This summer

has been a busy one for the Fayette County dining scene with the addition

of two new Italian eateries in the county.

The latest

addition to Peachtree City's restaurant row, Macaroni Grill, opened recently

and Fayette's foodies have been jamming the doors trying to sample the

cuisine.

The new eatery

is next to Chili's at the intersection of Ga. highways 74 and 54. The

restaurant features a wide variety of Italian foods and features a well-appointed

dining room with dramatic lighting and flower arrangements.

Normally, I

stay away from chains because I'm tired of sameness, but Macaroni Grill

is worth the trip.

The menu features

delicious tastes from around different regions in Italy and also features

clever food combinations.

Residents who

are fond of ravioli should sample the lobster ravioli. The giant pasta

shells are filled with lobster meat and are covered in a wonderful sauce.

For foodies

more concerned about the lighter side of the menu, the chicken Caesar

salad is excellent. The salad is huge and features delicious chunks of

grilled chicken.

The desserts

all looked wonderful and the service was impeccable.

Just south

of Macaroni Grill is Donato's Pizza on Hwy. 74. The restaurant is another

chain, but features an interesting twist. After you're seated and presented

a menu, you have to call your selection in to the kitchen.

Each table

has its own phone and when you're ready to order, pick up the phone and

place your order.

The pizza is

really good and relatively inexpensive. The restaurant features several

toppings for your pie and the crust is very tasty.

My only problem

with Donato's is the service. I was seated close to the kitchen and had

to wait 15 minutes for my pizza to make the big four-feet trip from the

warming tray to my table.

If the service

improves, this could be a very viable alternative to some of the more

bland choices in pizza that are offered in the area.