SAN MARCOS – Carino's Italian Grill is a chain restaurant, but it has a homey feeling, with pictures of the “old country” adorning the walls, classic Italian music playing and some really distinctive menu offerings.
Although there is a rustic, laid-back feel to the restaurant, guests can be found dressed up as well as dressed down. With approximately 50 tables, Carino's can accommodate any occasion, from a big gathering of family and friends to a romantic dinner for two.
Signature cocktails include the Amalfi Strawberry Lemonade, sweet lemonade with strawberries and Captain Morgan rum ($6.95). Pair it with the Sicilian Fire Sticks: Italian sausage, chopped grilled chicken, bacon, Roma tomatoes, jalapeños and Italian cheeses rolled in a tomato basil tortilla, served with ranch and spicy marinara sauce ($9.99).
I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected combination of flavors in the Italian Nachos. Crispy pasta chips are baked with ground Italian sausage or sliced grilled chicken, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, Roma tomatoes and jalapeños. Toppings of creamy Alfredo sauce, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese provide the finishing touch ($8.99 solo, $13.99 family size). The recommended cocktail pairing: an Italian Margarita.
The Handmade Baked Lasagna ($12.49) comforts the taste buds with pasta layered with Italian sausage, ground beef braised in garlic, fresh ricotta and other Italian cheeses, and hearty meat sauce. An excellent lighter choice is the Angel Hair Pasta tossed with artichoke hearts, Roma tomatoes, chopped garlic, capers, basil, black olives and parmesan cheese ($10.99).
A variety of grilled steaks will satisfy meat lovers' appetites. The 10-ounce Black Angus Italian Sirloin is topped with a choice of mushroom gorgonzola cream sauce or sweet mushroom Marsala sauce. Sauted green beans and a side of pasta or roasted rosemary potatoes complement the steak ($17.99).
Don't miss an authentic vegetarian Italian dish that is my personal favorite. The Hand-Breaded Eggplant Parmigiana, layered with tomato sauce, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, is tender and tasty, served with spaghetti and tomato sauce ($11; chicken $14.49, veal $16.99).
The spicy Jalapeño Garlic Tilapia is pan-sauteed with garlic, Roma tomatoes, jalapeños and spinach in a lemon butter cream sauce over a bed of angel hair pasta ($14.99).
Family Platters are large portions to satisfy two or three people. Popular choices include Seafood Fettuccine ($32.49) or Spicy Romano Chicken ($29.49). Entrees are served with fresh baked bread. Add unlimited House Salad, Caesar Salad or soup for $1.99 or an Italian Wedge Salad or Caprese Salad for $2.99.
The perfect ending is the creamy homemade tiramisu ($6.99). The classic cannoli – crisp shells dipped in chocolate and stuffed with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chunk cream ($6.99) – is equally decadent.
Carino's, at 579 Grand Ave., San Marcos, is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Information: (760) 591-3600 or carinos.com. Another location is at 2245 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista; (619) 397-7307.
