Macaroni Grill

I love this place, but let me tell you why.  First off.. I am not a corporate restaurant diner, that being said, I now have to explain why I love the Macaroni Grill. and it's all for the wrong reasons.. loving something that's bad for you, that's what I mean. 

I frequent the Macaroni Gill in Lutherville-Timonium, the one on Deereco Road and Padonia.  I go there after work at the restaurant, usually I am tired, hungry and I NEED  a glass of  wine or two. I sit at the bar.

Macaroni Grill has a great Happy Hour. Here's how it works.. from 5pm-7pm and from 9pm till close (which is 10pm on weekdays, and 11pm on weekends) they have some specials.. There are a few menu options which are 5 bucks.. that's all well and good, but I usually eat other stuff, BUT,  the big winner for me is the WINE!  For 3 bucks you get a good size glass of their house Chianti. It is usually served in a tumbler style glass, but the bartender, Steve, knows I like mine in a wine glass.  For starters I usually say yes to the bread.  It's so good, and it's so bad for you.. and I always eat too much of it.  They give you some extra-virgin olive oil and salt and pepper so it's just yummy. 

Lately I've been ordering the  Pesto Spaghetti. You have to say light on the sauce otherwise it's just swimming in pesto.  The dish is served with rosemary ham, peas, ricotta salata (not sure what that is) and some crispy prosciutto (which they forgot last time).   I am addicted to this pasta. Again, bad because it is sooo fattening, but even worse, cause it's usually after 9 when I am eating it.. hence the size 14 jeans.

Otherwise, if I don't get the pasta I like the Shrimp, Cannellini Bean & Avocado Crostini.  They have a really good Artichoke appetizer as well, but it isn't listed on the menu.. They bake a half of an artichoke and season it with I don't know what.. and it is so good.. I'm pretty sure there is some butter in there somewhere.

I'm not crazy about the Spicy Ricotta Meatballs or the the Goat Cheese Peppadew Peppers, but that's only because they are mediocre, and you know how I feel about that.

Anyway... there you have it, my opinion of the Macaroni Grill. Say hi to Steve for me.