Q&A
To learn more about Carrabba's, here are some questions asked by our guests
1 / 12
12) Ryan G. Asks...
When I visit my grandma in Jacksonville Beach, I love to go to Carrabba's. I really like to play with the dough while we are waiting for dinner. Who came up with the idea and do you have any children?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
While Damian and I both have children, we can't take credit for the idea of giving kids pizza dough to play with. That was something one of our wonderful employees came up with several years ago. And we've been doing it ever since. There are lots of adults who like to play with the pizza dough too!
1 ) Jill H. asks...
Before Carrabba's it seems as if no one ever heard of the Italian grill style of cooking. It has opened a whole new world to going out for Italian. How did you come up with this style of cooking and the amazing recipes (like my favorite Chicken Bryan)?
Damian Mandola answers...
Italian have been grilling for centuries! Really. Italian food is much more varied than spaghetti and red sauce that has come to represent Italian food in America. Grilled and roasted meats and fish are very popular in Italy. As for our recipes, some were my mother's and my grandmother's, and many, such as the Chicken Bryan, I created myself. We're so pleased you've enjoyed it!
2) John S. Asks...
Our family ranks Carrabba's #1 when it comes to dining out! Sometimes circumstances dictate ordering carry out. Most restaurants do not offer takeout let alone reserved Parking spaces and the convenience of bringing your order to your vehicle. How did you invent the splendid idea of Carside Carry-Out?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
We are so pleased you've enjoyed our Carside Carry-Out! We recognized the fact that people's lives are only getting busier and more hectic and that there isn't always time to dine out. Consumers are looking for quick but good home meal replacements. So it was our goal to develop a carry out program that would be convenient for our busy customers! With our Carside Carry-Out service, you don't have to get out of your car! We have guests who come in their pajamas!
3) Katie V. Asks...
I love sitting at the Kitchen Counter when my husband and I eat at Carrabba's. What gave you the idea to let customers be able to dine and enjoy watching your excellent staff prepare such wonderful dinners?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
Whenever we're together with the family, we all hang out in the kitchen. It's where the action is and where everybody wants to be! So we decided to put our kitchen in the dining room so our guests could share in the energy, excitement and wonderful aromas of freshly prepared foods. The "Kitchen Counter" is definitely the best seat in the house!
4) Heather S. Asks...
Where did the name Carrabba's come from?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
My family is from Corleone in Sicily, however, we believe our name is actually Arabic as the Arabs ruled Sicily for over 100 years!
5) Liz D. Asks...
What is the key to making a successful Italian dinner?
Damian Mandola answers...
Fresh ingredients are the key to making a successful Italian meal! In particular, fresh herbs. Herbs lose their oils as they dry and it's the oils that produce the flavors. So it's critical to the flavor of your dishes that your herbs are fresh. They cost a little more, but they're worth it!
6) Ben P. Asks...
How many of your recipes are actual Italian recipes?
Damian Mandola answers...
Our chefs travel to Italy every year to soak up the local cooking and discover what's new and exciting at the country's best restaurants. This inevitably leads to a few new dishes on the menu back home, worthy of our customer's adoration.
7) Patrick V. Asks...
In ordering a pasta or spaghetti entrée , what does al denté mean?
Damian Mandola answers...
Al denté literally means "firm to the tooth" and is used in reference to the firmness of pasta. Properly prepared pasta should be al denté meaning it should be firm or have a slight resistance.
8) Geri R. Asks...
Where can I find that wonderful cheese (Caprino) that you use for the Chicken Bryan?
Damian Mandola answers...
Caprino is the Italian name for goat cheese. You can usually find it at any of the better supermarkets or gourmet markets. Buon appetito.
9) Mary C. Asks...
What do you love most about Carrabba's?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
I love the preparation and excitement of it all. It's like throwing a party at your home every night. You work hard to prepare a great meal and you can't wait to greet your guests and show them a great time.
10) Nancy S. Asks...
My family is Italian and we all agree your calamari is by far the best! Does the size of the squid have anything to do with the texture or taste?
Damian Mandola answers...
The size of the squid has everything to do with the texture. We only purchase squid that are 3-5 inches in length. Anything larger will be tough and chewy! Thanks for asking!
11) Aaron L. Asks...
Were you nervous in opening the first Carrabba's that it would not be successful, since so many restaurants do actually go under?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
I was a little nervous, like anyone opening a new business. But I knew we had great recipes, a great location and I knew I had a great partner!
12) Ryan G. Asks...
When I visit my grandma in Jacksonville Beach, I love to go to Carrabba's. I really like to play with the dough while we are waiting for dinner. Who came up with the idea and do you have any children?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
While Damian and I both have children, we can't take credit for the idea of giving kids pizza dough to play with. That was something one of our wonderful employees came up with several years ago. And we've been doing it ever since. There are lots of adults who like to play with the pizza dough too!
1 ) Jill H. asks...
Before Carrabba's it seems as if no one ever heard of the Italian grill style of cooking. It has opened a whole new world to going out for Italian. How did you come up with this style of cooking and the amazing recipes (like my favorite Chicken Bryan)?
Damian Mandola answers...
Italian have been grilling for centuries! Really. Italian food is much more varied than spaghetti and red sauce that has come to represent Italian food in America. Grilled and roasted meats and fish are very popular in Italy. As for our recipes, some were my mother's and my grandmother's, and many, such as the Chicken Bryan, I created myself. We're so pleased you've enjoyed it!
2) John S. Asks...
Our family ranks Carrabba's #1 when it comes to dining out! Sometimes circumstances dictate ordering carry out. Most restaurants do not offer takeout let alone reserved Parking spaces and the convenience of bringing your order to your vehicle. How did you invent the splendid idea of Carside Carry-Out?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
We are so pleased you've enjoyed our Carside Carry-Out! We recognized the fact that people's lives are only getting busier and more hectic and that there isn't always time to dine out. Consumers are looking for quick but good home meal replacements. So it was our goal to develop a carry out program that would be convenient for our busy customers! With our Carside Carry-Out service, you don't have to get out of your car! We have guests who come in their pajamas!
3) Katie V. Asks...
I love sitting at the Kitchen Counter when my husband and I eat at Carrabba's. What gave you the idea to let customers be able to dine and enjoy watching your excellent staff prepare such wonderful dinners?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
Whenever we're together with the family, we all hang out in the kitchen. It's where the action is and where everybody wants to be! So we decided to put our kitchen in the dining room so our guests could share in the energy, excitement and wonderful aromas of freshly prepared foods. The "Kitchen Counter" is definitely the best seat in the house!
4) Heather S. Asks...
Where did the name Carrabba's come from?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
My family is from Corleone in Sicily, however, we believe our name is actually Arabic as the Arabs ruled Sicily for over 100 years!
5) Liz D. Asks...
What is the key to making a successful Italian dinner?
Damian Mandola answers...
Fresh ingredients are the key to making a successful Italian meal! In particular, fresh herbs. Herbs lose their oils as they dry and it's the oils that produce the flavors. So it's critical to the flavor of your dishes that your herbs are fresh. They cost a little more, but they're worth it!
6) Ben P. Asks...
How many of your recipes are actual Italian recipes?
Damian Mandola answers...
Our chefs travel to Italy every year to soak up the local cooking and discover what's new and exciting at the country's best restaurants. This inevitably leads to a few new dishes on the menu back home, worthy of our customer's adoration.
7) Patrick V. Asks...
In ordering a pasta or spaghetti entrée , what does al denté mean?
Damian Mandola answers...
Al denté literally means "firm to the tooth" and is used in reference to the firmness of pasta. Properly prepared pasta should be al denté meaning it should be firm or have a slight resistance.
8) Geri R. Asks...
Where can I find that wonderful cheese (Caprino) that you use for the Chicken Bryan?
Damian Mandola answers...
Caprino is the Italian name for goat cheese. You can usually find it at any of the better supermarkets or gourmet markets. Buon appetito.
9) Mary C. Asks...
What do you love most about Carrabba's?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
I love the preparation and excitement of it all. It's like throwing a party at your home every night. You work hard to prepare a great meal and you can't wait to greet your guests and show them a great time.
10) Nancy S. Asks...
My family is Italian and we all agree your calamari is by far the best! Does the size of the squid have anything to do with the texture or taste?
Damian Mandola answers...
The size of the squid has everything to do with the texture. We only purchase squid that are 3-5 inches in length. Anything larger will be tough and chewy! Thanks for asking!
11) Aaron L. Asks...
Were you nervous in opening the first Carrabba's that it would not be successful, since so many restaurants do actually go under?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
I was a little nervous, like anyone opening a new business. But I knew we had great recipes, a great location and I knew I had a great partner!
12) Ryan G. Asks...
When I visit my grandma in Jacksonville Beach, I love to go to Carrabba's. I really like to play with the dough while we are waiting for dinner. Who came up with the idea and do you have any children?
Johnny Carrabba answers...
While Damian and I both have children, we can't take credit for the idea of giving kids pizza dough to play with. That was something one of our wonderful employees came up with several years ago. And we've been doing it ever since. There are lots of adults who like to play with the pizza dough too!