Friday, March 6, 2009

Feeling Like A Steak This Weekend?

The Rialto food detectives - recently visited Outback Steakhouse and has given it his stamp of approval...

On his last journey he found the protein portion sizes daunting. This time, although the steak sizes range from 8 ounces to a staggering 18 ounces, he was able to construct a meal that was a bit more moderate in size. He sternly reminded people in his party who chose the massive amounts of protein to check the size and thickness of the palms of their hands.

There are more healthy carbohydrate side dishes than in the past, including fresh steamed veggies, fresh steamed broccoli and fresh green beans that make it easy to construct a nutritious meal. As always, ask for extra vegetables if potatoes or rice come with the meal.

In a protein palace like Outback, sometimes it might be best to order an appetizer with a couple of veggie sides. Shrimp on the Barbie or Seared Ahi Tuna are suggestions. A Chicken or Shrimp Caesar Salad or a Queensland Salad with fresh chicken breast are also good choices.

Outback also offers “Simply Grilled” entrees, which are billed as “simple and sensible … these dishes are classically grilled.” Diners can choose medallions of chicken or shrimp or Chicken on the Barbie.

Another menu category is Straight from the Sea, which includes Atlantic grilled salmon, fresh fish of the day, lobster tails (have one; bring one home) and Alaskan king crab, (again with plenty to take home).

For fancier fish dishes: Royal Port Fresh Catch, topped with a blend of crawfish, shrimp, mushrooms, green onions and a Creole sauce; and Hearts of Gold Fresh Catch, topped with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions and a light lemon sauce. Hearts of Gold is also offered with chicken instead of fish.

We recommend diners stay away from the Baby Back Ribs, watch protein portions, have a couple of sides of vegetables and pass on the Aussie Chips. Those are the clues needed to stay in the best nutrtitional shape at Outback Steak House.

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