Birthday Conundrum

Ok, I need some help. I need a really good place to go for my birthday. Its my choice but I have run through so many ideas. Its just crazy. Every year me and my parents go out for my birthday. I get to choose the place. That's the rules. But almost every year we either stay home or go to Olive Garden. Considering that the Dinner Club is a week before my birthday and from what mom says, that's where its gonna be. I really don't want to repeat two weeks in a row. Plus with everything that has happened already this year I think we need to change it up. I need ideas. Anyone got any?????????

Carabba's I love this place! Since you obviously like Italian, i.e. Olive Garden, I think you will like this too. Very "Northern Italy" atmosphere and cozy. I spent 3 years living in Northern Italy and this takes me back to the family owned restaurants there. Prices are in line with OG. There is also Bucca di Beppo in Cool Springs. A bit pricier but the food is served family style and the amounts are huge. If they say something serves 2-4, it's more like 6-8. The food is amazing though...except for the Tiramisu, way too heavy on the rum. The atmosphere is very interesting. They have old photographs and stuff all over the walls, even in the restrooms. You do need a reservation unless you want to wait a very long time. Happy Birthday in advance! 

Carrobbas... OH YEAH!  Better than Olive Garden...   Olive Garden is to Italian Food what a Grand Prix is to the car industry Carrobbas's is to Italian Food what a cadillac is to the car industry You can ride in style or just settle for what looks good and is a fair price... Just my opinion..

How about the Spagetti Factory downtown. It is very homey atmosphere. My dad takes me there for " special" occasions like when I graduated from college and such. It is nice and not expensive.

One of the two places I went to for my "Last Supper", was Maggiano's on West End, it is a wonderful place to eat, you may want to check it out, here is the website http://www.maggianos.com/.  The were very friendly and you can have a choice of family style or plate service, I do know when we went, they let us get refills and take it home, well worth the money, if I recall, the family style was very reasonable, it included appetizers, salads, main entrees, and even desserts!!!  Very much worth it to go.  I would try there, since none of you have had surgery quite yet and this would be an experience that you will not be able to have once you have surgery!!!  Listen to me recommeneding that you eat tons of food, but on this board, we all talk about missing food at time and eating prior to our surgery, honestly I did this and never regreted it, because I was able to have the experience and now I do not wonder what it would have been like, hope this makes since!!! Happy Birthday Soon and Happy Deciding!!! SHelia

Ok let me update my opinion

 

Maggiano's is the Italian Food what a Jaguar is to the car industry

Yes they are good too.  A bit more pricey

I love Jimmy Kelly's downtown on Louise Street!  It reminds me of the 60's with great service and even better food.  The steaks are just wonderful and the desserts are to die for.  http://www.jimmykellys.com/menu_dinner.htm  I love the Blue Cheese Filet or the lambchops.  Don't forget the blackberry cobbler for dessert!!!!  It is a little pricey but you only have one birthday...right? For Italian, I love Valentino's.  Anything is wonderful!!!  http://valentinosnashville.com/menu-dinner.htm  Get your server to prepare the bananas foster for dessert!!!!  Yummy! Or...if buffet style is your passion, I have always loved New Orlean's Manor.  http://www.neworleansmanor.com/  It is an all you can eat seafood restaurant.  You can dress however you want and eat to your little heart's desire. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a marvelous birthday and that you and your family enjoy a wonderful dining experience. Big smile! Freddie

So many ideas, How will I ever chooose!!!!!! Thanks alot guys

Well I assume you live in the Nashville area.  There's a really nice Italian restaurant in Belle Meade called Finezza Italian Grille.  It's really good and not all that pricey... at least I don't think so.  I love their spinach lasagna! Of course, there's always other local restaurants like Cabana and Sunset Grill (both in Hillsboro Village).  Bistro 215 (in Green Hills) is also great and you get a free meal on your birthday.  Can't beat that! There's also Cheesecake Factory (Green Hills), Morton's (downtown), and Ruth's Chris (West End).  I guess it just depends what you're in the mood for.