Disclosure: I had an opportunity to attend a Blogger Lunch (food tasting) at Applebee’s for the Better For You Menu Launch, formerly the Pub Diet with NEW featured entrees that are made a little better for you. #BetterForYou #Applebees
Applebee’s is one of my favorite family friendly restaurants to visit regularly and I will be completely honest with you, I have NEVER eaten smarter choice options! Maybe it’s because I didn’t feel like I needed to count calories or always thought that the flavor would suffer if I ordered something “healthy”! I’m usually ordering French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, Wings, Sirloin Steak, Sriracha Shrimp or Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta. Well, my skepticism was put to rest after tasting FOUR featured entrees on the NEW Better For You Menu. The Menu consists of grill and bar favorites that are FULL of taste and under 650 calories. The Savory Cedar Salmon was featured along with, HOT Shot Whiskey Chicken, Grilled Onion Sirloin with Stout Gravy and Shrimp Wonton Stir-Fry.
One thing I have always admired about Applebee’s is they can accommodate most dietary restrictions. I’m always modifying my order and they always deliver! I had to modify an entree at the tasting because it had carrots in it which I am allergic to. They simply left out the mixed veggies and I was able to enjoy the dish. Applebee’s offers vegetarian options, gluten free options and all you need to do is notify them of your dietary needs and they can whip something up for you. You can also ask your server for a copy of the allergen information. Even though I walk around with an EpiPen and have allergies to almost EVERYTHING, I am glad when I can enjoy good food. A restaurant that will cater to their guests dietary needs gets an A+ in my book.
The first dish I tried was the Savory Cedar Salmon. It’s grilled Cedar seasoned Salmon, artichoke spread, steamed potatoes and vegetables. It’s 540 calories and 42g of protein. I LOVED the Savory Cedar Salmon. I could taste that it was fresh off the grill with the perfect amount of flavor and consistency. It wasn’t dry and I FINISHED everything on my plate.
The second dish I tried was the NEW Grilled Onion Sirloin with Stout Gravy. It’s 7oz. House Sirloin topped with Grilled Onion and Stout Gravy, Crispy Red Potatoes, Roasted Red Tomatoes and Parsley. It has 600 calories and 39g of protein. It was delicious! I LOVE Steak and was surprised that I preferred the Savory Cedar Salmon over the Grilled Onion Sirloin.
The third dish I tried was the NEW Hot Shot Whiskey Chicken. It’s Grilled Chicken seasoned with Peppercorn Herbs and Parsley. Topped with Whiskey Onions & Mushrooms, Rosemary Pan Sauce. On Top Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Jalapenos and melted cheddar. It has 540 calories and 42g of protein. There was definitely a kick to it, I love spicy food so it was yummy! The mashed potatoes were perfect and I really enjoyed that dish.
My fourth dish was the NEW Shrimp Wonton Stir-Fry. It’s Blackened Shrimp, Green Onions, Dumpling Sauce and Wonton Strips. Red Peppers, Carrots, Broccoli, Mushrooms and Garlic on a bed of White Rice. It’s 610 Calories and 25g of protein. I absolutely love Asian Inspired food so this was a win! The flavors were perfect even though I had to modify my personal dish.
DESSERT!!!!! Oh Em Gee! I had the NEW Cracker Jack Banana Cheesecake. It’s Creamy Banana Cheesecake with Bananas Foster Sauce Topped with Cracker Jacks. (This does contain peanuts) I had to slightly modify this as well due to my nut allergy but, I didn’t miss anything NOT eating peanuts. It was so yummy. It was the perfect fluffy texture and the flavors… Go get a slice!
If you would like more information on the NEW Better For You Menu, Please visit the Applebee’s website.
