"Mix It Up For MDA"

Contacts: Sarah Spicuzza | MDA | (614) 436-7744 | sspicuzza@mdausa.org
Shani St. John | MS&L | (404) 870-6830
Stephanie Amberg | Carrabba’s Italian Grill | (813) 282-1224

CARRABBAS ITALIAN GRILL, AWARD-WINNING MIXOLOGIST “MIX IT UP FOR MDA”

New Food & Drink Items Make Charitable Debut

On Thursday, July 30, Carrabba’s Italian Grill invites consumers to “Mix It Up for MDA” at a special event combining exclusive cocktails from award-winning mixologist Charlotte Voisey with new Carrabba’s food items to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Admission to “Mix It Up for MDA” is $15 per person from 5 p.m. to close at Carrabba’s locations nationwide. In the Akron area participating locations include North Canton on 6560 Strip Avenue in Canton, Ohio.

The ticket price includes a sampling of four food items from the new Mr. C’s Bar Menu and, for guests 21 years and older, one of Voisey’s signature cocktails created for the event (Blackberry Lemonade, the Italian Lemon Drop or Blackberry Fields Martini) or another drink on the Mr. C’s list.

The food tasting includes a delicious array of appetizers from the new Mr. C’s Menu, designed for snacking and sharing, including: Antipasti Misto – an assortment of Italian meats and cheeses, Mediterranean olives and roasted peppers; Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese – homemade meatballs topped with pomodoro sauce, Romano and ricotta cheeses; Patatinas with Blue Cheese – freshly cooked Italian potato chips tossed with green onions and topped with a blue cheese sauce; and Chicken Parmesan Piccolinos – mini sandwiches featuring sautéed chicken breast coated with Italian breadcrumbs, topped with pomodoro sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

In addition to monies raised from “Mix It Up for MDA” event admission, Carrabba’s also will donate $1 to MDA for each of Voisey’s drinks sold from July 30 – August 6. During that week, consumers are encouraged to visit www.Carrabbas.com and cast their vote for their favorite cocktail. The most popular drink will be added to Carrabba’s drink menu.

For more information on “Mix It Up for MDA,” to vote on Voisey’s special cocktails, or to find Carrabba’s locations nationwide, visit www.carrabbas.com.

About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
MDA’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

About Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Founded by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in 1986, Carrabba’s Italian Grill has grown to more than 230 locations around the country run by passionate local proprietors. Carrabba’s serves authentic Italian cuisine combining family recipes passed down through generations with innovative dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner is served seven nights a week in a casual environment featuring an open kitchen, signature wood-burning grills and award-winning service. For on-the-go guests, Carrabba’s also offers convenient Carside Carry-Out. To learn more about Carrabba’s, please visit www.carrabbas.com

About Charlotte Voisey
Internationally acclaimed for her creative cocktails, Charlotte Voisey was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as one of the nation’s top 12 mixologists of 2009. Voisey, who serves as a master mixologist for William Grant & Sons, also won the IBA World Female Bartending Championships in 2006 and was named U.K. Bartender of the Year in 2004. Her cocktails can be found on menus across the world.