, which was quite pleasing. I really enjoyed it a lot.

The wife's was on the spicy side & more than I could handle of an entire entree, but it was good; I just have a weak stomach. All of the shrimp & scallops were very fresh & mild in flavor. They could serve seafood alone & I'd be pleased. Afterwards, I splurged & tried their cheesecake, & it was really great. It had an in-house flavor & soft texture, not the pre-made in a box type that you buy from Costco/Sam's. The house salad dressing was nice, but reminiscent of shrimp cocktail sauce (not as sweet & more vinegary, so I liked it). We spent $33 before tip, & it was well worth it in my opinion. My only complaint is that it isn't closer to my home. It's a pretty long drive to deal with on a week day, & I was distinctly reminded of why I prefer to not live in the suburbs again. You folks that make that drive daily are insane; I know why TTAM has a fetish w/ firearms now, & wonder why he doesn't have RPG launchers mounted on his truck.

Anyway, the food was good & got better w/ every bite. BTW, I saw a sweet silver B6 S4 driving though the lot as we were leaving.

[TTAM]

I almost ordered the shrimp Alfredo... My wife ordered it, and she loved what I had much more....

Did you use a coupon??

[TTAM]

Let's pick a day!!!!

[MM120]

I almost ordered the shrimp Alfredo... My wife ordered it, and she loved what I had much more....

Did you use a coupon??

No coupon

[trentor]

I may be up for this. I live about 5-10 min from there and tend to spend way too much money at that Home Depot next door. I'm surprised I never noticed this place.

[TTAM]

What day?

Steve, MattK, Mitch?

[matthewk]

Next week, I am in town Wednesday and Friday of next week, that's it.. Either of those days work..

[eman]

I have my reservations but may be in for another try. Thing is, you shouldn't have to put a 'generous' amount of parmesan and salt to make it taste better. Shouldn't it come out seasoned right?

[TTAM]

I'd I recall, little Benny said they are packed on Fridays.

Let's do Wednesday.

As for seasoning and parmesan-- that's personal preference. My dish was perfect.