I ventured out to Olive Garden to try their new $12.95 dinner special a couple of days ago. I say the word “venture” because the closest Olive Garden to me is 20 miles away.

When we got there we noticed people were overflowing outside of the main entrance, and the parking lot was completely full. The estimated wait time for us was an hour and a half. As incredibly crowded as it was, the hostess greeted us with a smile and let us know that we were welcome to sit in the bar area for a full-service menu since it was on a first come first served basis (meaning we wouldn’t have to wait as long for a table if we didn’t mind sitting at the bar). We gladly took a table in the bar area within a matter of seconds.

As I looked around, I saw families and people of all ages dining together. Friends were meeting up for drinks, kids were laughing while running around one another, and grandparents sat patiently waiting for a table. The bartender quickly approached us and was happy to serve us even though we weren’t planning on ordering any alcoholic beverages. I ordered the 3 Course Italian Dinner for $12.95 with the garden fresh salad, Creamy Parmesan Portobello Mushroom Fettuccine, and Dark Chocolate Cake for dessert–not to mention the never-ending breadsticks that come with your meal.

They have quite an extensive menu, so check out Olivegarden.com to check it out and find a restaurant near you.

My salad was enough for two and my entree was delicious and filling; I even had enough leftover to eat for lunch the next day! The waitress packed my leftovers in a microwavable container and put extra breadsticks to-go in an oven-heating bag. How easy can they make my life?

For dessert, the bartender gave me both the chocolate cake and strawberry cream cake for to try, even though I ordered just one. Now THAT’S what I call great service! The smaller portion was perfect after a huge meal.

Overall, the dinner special has plenty of options to choose from-whether you want soup or a salad, vegetables or meat, and chocolate or vanilla. It can be accommodated to everyone’s tastes. Want to see all the delicious options available with Olive Garden’s 3 Course Italian Dinner? Just visit Olivegarden.com/specials.

Not only is your meal customizable, but it’s affordable as well. At most other restaurants, the entree alone would cost you around $15. At Olive Garden, you get an appetizer, main meal, AND dessert for less!
Now, it’s your turn to go out and try Olive Garden’s $12.95 3 Course Italian Dinner special, it’s going on through 3/18! I’m going to be giving a $100 Olive Garden gift card to one lucky reader, courtesy of Olive Garden and BlogHer. To be entered for a chance to win, just leave me a comment telling me if you prefer the entree or the dessert!

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/21/12 – 3/18/12.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment (see question above in bold)
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

Also, visit the Olive Garden page on BlogHer.com to check out the other blogger reviews and more chances to win!