Olive Garden Restaurant

As I walk in to the Olive Garden Restaurant I look around notice the warm welcoming atmosphere that surrounds me, as the Hostess greets us with her gracious words, "Welcome to Olive Garden!". After only five minutes waiting the hostess calls us back to our table, as I look at the friendly smirk upon her face, behind her long blond hair, she seems to actually takes pleasure from her job, which is comforting. Throughout the restaurant I noticed the light brown stucco walls with fancy designs such as grape vines, low hanging lights, and pictures of chefs and it gives it a soothing "at home" feel.

The present time Olive Garden restaurant chain is styled after a farmhouse in the town of Castellina in Chiante, Tuscany, on the grounds of the Rocca delle Macie winery. Italy is the main inspiration of the restaurant, which works for me because Italian food is my favorite. The main reason that inspired the founders of the restaurant was the warmth and genuine Hospitality of their people, as well as the importance for family in their culture. That same passion for Italy also led the founders to establish Olive Gardens institute of Tuscany in 1999, opened up their own cooking school in Italy, of which they send many employees to so they can learn how real authentic food is prepared. The first restaurant was opened by General Mills on December 13, 1982, in Orlando Florida. Since it has become very successful, there were 700 stores open across Canada and the United States. The restaurants are a mid-priced casual dining specializing in Italian food.

As the attractive, clean cut waiter, makes eye contact with me when he walks up to me he has a smile on his face. He politely introduces himself as Ted and asked if we were ready to order our drinks, then insisted that he would be back in just a minute with them. True to his word Ted returned with a cold glass of sprite, and coca cola. He then reassures us that the soup and salad will be out in just a moment. After which he walked out with a nice sized fresh garden salad with an oil and vinegar dressing, and hot bowl of chicken soup. The salad and soup was outstanding, and before I can even finish it he walks out with my order of fettuccine alfredo. As I glanced at the plate of fettuccine alfredo it looked very pleasing to the eyes, and the strong aroma of creamy garlic alfredo was amazing. Even knowing they put a stick of butter in to each plate did not even phase me, it was worth it!! The sauce tasted so deliciously creamy and had just the right amount of garlic, I felt as if I were in heaven as I took each bite.

The ambience of the restaurant seeks to replicate an old world, Italian style, utilizing foliage in the décor and background music seeking of Italian themes. People were wearing mostly casual clothes, which made me to feel relaxed. There was quite a bit of noise going on in the background, although I didn't mind it made me feel like