The “Two Can Dine for $19.99″ special is back at Carino’s Italian Restaurant and my Mother thought it would be great for the two of us to go there for lunch today. I didn’t have any objections so off we went. Of course, when the appetizer arrived and she saw me pull out my camera to take pictures she probably regretted it a little bit. Her thoughts probably ran along the lines of Please ignore the flashes of light coming from our table. Nothing to see here folks, just my daughter the Naples photographer wannabe taking pictures of food. Again.

The Two Can Dine for $19.99 special includes your choice of unlimited soup or salad, two entrees, and two deserts – a three course meal! Plus of course, their customary unlimited garlic bread as well.

Warning: The content contained in this post may cause your mouth to water, your stomach to growl, and may cause any other food you’re eating to taste unappealing. Viewer discretion is advised.

As usual, I started off with an appetizer, no surprise there. It also wasn’t a surprise I ordered their baked stuffed mushrooms. I absolutely love their stuffed mushrooms and must order them whenever I dine there. The mushrooms are stuffed with: spinach, Parmesan cheese, red onions, garlic and are topped with lemon basil cream sauce, Roma tomatoes and basil.

I was tempted to order a salad but then the waitress mentioned the soups of the day were Minestrone and Garlic Potato. I’m sorry but garlic + potatoes? It was no contest!

Of course my mother ordered her usual, Minestrone:

For once I did not order a steak in any form but then their steaks aren’t part of the 2 Can Dine for $19.99 menu, but hey, that’s okay. I went ahead and went with something I’ve tried before and loved.

I ordered Carino’s Skilletini Combo. The Skilletini Combo comes with both chicken and sausage along with spaghetti, spicy marinara, marinated onions and green bell peppers. My mother wasn’t very adventurous and stuck with her usual Chicken Alfredo.

And to finish it off – mini deserts! Mom ordered the chocolate cake (left) and I ordered the Cheesecake (right) which was topped with yummy cherries.

On top of the food we had a really awesome waitress. Glasses half full? No need to flag her down! She just popped out of nowhere, topped us off without question and a smile on her face, then scurried away. Dirty plates? Whisked away as soon as we put them to the side. She was completely on the ball and constantly anticipating our needs. And when it looked like my mother wouldn’t be able to finish her chicken alfredo the waitress happily offered to retreive cartons for take out. Most waitresses/waiters look put out when you ask for take out containers. Not this one though, she was perky without being obnoxious, always helpful, and just right on the ball. I’ve never seen a waitress as good as her. Needless to say she got a large tip from us.