America can watch Carrabba's Italian Grill founder Damian Mandola as guest judge alongside Buddy Valastro on TLC's Next Great Baker on Monday, Jan. 14. The contestants enjoy a hand-prepared meal at the Secaucus, NJ, Carrabba's for inspiration to prepare a cake reminding them of a Sunday Italian supper as part of the show's Elimination Challenge. Buddy and Damian judge the inspired cakes to choose a winner and also eliminate a baker from the competition.

“Family traditions and recipes from four generations inspire what Carrabba's is today,” said Damian Mandola, founder of Carrabba's Italian Grill. “Hosting Buddy and the contestants of Next Great Baker allowed us to showcase our Italian hospitality. They created amazing cakes inspired by delicious handmade Italian food made with the freshest ingredients.”

Buddy and the contestants enjoyed Carrabba's signature dishes like Chicken Bryan and Penne Franco. Customers may experience these dishes every day in their nearby Carrabba's and now for a special price on Amore Mondays. Items like these will be featured in a price fixe menu available on Monday only.

Dolce means “sweet” in Italian and it means dessert at Carrabba's. Just like in Italy, Carrabba's uses the freshest ingredients and authentic Italian techniques for their desserts. Carrabba's signature Dessert Rosa is named after Damian's sister Rose, who created this delicious layered dessert, made with fresh strawberries and bananas, moist cake and custard.

For more information about Next Great Baker, visit tlc.com/nextgreatbaker or follow TLC on Twitter @TLC.