By JIM BUTLER

To many in these parts an Italian-themed dinner without wine is like rice without gravy.

They can rest easy – The Olive Garden has applied for a liquor permit.

Notice of its petition was made Wednesday, exactly two months, according to its website, before the restaurant is now scheduled to open in Alexandria.

The eatery’s decision to locate here apparently fulfills one slot on the bucket lists of many parish and surrounding area gourmands.

Franchisers’ decision back in March to locate on South MacArthur Drive was hailed by many as an end to a long-held gastronomic search.

The building formerly housing Johnny Carina’s was demolished, making way for a new one to house Olive Garden.

Applicants for the liquor permit are Lindsay Koren, manager-president, and Colleen Lyons, manager- secretary-treasurer, Olive Garden Holdings LLC.