UPDATE: The highly anticipated *Never-Ending Pasta Bowl* promotion at Olive Garden has officially returned, igniting excitement among pasta lovers in New York City. Launched on August 25 and running through November, the deal starts at just $13.99 per person, but diners at the Times Square location will pay $19.99, plus additional charges for unlimited proteins.
This dining experience promises a mix-and-match selection of pastas, sauces, proteins, alongside soup or salad and the beloved breadsticks. However, eager diners quickly learned that indulging in this “never-ending” feast can come at a hefty cost—specifically for their stomachs.
As two first-time visitors to Olive Garden, the duo embarked on a culinary challenge to conquer the famous pasta deal, only to discover the limits of their appetites. The atmosphere in bustling Times Square added to the adventure as they navigated the long escalator ride to the restaurant, fueled by the anticipation of unlimited pasta.
Upon arrival, they were met with a slightly different pricing structure, which initiated a mix of excitement and trepidation. With their first bowls arriving, they quickly realized the portion sizes were more daunting than expected. One diner chose the creamy *Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken fritta*, while the other opted for *Spaghetti with spicy meat sauce*. The first bites were promising, but as they dove deeper into the bowls, reality set in.
By round two, the challenge became overwhelming. One diner switched to *Rigatoni with five-cheese marinara*, while the other continued with *Rigatoni and creamy mushroom sauce*. The realization that the first dish was the largest portion left them feeling unprepared for the subsequent rounds. “There’s simply not enough room,” one admitted, while the other struggled to even consider a third helping.
As the meal progressed, the duo found humor in their escalating food coma. They humorously reflected on the experience of competitive eaters while managing to consume a total of **seven pasta dishes** between them. With heavy portions and flavors clashing, they ultimately decided to tap out before reaching their limits, having spent a total of $73.45 including drinks and protein add-ons.
The Olive Garden experience revealed not just the challenge of consuming unlimited pasta, but also the emotional highs and lows of dining out. As one diner remarked, “This one’s worse,” recalling previous culinary expeditions. The atmosphere was punctuated by unexpected events, including the staff singing *Happy Birthday* to a table nearby and a fire alarm that added a sense of urgency to their already intense meal.
Now, as the *Never-Ending Pasta Bowl* promotion continues to draw crowds, diners are left to contemplate their own limits. The duo’s adventure serves as both a cautionary tale and an invitation to pasta enthusiasts to test their limits at Olive Garden.
For those eager to participate in this culinary challenge, it’s advised to wear comfortable clothing, start with a lighter tomato-based sauce, and come prepared to pace themselves. As the waitress noted, some diners have managed to devour an astonishing **10 bowls**, averaging around **six** bowls per visit.
The *Never-Ending Pasta Bowl* is more than just a meal; it’s a rite of passage for pasta lovers in New York City. Will you take on the challenge? The clock is ticking, and the pasta is waiting!
