A restaurant menu is more than just a list of food; it’s a crucial marketing tool. The menu showcases what a restaurant offers, how much it costs, and, when done right, it can even influence what you decide to order. A well-designed menu can make the whole dining experience better.
Let’s start with Carol’s Restaurant in Blaine, Minnesota. This spot specializes in classic American food, and it’s especially known for its breakfast and brunch options. You can grab takeout, get delivery, or enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio.
Now, let’s compare that to Carollo’s Italian Cuisine, a local favorite pizza spot in Bloomington, MN. They pride themselves on offering a huge variety of pizzas, plus plenty of sides, and they even do catering.
This article gives you a comprehensive look at the Carol menu at Carol’s Restaurant and Carollo’s Italian Cuisine. We’ll break down the dishes, compare the styles, and help you decide which “Carol’s” is right for your next meal.
Appetizers & Starters: Setting the Stage
A good appetizer is more than just food; it’s an invitation. It sets the tone for the meal to come, offering a glimpse into the restaurant’s personality and culinary style. Let’s take a look at some appetizers from Carol’s and Carollo’s, and see what kind of stories they tell.
Carol’s Appetizers
Carol’s menu features a range of appetizers that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal. Some standouts include:
- Homemade Mexican Egg Rolls: A fun fusion of flavors, these egg rolls offer a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick.
- Beer-Battered Onion Rings and Chicken Strips: Classic comfort food done right, these crispy, golden appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser.
- BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: A cheesy, smoky delight, this quesadilla is packed with flavor and is substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
What makes these appetizers so appealing? They offer a range of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or just plain comforting, Carol’s appetizers have you covered.
Carollo’s Appetizers
Carollo’s takes a different approach, focusing on Italian-inspired appetizers that showcase fresh ingredients and classic flavors.
- Fried Calamari: Lightly battered and perfectly crispy, this seafood appetizer is a testament to simplicity and quality.
- Mussels and Clams Casino: A briny, flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic – a simple yet elegant appetizer that celebrates the flavors of Italy.
The emphasis here is on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian flavors. These appetizers are light, flavorful, and perfect for starting a meal on a bright, refreshing note.
Main Courses: Entrees and Pizza
Now that we’ve whetted our appetites with those delicious starters, let’s move on to the main event. Carol’s (or Carollo’s, depending on which location we’re talking about) truly shines when it comes to entrees and, of course, pizza.
Carol’s Entrees
If you’re looking for a satisfying and well-prepared main course, Carol’s offers a selection that’s sure to please. The menu isn’t overwhelming, but it’s diverse enough to cater to different cravings. You’ll find options like a perfectly cooked Natural Flat Iron Steak, a light and flavorful Grilled Parmesan or Beer Battered Walleye, and succulent Broiled Shrimp. Pasta lovers can indulge in the Robust Chicken Garlic Pasta or the classic Fettuccine Alfredo.
What stands out about Carol’s entrees is the focus on fresh ingredients and flavorful preparations. Whether you’re a meat-eater, a seafood fan, or prefer pasta, there’s a dish that’s designed to hit the spot.
Carollo’s Pizzas
But let’s be honest, when many people think of Carollo’s, they think of pizza. And with good reason! The pizza selection is extensive, offering something for everyone. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic Plain Cheese Pizza, available in various sizes and crusts to suit your appetite and preferences. But that’s just the beginning.
Carollo’s also offers a hearty Sicilian Pizza, perfect for sharing (or not!). And for those looking for something a little more adventurous, the Gourmet Pizza options are where things get really interesting. You’ll find a diverse range of toppings, from classic pepperoni and mushrooms to more unique combinations. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, you’re sure to find a pizza that tantalizes your taste buds.
What sets Carollo’s pizzas apart is the variety of styles and crusts available. In addition to the traditional crust, you can opt for a thick and satisfying Sicilian crust, a deep-dish Pan pizza, or even a Gluten-Free crust. This commitment to variety ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice (or two!) of Carollo’s pizza perfection.
Sandwiches, Hoagies, and Burgers: Casual Dining Options
Craving something handheld? Both Carol’s and Carollo’s offer a variety of sandwiches, but their styles and specialties differ.
Carol’s Sandwiches
Carol’s menu features classic American sandwiches with an emphasis on quality ingredients. You’ll find familiar favorites alongside some creative twists. Think of it as elevated comfort food.
Here’s a sampling of what you might find:
- BLT: The quintessential bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Thinly sliced steak with melted cheese, often with onions and peppers.
- Carol’s Big Burger: A hearty burger with all the fixings.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A lighter option with grilled chicken breast and various toppings.
- Carol’s Fritter Monte Cristo: A unique take on the classic Monte Cristo, likely featuring a fritter-style breading.
- Carol’s Reuben or Rachel: A hearty sandwich with corned beef or pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
- Fish Sandwich: Breaded or battered fish fillet, often served with tartar sauce.
- Sage Grilled Cheese: A grown-up grilled cheese with sage-infused butter and artisan cheese.
- Roasted Turkey Sandwich: Sliced roasted turkey with lettuce, tomato, and other toppings.
Carollo’s Sandwiches and Hoagies
Carollo’s leans heavily into Italian-American classics, with a focus on generous portions and satisfying flavors. This is the place to go when you’re really hungry!
Expect a wide array of steak sandwiches, cold hoagies, and hot sandwiches, such as:
- Steak Sandwiches: Plain, Cheese, Supreme, and Pizza Steak variations.
- Cold Hoagies: Italian, Pepperoni & Cheese, American, and Ham & Cheese.
- Hot Sandwiches: Eggplant Parmigiana, Sausage, and Meatball.
Fillings are plentiful, and you can usually choose from various bread options to customize your sandwich or hoagie.
Pastas and Seafood: Italian-Inspired Delights
Craving a comforting plate of pasta or fresh seafood? Both Carol’s Restaurant and Carollo’s Italian Grocery offer options to satisfy your appetite. Here’s a look at what you can expect:
Carol’s Pasta Options
While Carol’s Restaurant is known for its classic American fare, you can sometimes find pasta dishes on the menu. Currently, you might be able to find these selections:
- Robust Chicken Garlic Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo
These dishes take a simple approach, focusing on hearty flavors and familiar combinations.
Carollo’s Pasta and Seafood Dishes
If you’re after a more authentic Italian experience, Carollo’s Italian Grocery is the place to go. Their menu boasts a wide array of pasta and seafood dishes, all prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
For pasta lovers, Carollo’s offers:
- Pasta with your choice of sauce: Tomato, Marinara, Butter, or Garlic & Oil
- Penne Alla Vodka
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Pasta Primavera
Seafood enthusiasts will be delighted by options like:
- Pasta with Fresh Clams, Mussels, Shrimp & Scallops
- Shrimp Scampi
- Calamari Fra Diavolo
Carollo’s truly shines with its Italian influence, evident in the variety of flavorful sauces and the use of fresh, high-quality seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic marinara or a decadent seafood pasta, Carollo’s offers a taste of Italy right in your neighborhood.
Salads and Soups: Lighter Fare
Sometimes you’re just not in the mood for a heavy meal. If you’re craving something a little lighter, here’s what Carol’s and Carollo’s offer in the way of salads and soups.
Carol’s Salads and Soups
At Carol’s, you’ll find a few signature salads, all based on fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations. The Carol’s Signature Salad is a classic, while the Southern Fried Chicken Haystack Salad offers a heartier option. The Oriental Chicken Salad provides an Asian-inspired twist.
Carol’s also offers a homemade soup, the recipe for which varies depending on the day and location. It’s usually a good bet for a comforting and lighter meal.
Carollo’s Salads and Soups
Carollo’s has a more extensive salad menu, with options ranging from the basic Garden Salad to the more elaborate Chef Salad and Caesar Salad. You can also choose from the Antipasto Salad, Taco Salad, or Four Seasons Salad.
The soup options at Carollo’s include a comforting Chicken Pastina Soup and a creamy Seafood Bisque. The restaurant provides a variety of salad styles and dressings, allowing you to customize your meal to your liking.
Catering and special menus: Serving a crowd
Carol’s Restaurant and Carollo’s Italian Grocery offer some special menus for seniors, along with catering options that can help you feed a crowd at your next event.
Carol’s special menus (senior specials)
If you’re looking for a lighter meal with fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations, you might want to try Carol’s senior specials, which include:
- Senior hot sandwich
- Senior half sandwich with soup
- Senior fried chicken tender dinner
Carollo’s catering options
If you’re planning a party, Carollo’s Italian Grocery offers a variety of catering packages that can be customized to fit the size of your group and your particular food preferences. Catering options include:
- Assorted hoagies and wraps
- Pasta (linguini with clam sauce, penne alla vodka)
- Chicken and seafood (chicken francese, shrimp scampi)
With its crowd-pleasing catering menu and senior-friendly meals, Carol’s Restaurant and Carollo’s Italian Grocery aim to please a wide range of palates.
Putting It All Together
So, what’s the difference between Carol’s and Carollo’s? Carol’s serves up a wide range of classic American dishes in a casual setting. Carollo’s specializes in Italian-American cuisine, especially pizza, and offers extensive catering services for your next event.
Whether you’re in the mood for a burger and fries or a slice of New York-style pizza, both restaurants understand the importance of offering diverse menus that cater to all kinds of tastes and preferences. After all, variety is the spice of life!
We encourage you to explore both menus online and, better yet, visit Carol’s and Carollo’s in person to experience their delicious food and welcoming atmospheres for yourself. You might just discover your new favorite spot!