If there is no love more sincere than the love of food, what food do you sincerely love?  That is the question Carrabba’s Italian Grill co-founders Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola are posing to consumers nationwide, starting on Valentine’s Day.   

Carrabba’s “Profess Your Love” Contest invites consumers to visit the website at www.Carrabbas.com/ProfessYourLove and craft a personal Love Note addressed to their favorite food item or meal.   In 350-words or less, contestants are asked to describe why they are “in love” and what the food item or meal means to them for the chance to win love-inspired prizes.

“Countless times each day, food lovers around the world talk about their personal passion for specific ingredients and favorite meals that conjure up vivid memories and stories,” said Johnny Carrabba.  “We want consumers to share those stories in the form of a personal Love Note – something short, simple and sincere – that pays tribute to the foods that make our lives more special.  For Damian and me, two Sicilian boys from Texas, food is at the center of life and love.”

Carrabba’s “Profess Your Love” Prizes
From all entries received, one grand-prize winner will be selected to receive the Ultimate Love Escape, which includes airline tickets for two to Las Vegas, car service to a romantic dinner at Carrabba’s Las Vegas, two tickets to The Beatles LOVE Show by Cirque du Soleil, two nights accommodations at The Venetian and a private gondola ride (ARV: $2,500).

     Carrabba’s “Profess Your Love” Contest

Nine runners up will have the chance to share their love with friends and family, as they receive a gift certificate to dinner for four at Carrabba’s, an apron and a cookbook signed by founders Johnny and Damian (ARV:  $150). 

Entry Deadline & Judging
All entries must be received by March 31, 2008, and comply with the official rules posted online at www.Carrabbas.com/ProfessYourLove.  Each Love Note will be evaluated based on the following criteria, and Johnny and Damian will personally review the top 10 entries to select the grand-prize winner: 
• Overall story (effectively conveys role of food/dish in entrant’s life; incorporates love theme)
• Originality and uniqueness
• Humor 

Click here for the official rules!

About Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded by Johnny Caarrabba and Damain Mandola in Houston, Texas in 1986.  The restaurant features hand-prepared family recipes made from the finest ingredients and prepared to order in an exhibition kitchen.  The success of Carrabba’s led to the popular PBS cooking show Cucina!, starring Carrabba and Mandola, as well as a series of companion cookbooks.  There are currently 239 Carrabba’s Italian Grill locations around the country, with another three locations planned for 2008.  For more information, please visit www.caarrabbas.com.