I have as yet to visit nor eat at a Buca, even the aforementioned one is the closest restaurant to my workplace.

Jessica and I have the same full body shudder horror reaction to Buca, it seems.

Still, the chirpy service at a lot of chains is a good use for the giant manly penis-replacement steak knives they seem to want to give you with everything, whether your food calls for it or not.

Though I have gotten takeout from there before - it's a decent option to feed a group and avoids the cringy atmosphere.

I rather like the Macaroni Grill, in terms of semi-common "Italian" restaurant chains. Certainly better than Olive Garden or Buca di Beppo. Delicious bread. I like the pasta selection at the Cheesecake Factory more than any of them, though.

Carrabba's has much yummier food than Olive Garden, but I have enjoyed plenty of their garlic sticks. There was an OG near our old office and we had many a lunch there. Never got sick and enjoyed the comforting pasta.

Chain restaurants have their issues, but there is a certain value in knowing what you are getting. OG worked well with us and the boys. They can eat some bread.

We've done Macaroni Grill as well. My family loves chain restaurants and considers them "fancy." Like, appropriate-for-special-occasions-such-as-anniversaries fancy.

Ginger, acupressure is cheaper than acupuncture because you can do it yourself. I found this book [link] to be very useful for helping with what I now know was a nasty bout of plantar fasciitis, and the tooth pain leading up to my abscessed wisdom tooth. IIRC that book has a section on TMJ. I got it at the library first, and found it so useful it was worth buying. You could probably get it through ILL, and then it wouldn't cost you anything.

It's wonderful that you made it to the five year mark - and you deserve some pain relief that does not cost you an arm or a leg.

The one in Cleveland also used to make some wicked good tiramisu.

I've never tried Buca. My favorite Italian place in Cleveland was Frankie's Pizza. Which wasn't exactly in Cleveland, but in North Olmsted.

My favorite Italian chain is Bertucci's, though I think they are only a local chain (and known more for their very good pizza, but their pasta is also really good; I just almost never get it cause the pizza is so outstanding). I've always wanted to try Carrabba's, though, because I've heard good things about them.

I am not familiar enough with any of these chains to have an opinion. This croissant from the train station that I am having for breakfast, though, is delicious. And an excellent value.

Love the name Kalliope! Welcome to the world, Sparklette.