Every day, there’s something like a 20 minute wait at Olive Garden in Peoria for lunch. Forget that there are more-authentic Italian places all over the city where you could just walk in, and get better food, with no wait at all!
I was told by someone in the know that the Peoria Olive Garden is the second-busiest Olive Garden in the country.
Do you know how impossible it is to eat there in a way that resembles some form of “healthy”? Nearly impossible.
Sigh. This is the city where I live. People waiting in line to gorge themselves on uber-fattening “Italian” food.
(And yes, I know because I ate lunch there today… and had to wait… at 11:20am. My only excuse: I didn’t pick it!)
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I haven’t gone to OG for a few years for that very reason (the wait, not the unhealthiness). We’re big fans of Basta’s, although it’s no salad bar.
Any recommendations for good, local Italian?
I can’t help it — I love Olive Garden. I don’t even mind the wait
@Shana – I won’t deny that the food is tasty. But it sure isn’t healthy, and sometimes barely qualifies as “Italian.” All I’m saying is that there are plenty of delicious Italian restaurants that would have little to no wait…
Isaac – my favorite is PVII on North Allen
I find it sad that we don’t have a “mom n pop” place that makes their own noodles and serves them with simple sauces. Apparently its to much to ask. Also, I wish people wouldn’t ditch their heritage and succumb to the “americanized” version when cooking their food that was passed down for generations.
The burner on the melting pot of america should be turned down a bit so we can actually experience the uniqueness of each culture.
I openly despise that restaurant.
Paparazzi’s (hidden off of Prospect in the Heights) is a great little Italian place, though be aware that regardless of who you go there with, you’ll feel like you’re on an intimate date.
Rizzi’s on the riverfront is pretty good.
I’ve been to Olive Garden exactly once in my life, and it was not great.
I’ll have to try some of these other restaurants.
Bernardis in Washington… Or Benardis North in Dunlap… no wait, well very little wait and great food.. Very authentic. They’re the ones who own Mona’s and Caponi’s in Toluca Il