I just wrapped up an amazing day at Applebee’s headquarters in Kansas City. An great group of bloggers gathered at Applebee’s today for the first ever Applebee’s Blogger Summit. We got the first taste of new Under 550 Calorie and Weight Watcher’s Endorsed Entrees that will hit menus everywhere on Monday, February 20th! You may already know that I struggle with my weight and have recently started dieting, so the chance to try some new healthy entrees from Applebee’s was just the inspiration I needed to keep going.
Applebee’s rolled out the red carpet for us today and gave an in depth look at the development process for new menu items, from the initial inspiration to the final dish. Would you believe that it takes about 18 months for a new entree to be created? Some entrees are inspired by existing menu items, but the Applebee’s chefs do a lot of dining out and tasting different foods for inspiration. Wouldn’t you like to have that job? They consider seasonal fruits and vegetables, consult with the Applebee’s Nutrition Manager, hold taste test panels, try the recipes out in select restaurants and much more when creating new menu items. All this before we get a chance to sink our teeth into it!
The new Under 550 Calorie and Weight Watcher’s Endorsed entrees are held to the strictest of standards. I am totally impressed by Applebee’s standard of quality when developing new menu items. On February 20th you will get to enjoy the new Roasted Garlic Sirloin, Signature Sirloin & Garlic Herb Shrimp, and Sizzling Chili Lime Chicken entrees on the Under 550 Calorie Menu. There will also be all new Weight Watcher’s Endorsed entrees. Trust me when I say these meals are delicious! It’s unbelievable that they are so healthy and under 550 calories! While everything I tried is delicious, the Sizzling Chili Lime Chicken is hands down my favorite. The grilled chicken and colorful Asian-style vegetables are so full of flavor.
The Roasted Garlic Sirloin is both mouth-watering and tender. It’s served with herb potatoes and a grilled portobello mushroom cap filled with creamed spinach. The grilled mushroom cap filled with creamed spinach is so unique and would make a great meal in itself.
Do you love shrimp? If so, you will definitely want to try the new Signature Sirloin & Garlic Herb Shrimp. The 7 oz. sirloin is topped with succulent shrimp dressed in a light cream sauce. You will love the fresh bruschetta, vegetables and herb potatoes that accompany this dish!
I really appreciate that Applebee’s takes the extra step to add ingredients like fresh chopped herbs and fresh squeeze of lime to finish off a dish. It’s a quality that is lacking in many casual dining restaurants.
We got some exciting news today! Applebee’s is already a very family and kid friendly restaurant, but in May they are planning to debut some healthier items on the children’s menu, such as a grilled chicken sandwich.
The new healthy entrees from Applebee’s have me truly inspired. I can’t wait to hear your reactions after you’ve had a chance to try these new entrees yourself! While you’re there, treat yourself to a SkinnyBee Margarita – it’s so yummy and under 100 calories! Enjoy!