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Today, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane and reminiscing about some of the beloved menu items that have come and gone at Olive Garden since its inception in 1982. From the spicy Calabrian chicken breadstick sandwich to the decadent spaghetti pie, there have been a variety of dishes that have left a lasting impression on our taste buds. While favorites like the garlic herb chicken con broccoli and steak gorgonzola Alfredo may no longer grace our tables, we can’t help but fondly remember them. Join us as we look back at the discontinued menu items that have shaped the Olive Garden dining experience over the years.

Olive Garden: A Look Back at Discontinued Menu Items

Have you ever wondered what happened to your favorite Olive Garden dishes that seem to have disappeared from the menu over the years? Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the beloved items that are no longer available at Olive Garden.

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History of Olive Garden

Let’s start with a brief overview of the history of Olive Garden. Founded in 1982, Olive Garden has been serving up delicious Italian-American cuisine for decades. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Olive Garden has become a popular destination for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal together.

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Discontinued Menu Items

Over the years, Olive Garden has introduced and discontinued various menu items, much to the dismay of loyal customers. While some dishes have been retired to make way for new offerings, others were simply not as popular as initially hoped. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most memorable discontinued menu items from Olive Garden.

Spicy Calabrian Chicken Breadstick Sandwich

One of the most talked-about discontinued menu items at Olive Garden was the Spicy Calabrian Chicken Breadstick Sandwich. This unique sandwich featured tender chicken marinated in a spicy Calabrian pepper sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served on a garlic breadstick bun. The combination of flavors and textures made this dish a fan favorite, but unfortunately, it was eventually removed from the menu.

Spaghetti Pie

The Spaghetti Pie was another beloved dish that graced the menu at Olive Garden for a period of time. This comforting and hearty dish consisted of layers of spaghetti, cheese, and marinara sauce baked to perfection. The Spaghetti Pie was a popular choice among customers looking for a twist on traditional pasta dishes, but it was eventually phased out to make room for new menu items.

Garlic Herb Chicken Con Broccoli

Fans of creamy pasta dishes will fondly remember the Garlic Herb Chicken Con Broccoli. This dish featured tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and herbs, served over a bed of pasta with a creamy broccoli sauce. The flavorful combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy sauce made this dish a standout on the Olive Garden menu, but it was unfortunately discontinued at some point.

Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

For those who enjoy a more indulgent meal, the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo was a must-try dish at Olive Garden. This decadent pasta dish combined tender steak slices with creamy Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce, tossed with fettuccine pasta. The rich and flavorful sauce paired perfectly with the savory steak, creating a dish that was a favorite among many customers. However, the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo was eventually taken off the menu.

Ravioli di Portobello

Vegetarians and mushroom lovers alike were fans of the Ravioli di Portobello at Olive Garden. This dish featured plump ravioli stuffed with a blend of portobello mushrooms and cheese, topped with a savory mushroom sauce. The earthy flavors of the portobello mushrooms combined with the creamy cheese filling made this dish a hit with customers. Despite its popularity, the Ravioli di Portobello was one of the menu items that were discontinued over time.

Venetian Apricot Chicken

In an effort to provide lighter and healthier options, Olive Garden introduced the Venetian Apricot Chicken as part of its “Lighter Italian Fare” menu in 2012. This dish featured grilled chicken topped with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, served with a side of vegetables. The flavorful combination of the apricot glaze and grilled chicken made this dish a refreshing addition to the menu. However, like many other menu items, the Venetian Apricot Chicken was eventually removed from the menu.

Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta

Last but not least, the Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta was a delicious appetizer that featured a blend of four cheeses and smoked mozzarella, served with garlic toast for dipping. The creamy and indulgent cheese fondue was a crowd-pleaser and a popular choice among customers looking for a tasty starter to their meal. However, the Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta was discontinued at some point, much to the disappointment of fans of this appetizer.

In Conclusion

While it’s natural for restaurants to update their menus and introduce new dishes to keep things fresh, it’s always a bit sad to see beloved menu items go. From the spicy Calabrian chicken breadstick sandwich to the creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Con Broccoli, Olive Garden has had its fair share of discontinued dishes over the years. As we reminisce about these classic favorites, let’s also look forward to the new and exciting offerings that Olive Garden will bring to its menu in the future. Next time you dine at Olive Garden, remember to ask your server about any special or seasonal menu items that might become your new favorites!

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