After a long day at work, I was planning to go to my Pilate class while Chia called to see if I would like to meet up for dinner. Between hard workout vs. fine dinning with friends – almost the no brainier decision (well, at this from the short term benefit perspective). 
We met up at Macaroni Grill (http://www.macaronigrill.com/). Macaroni Grill is family style Italian chain restaurants. It’s more upscale compares to Olive Garden. This is the 2nd time I’ve been to Macaroni Grill in Southern California. The 1st time is with Dave, my old boss from WFC, in Newport Beach. This one is in Tustin Market place, a block away from my apartment. This place is always crowded during dinner hours. Luckily we arrived early with just a short wait. There was a huge wait after we finished dinner.
I like the interior design of the restaurant. It’s cozy and very family friendly. I like all the nice water painting on the wall with pictures of Southern Europe.
Chia, my college roommate who is now a successful attorney – I told her all the time, she is like Ally McBeal.
I wasn’t very hungry since I had Korean food for lunch, so I ordered Steak & Arugula Salad. Although we were so full after our entrée, we shared Tiramisu. The portion of their Tiramisu is huge. We weren’t able to finish it. It’s pretty good, a little too sweet.
Freshly made bread with Olive Oil and vinaigrette. It’s soft and is baked with some sort of fresh herb (maybe rosemary). Although both Chia and I are watching our carb consumption, we finished the whole bread. 
We both ordered their signature bellini blended. It’s the cocktail drink with rum, peach nectar, white wine and champagne.
Chia had Leaning Bellni, and I ordered Ultimate Leaning Bellini (added twist of red raspberry liqueur). I didn’t like the drink, too much. The taste is very bitter. Maybe the bartender put too much rum. I should of get a glass of chardonnay instead.
Beef is very tender, and I like the blue cheese and arugula with light red wine vinaigreet dressing. It’s very light, and just right for summer night dinner.
Chia ordered Chicken Portobello.
Grilled chicken with Portobello mushroom with melted mozzarella cheese. It also came with spinach orzo pasta (small rice liked pasta, and it’s tasted like rice, too). The chicken is very tender and marinated well. 
Overall the food is pretty good - a relax dinning experience. It’s a great place for family dinner, birthday party or showers. The service is pretty good here as well, and waiter and waitress are friendly.
I like the feeling of the restaurant – “Warmness and Welcoming”
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