Maggiano's Little Italy   

I just want to say that we had a great experience at Maggianos. Our first time there the manager came to the table and introduced himself. He said they try to visit all the new tables. But don't get mad if they miss you. It's a huge restaurant, almost Mansion Like. Because of the conversation I had with the manager I had a chance to walk the kitchen. Everthing looked fresh and not one microwave. I was very excited. We split a chopped salad which is great. It had proscuitto, blue cheese and others I don't remember. Blended very well. Portion sizes are big so split the starters but I would order my own entree. It's to good to share. Pack up the rest and take home. They even box it for you. My entree was this Saltembocca chicken. To die for. Procuitto and cheese with a breading and veal sauce. My wife ordered a Rigatoni "D". It had cream, wine, mushrooms, onions. By far the best dish to touch my mouth. I was lucky to get one bite from her. For dessert was a Tiramisu. Oh my god. I've travelled the world and never tasted it this good. Not overwelming on the alcohol. Sometimes it's to powerfull elsewhere. They explained everything was made there. They have a pastry chef in the morning that makes everything. They even have a saucier that makes all the sauces for the day. I took cooking classes so I know that is very important. We had a good time. It's loud in there but that''s the atmosphere. I saw a steak at a table that was huge. The manager explained it was from the same places they had at the Higher end steak houses. We received a 5 star meal with a 4 star price and atmosphere. No it's not The Mansion or Three Forks it was Maggiano's. Big, Robust and Filled with excitement with a 5 star meal. We thought it was worth it. And we had food for the next day. There's kids there music and Families. I love it. They even had a wedding reception going on in one of there banquet rooms. 5 big rooms for I guess whatever. If you go there loosen up and have a good time.

I ate there(Plano location) 1st and last time over Christmas 2006. Ordered the chef's special, expecting the best they had to offer. It was a steak dish and we were asked how we liked it prepared.....medium/medium rare. The entree arrived beyond well done. Requested the server to correct overdone meat....... couldn't authorize, so we asked to speak to manager. Manager would not even visit table to explain that"the dish cannot be prepared less than medium, since it is a thin piece of steak..." Shouldn't this have been explained when we ordered so we had another option? My husband and I both had ordered this special, so we were just out of luck I guess as far as this restaurant cares. Couldn't believe the manager would not even come by to explain personally, but relied on poor server to deliver the unacceptable news! Pathetic service attitude, but from what I see, I doubt my patronage will be missed at this giant conglomerate chain.

Dallas area is home to two Maggiano's locations - a rare treat for this Chicago-born restaurant started by Lettuce Entertain You and later purchased by Brinker. Executive chefs Matt Nicholson and David Duron prepare weekly specials at each of their restaurants and Matt is known chain-wide for creating a number of Maggianos' outstanding home-made deserts. Portions are huge - a family of three can easily share an entree and side of pasta with a salad or soup. Desserts are equally generous potuions. Lunch portions are still large enough for two or leftovers, and adds a sandwich menu.. Not on the menu, but a favorite and frequent guest on the specials list is the calamari salad. Staff and managers treat frequent and new customers alike as VIPs and any reasonable request is normally accommodated. The banquet rooms are always busy, so plan well ahead for parties. Always a good choice, reservations or early dinner is the best choice on Fri or Sat nights. I you are diappointed in anything, tell them so they can make it right.