My Singular Obsession with Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan | Bon Appétit
"Founded in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola and rooted in the family’s Sicilian history after settling in Bryan, Texas in the 1890s, this Italian-American chain mines old family recipes while also inventing its own signature dishes. Its most famous offering is Chicken Bryan: a grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast topped with a circular patty of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil-tinged lemon-butter-white-wine sauce (about 680 calories) that has inspired fan obsession, recipe-copying bloggers, and social-media devotion. The dish reportedly originated around 1989–90 during recipe testing and exemplifies the brand’s willingness to pair bold, unexpected flavors; a simple grill seasoning and fresh basil are often credited for balancing the citrusy sauce, savory notes, and slight sweetness. Decor and ambiance lean on family photos and wine on the walls, reinforcing a familiar, slightly nostalgic chain-restaurant vibe that many regulars cherish." - ByAlex Beggs
