In the past I have enjoyed the food at Carrabba's Italian Grill, especially the Pollo Rosa Maria, and thought it was better than most chain restaurants. Last night's experience makes me wonder.
I was waited on by a young blonde fresh-faced girl who was obviously somewhat "green" as a waitress or waitperson. I ordered the small portion of zucchini fritti as an appetizer and the beef brosato (braised) as the main dish. I also ordered a quartino (quarter liter I believe) of Chianti Classico Riserva Ruffino Ducale. She even repeated after me "Chianti Classico Ruffino Ducale."
She brought calamari instead of the zucchini fritti and so I had to wait an exceptionally long time for the appetizer. She also messed up the salad orders of the table next to me and couldn't tell them what kind of vinaigrette was available (the lady wanted balsamic vinaigrette.)
Finally got my appetizer only to discover that she had brought me Coppola Claret in place of the Chianti Classico. This after repeating the name of the wine after me! Her apology: Well they're the same thing only one is from California and one is from Italy!! I said "No they are not the same thing! They are even from diffent grapes. The Chianti is with the Sangiovese grape." She then informed me that the Chianti Classico is only sold by the bottle, not the glass or quartino so she thought I must want the wine listed below it and she isn't 21 so doesn't drink wine herself and so is unfamiliar with the winelist. Lovely!
She also touched me on the arm or shoulder at least three times during the meal and called me "sweetheart" at least twice (others here usually say Ma'am.) I tipped less than 10% unlike my normal 20% and will write a letter to the management suggesting they train their staff a bit better (or recruit better in their hiring.)