Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese, Grilled Shrimp Caprese and Venetian Apricot Chicken

highlight the variety in regional Italian meals

ORLANDO, Fla. – Inspired by a tour through the northern Veneto and southern Campagna regions of Italy, Olive Garden and its team of chefs have created three entrées for their new menu, which debuts in restaurants July 2 nd . These additions include Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese, Grilled Shrimp Caprese and Venetian Apricot Chicken, each bringing even more fresh, simple and delicious flavors to the menu.

All three dishes are inspired by Olive Garden’s multiple trips to Italy each year. The culinary team spends several weeks exploring the various regions of this country steeped in food traditions to gain inspiration and continue to introduce guests to distinct elements of Italian cuisine. “Our culinary team’s travels provide the opportunity to taste hundreds of dishes, meet local chefs, visit their restaurants and experience Italy’s culinary diversity. The country is not defined by a single culinary style, but a collection of culinary regions, each with individual influences and flavors. These new dishes reflect hose varying regional cooking techniques and styles, and we’re excited to share them with our guests,” said John Caron, executive vice president of marketing for Olive Garden.

The addition of Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese was inspired by a visit to the northern Veneto district and marks the first time gnocchi has appeared on the Olive Garden menu. Gnocchi, the Italian word for dumpling, is the central ingredient to the new dish, which also incorporates sautéed chicken, roasted red peppers and a parmesan and ricotta cheese sauce. The dish is best complimented by a light white wine such as a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a blend of both varietals, such as Bertani Due Uve.

Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese was developed by Chef Flavio Tagliaferro, an experienced Italian chef Olive Garden’s culinary  Team met a few years ago in Italy. For more information about Flavio and the inspiration behind the new Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese dish, please visit: www.olivegardennewfavorites.com

All three dishes are inspired by Olive Garden’s multiple trips to Italy each year. The culinary team spends several weeks exploring the various regions of this country steeped in food traditions to gain inspiration and continue to introduce guests to distinct elements of Italian cuisine. “Our culinary team’s travels provide the opportunity to taste hundreds of dishes, meet local chefs, visit their restaurants and experience Italy’s culinary diversity. The country is not defined by a single culinary style, but a collection of culinary regions, each with individual influences and flavors. These new dishes reflect hose varying regional cooking techniques and styles, and we’re excited to share them with our guests,” said John Caron, executive vice president of marketing for Olive Garden.

The addition of Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese was inspired by a visit to the northern Veneto district and marks the first time gnocchi has appeared on the Olive Garden menu. Gnocchi, the Italian word for dumpling, is the central ingredient to the new dish, which also incorporates sautéed chicken, roasted red peppers and a parmesan and ricotta cheese sauce. The dish is best complimented by a light white wine such as a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a blend of both varietals, such as Bertani Due Uve.

Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese was developed by Chef Flavio Tagliaferro, an experienced Italian chef Olive Garden’s culinary  Team met a few years ago in Italy. For more information about Flavio and the inspiration behind the new Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese dish, please visit: www.olivegardennewfavorites.com

Page Two/Olive Garden’s New Menu