Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Food, Italian style

By F.C. FOODIE
Food Critic

This summer has been a busy one for the Fayette County dining scene with the addition of two new Italian eateries in the county.

The latest addition to Peachtree City's restaurant row, Macaroni Grill, opened recently and Fayette's foodies have been jamming the doors trying to sample the cuisine.

The new eatery is next to Chili's at the intersection of Ga. highways 74 and 54. The restaurant features a wide variety of Italian foods and features a well-appointed dining room with dramatic lighting and flower arrangements.

Normally, I stay away from chains because I'm tired of sameness, but Macaroni Grill is worth the trip.

The menu features delicious tastes from around different regions in Italy and also features clever food combinations.

Residents who are fond of ravioli should sample the lobster ravioli. The giant pasta shells are filled with lobster meat and are covered in a wonderful sauce.

For foodies more concerned about the lighter side of the menu, the chicken Caesar salad is excellent. The salad is huge and features delicious chunks of grilled chicken.

The desserts all looked wonderful and the service was impeccable.

Just south of Macaroni Grill is Donato's Pizza on Hwy. 74. The restaurant is another chain, but features an interesting twist. After you're seated and presented a menu, you have to call your selection in to the kitchen.

Each table has its own phone and when you're ready to order, pick up the phone and place your order.

The pizza is really good and relatively inexpensive. The restaurant features several toppings for your pie and the crust is very tasty.

My only problem with Donato's is the service. I was seated close to the kitchen and had to wait 15 minutes for my pizza to make the big four-feet trip from the warming tray to my table.

If the service improves, this could be a very viable alternative to some of the more bland choices in pizza that are offered in the area.

 

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