Restaurant Review by Don Fowler

We have been fans of the Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurant chain since visiting them in Florida many decades ago.

When the Warwick Carrabba’s opened we broke our tradition of only dining at family-owned Rhode Island Italian restaurants and enjoyed our first of many visits to the Route 2 location.

We have never been disappointed.

Carrabba’s recently added a noon to 3 p.m. lunch specials menu at a most reasonable price, which should make you think twice about grabbing a quick bite at one of the endless drive-throughs along the busy corridor.

Endless soup and salad is the bargain of the year at only $7.99. Their Caesar salad is as good as any we’ve had, and their soups are the best. All this and a basket of fresh bread and olive oil.

Our favorite is the Lunch Trio ($9.99), which includes the salad and soup and your choice of meatballs and ricotta, shrimp scampi. mozzarella marinara, or fettuccine alfredo.

The generous salad portion is accompanied by a bowl of soup. Joyce chose the chicken soup, which includes dark meat and tender white meat -- the best we’ve found in R.I. I always get the same thing -- the sausage and lentil soup, which is enough to satisfy my hunger. Served piping hot with a tinge of spiciness.

We both chose the shrimp scampi which, when brought to the table in a small cup, accompanied by toasted Italian bread, looked a bit skimpy.

Much to our surprise, and delight, the four shrimp were perfectly cooked in a creamy, tasty sauce, with enough bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

For those with big appetites, the Italian sandwich combo fills the ($11.99) bill. You have a choice of caprese with chicken, chicken parmesan or meatball, plus a choice of soup, salad, French fries, penne pomodoro or sauteed broccoli.

Every item on the menu lists the calories you are consuming. All Carrabba’s food is cooked to order.

The regular dinner menu is also available for lunch.