"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ La Costa

Reviewed March 24, 2011

Received 4 out of 5 Forks

La Costa on Market Square is a local restaurant with a diverse menu.  It is self-described as the place “where Latin traditions and fresh flavors converge”.  This was my first time dining at La Costa and it will not be the last!  La Costa offers a seasonal menu utilizing as many local ingredients as possible. 

I met some friends at La Costa for an early dinner.  Earlier in the day I forgot about my evening plans and ate a late lunch at work.  Since I wasn’t very hungry the Baby Spinach Salad looked like a good menu selection.  This salad has dried fig, red onion, shaved fennel, goat cheese, spiced pepitas, and warm maple vinaigrette for a price of $7.  The salads have an option of ordering a small version for a reduced price or adding a protein such as blackened tofu, grilled chicken, flat iron steak or shrimp.  Is anyone wondering, what are pepitas? I had to ask the server to find out.  Wikipedia defines them as “a Spanish culinary term for pumpkin seed”.  I thought the dried figs and pepitas were unique items to add healthy flavor and crunch to salads.  We also shared an order of Baja Fish Tacos from the appetizer menu.  The fish was fried and served in warm tortillas with cilantro-lime cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and spicy crema.  It was a delicious appetizer to share sold at half price as a happy hour special.   

Along with the warm maple vinaigrette, the winter menu offered pumpkin and maple preparations for fresh fish and shellfish.  We were advised if we really enjoyed these seasonal items we must come back soon before the menu changed.  I can’t wait to see what spring and summer has to offer from La Costa.  I will be ready to have another culinary adventure with fresh, local ingredients and great taste!

La Costa receives a 4 out of 5 Fork Rating.  It has plenty of non-fried appetizers.  There is no charge for special requests or modifications and the website states they cater to special dietary needs.  There are more than 3 non-salad healthy options.  Nutrition information is not available for menu items.

References:  

www.lacostaonmarketsquare.com 

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepita 

Reviewed by:

Janet Seiber, RD, LDN, CDE

Healthy Living Kitchen

www.utmedicalcenter.org/healthylivingkitchen

865-305-8682

 

          

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

Reviewed on March 23, 2011

Received 4 of 5 Forks

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza is a neighborhood restaurant with 2 Knoxville locations (Kingston Pike and Turkey Creek). The dining atmosphere provides an excellent ambience for catching up with friends, celebrations, or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Making full use of their wood-fired oven, Brixx bakes fresh focaccia bread daily for their sandwiches and bakes their handcrafted pizzas to perfection. Additionally, the menu offers a variety of pastas and fresh salads using locally grown produce wherever and whenever possible. The menu is flexible and easy to follow, especially if you’re looking for healthy options such as:

• Non-fried appetizers
• Healthy sides: pasta salad, bean salad, chips, or fresh fruit
• Wood fired pizzas with whole-milk mozzarella unless otherwise noted
• Traditional or whole wheat crust available, or gluten-free crust for $2 extra
• Wood-fired pizzas are brushed with either olive oil or more traditional marinara sauce
• Add extra pizza toppings at no additional charge

Be creative when ordering your pizza! I recommend ordering the Wood-roasted Vegetable Pizza with whole wheat crust, extra basil, pineapples, and artichoke hearts. Meat lovers can’t go wrong with the spicy, Jamaican-style Jerk Chicken Pizza.  This is a great place to dine if you are budgeting your food dollars. Invite some friends and order a few pizzas along with some wine or beer and split the cost!  If you find your appetite lacking, take advantage of the drink specials, and grab the bruschetta appetizer to wind down.

Brixx received 4 out of 5 forks rating because they provide non-fried appetizers, provide nutrition information on-line, and will modify menu options for no additional charge.   To note, Brixx recycles discarded materials whenever possible, which warrants extra bonus points!

References:
http://www.brixxpizza.com/

Reviewed by:
UT Dietetic Intern

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ O'Charley's

Reviewed on March 29, 2011

4 out of 5 Forks

My husband and I were looking for a quick lunch without doing fast food and decided on O'Charley's since we hadn't been there in awhile. We were seated quickly and service was good, but keep in mind we were also early birds, eating around 11:30am. In fact, no one else was there except one other party and two people at the bar. Despite that, my husbands soup and main entree came to the table within seconds of one another (not that he minded, he said it made a great combo!) My husband ordered the Prime Rib Pasta and asked for several deletions and one addition to the dish--the server was happy to accomodate him and it was served just right! They were able to substitute broccoli for the asparagus and delete the bacon and alredo sauce to make it a more healthy dish. I ordered the California Shrimp Salad with dressing on the side so that I can control the amount. The salad was fresh and delicious....except....to a low-salt fanatic! The shrimp was grilled nicely, just very salty. If I were to order again, I would ask for no seasoning on the grilled shrimp. Overall, we enjoyed our experience and would recommend O'Charley's, they have a nice entree salad and non-fried fish variety. 

O'Charley's received 4 out 5 Forks because non-fried appetizers are not available. O'Charley's has multiple locations throughout Knoxville and provides both dine-in and carry out meal options to patrons.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Cafe 4

Reviewed March 5, 2011 by Angie Sberna and Elizabeth Strawbridge

4 out of 5 Forks

Café 4 is an elegant dining venue in downtown Market Square, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. All sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of the following options:  housemade fries, housemade chips, fresh fruit, or spring mix with house vinaigrette. Breakfast items can be served with fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, grits, or oatmeal. All of Café 4’s menus can be found online.

Angie:  I ordered the Braised Short Rib and Grilled Cheese sandwich off of the brunch menu. This sandwich included a red onion marmalade and cheddar cheese, and was served on wheatberry bread. I chose the spring mix with house vinaigrette as my side. The sandwich was delicious, and the salad was pretty good, but the only vegetables served on the salad were 3 tomatoes! Next time, I will probably opt for the fresh fruit instead :)

Elizabeth:  I also ordered from the Brunch menu, and chose the Breakfast Sandwich. Being a vegetarian, I find I have more options available to me for breakfast/brunch options, especially using eggs as my protein choice. This particular breakfast sandwich had spinach, gruyere cheese and an egg served on my choice of a buttery croissant or bagel (I chose the wheat bagel). I had the choice of fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, grits or oatmeal as my side, and I went with the fruit. The sandwich wasn’t the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had, but it was very flavorful and plenty big (I ended up taking half home for later). The fresh fruit was excellent – a wider selection than most restaurants offer.

We were at Café 4 during the Mardi Growl event at Market Square, so there were plenty of dressed-up dogs, big and small, to watch through the windows for mealtime entertainment!

 Cafe 4 received 4 out of 5 Fork rating as nutrition information is not available.  Cafe 4 is located in Market Square and provides a dine-in experience with patio seating available.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Peerless

Reviewed on March 14, 2011 by Kristen Jackson Slusher, MS, RD, LDN

3 out of 5 Forks

Peerless  Restaurant, since 1938 – Big on seafood, Famous at Steak!  Well, I admit, I did not order the steak, but I did have the seafood!  It was a tough decision to make from their vast array of choices.  After some deep contemplation, I decided to go with the 9 oz fillet of the highest quality New Orleans Grilled Salmon with seasoned butter (on the side), served with a baked potato and fresh vegetable of the day.  I also tried the Famous Grecian Salad with fresh mixed greens, celery, peas, wine ripened tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and pepperoncini, tossed in a Grecian vinaigrette.  I would have asked for the dressing on the side, but did not think to ask before hand.  That is typically the norm for me when ordering, just not this time.  Rolls were served to our table as well, although not whole wheat rolls, unfortunately, but an appropriate size roll and baked to perfection!

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Jason's Deli

Reviewed February 13, 2011 by a local RD

3 out of 4 Forks

The staff at Jason's Deli is very friendly and willing to answer any questions, or modify any dish to meet the needs of a customer.  I enjoy the option of ordering a half sandwich and the salad bar. I usually order a half Big Joe or California Club sandwich with a side salad (the salad bar) and that comes at a reasonable price of $7.99. There is also an option to get a half sandwich and soup or half sandwich and fruit for $6.99. The salad bar is unlimited and provides a variety of lettuce options (iceberg, romaine, and spinach), many different vegetables, peas, sunflower seeds, hummus, yogurt, and light/low sodium salad dressings.

The prices at Jason’s Deli are very competitive with restaurants of similar nature. Each sandwich comes with at least one vegetable such as sprouts, lettuce, avocados, tomatoes, or onions. Sandwiches also come with the option to use whole wheat bread instead of a croissant or white bread. Jason's Deli has a “light” menu with calories, total fat, and total saturated fat included on the menu underneath each menu item. The majority of the sandwiches/wraps come with regular or baked chips and a pickle; however, the menu includes specific sandwiches that have the option of choosing fresh fruit as the side item (which comes at no extra charge). You can order a sandwich (that does not specifically come with the option of fresh fruit as a side) and the fruit would be an extra $1.49.

Menu and nutrition information is available online. Overall, the restaurant is a very pleasant place to dine.


Submitted by:
Knoxville RD

Jason's Deli has multiple locations in Knoxville and offers both take out and dine in options. This restaurant received 3 out of 4 forks because there is an additional charge to substitute for some side dishes (one fork was dropped because appetizers are not available).

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Stir Fry Café

Reviewed March by Anna Gewecke, MS, RD, LDN

4 out of 5 Forks

St Patrick’s Day was a beautiful day, and I didn’t feel like cooking dinner, so my husband and I decided to eat dinner on the patio of the Knoxville Stir Fry Café.  We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals!  It had been a while since we’d eaten there, so we took some time to peruse the menu.  I hadn’t thought about or noticed before, but they have several healthy looking appetizers, unlike so many of our other Knoxville area restaurants.  That being said, most restaurants, Stir Fry Café included, give such large portions of their regular meals, that you really don’t need an appetizer.

So what did I order? I was able to make a special “mix and match” type order, with no trouble from our waitress. I wanted red curry sauce with lots of veggies and tofu, and didn’t see anything like that on the menu, so I ordered the Mixed Vegetables from the vegetarian menu with the red curry sauce and brown rice (of course! I am a dietitian after all), and added tofu. The tofu cost me extra, because neither Mixed Vegetables nor Racha Vegetables have tofu included. (As an aside, I think that’s really silly. If you’re going to label something as “vegetarian” don’t just make it without meat! Put some other protein source in it! Vegetarians and flexitarians need protein too.) I’m sure the red curry sauce had a ton of fat in it because it was made with coconut milk, but it sure was delicious! It probably would have been wise to order it light on the sauce.  

My husband ordered the Chicken Broccoli stir fry with the house brown sauce, and also really enjoyed his meal.  I liked that he got plenty of broccoli with his order.  Something we both enjoyed was the left-overs.  One thing that Stir Fry Café does right is serve your meals in a serving dish, so you can scoop it onto your own plate.  I like this, because I was able to scoop less than half the rice I was served, and top it with less than half the stir fry I was served, as opposed to feeling like I had to stop myself from eating all the food on my plate. It just wasn’t there to begin with, so it was easier to pay attention to how full I was, and easier to take it home to enjoy later. And enjoy it I did! 

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Chipotle

Reviewed March 3, 2011 by Jennifer Helvey and Angie Sberna, Graduate Students/Dietetic Interns

3 out of 4 Forks

We have a two-for-one review for Chipotle! Jennifer and Angie both offer their advice for what and how to order at this Mexican grill.

Jennifer:  I ordered the burrito bowl with cilantro-lime white rice, whole pinto beans, diced chicken, tomato salsa, sautéed peppers and onions, green tomatillo salsa, and shredded Romaine lettuce. I’m lactose intolerant so I opted out of the added cheese and sour cream options. This was easily done as Chipotle is set up cafeteria style so you just tell them what you do and do not want and they are happy to oblige. I also chose to order a cup of water (at no extra charge) and added a lemon slice to jazz up the flavor. The calorie breakdown and nutrition information for Chipotle is available online. The calorie total for my meal was 505.

Angie:  I ordered a burrito bowl with plain white rice (sans cilantro… I don’t like it!), diced chicken, whole black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, tomato salsa, shredded Romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream. I drank water with lemon. The total calorie count was 710 calories. In comparing Jennifer’s order with mine, the major calorie difference comes from the added cheese and sour cream (a total of 220 calories). I chose to include these toppings because I knew I was going to run later that day, burning around approximately 300 calories (this is a daily practice). So, it’s important to think about your daily eating and physical activity habits when ordering.  However, you can always ask for a smaller amount of any topping (such as the cheese or sour cream) or ask for them on the side!

Submitted by:

Jennifer Helvey, Graduate Student/Dietetic Intern

knoxbound@gmail.com

Angie Sberna, Graudate Student/Dietetic Intern

asberna1@utk.edu

Chipotle is a chain Mexican grill with one location in Knoxville, on The Strip near campus. Chipotle received 3 out of 4 forks because there is an extra charge for modifying menu items or substituting for healthier side dishes. Because this restaurant does not offer appetizers, we dropped the fork total to 4. 

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ The Melting Pot

Reviewed February 11, 2011 by UTK Nutrition Graduate Student

5 out of 5 Forks

The Melting Pot is a chain restaurant that gives the diner the ultimate fondue experience. The diner can pursue the Big Night Out option, which consists of 4 courses:  cheese, salad, entrée, and dessert. However, courses are also available separately in addition to individual entrées. Foods such as breads, vegetables, meats, and sweets are available for dipping, and various cooking methods can be chosen. Individual entrées cost between $18-$26, while the Big Night Out costs $74-$95 for two diners depending on which meats are selected.

Meals are designed for special occasions – it is a heavy meal that should not be eaten often. However, even within the 4-course experience, customization is possible. The meal is a very interactive experience – you can choose from multiple options within each course. In addition, the restaurant offers a gluten-free menu for diners with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Because ample fruits and vegetables are offered, and little to no fried food is available, the diner can eat a nutritional meal as long as he or she does not overeat. Within the cheese/entrée courses, focus more on the vegetables than the bread and meats. In addition, concentrate on your leaner meats (chicken and shrimp) than the more fatty steaks and pork. Choose a salad with greens, a variety of vegetables, and a nut or seed additive if available. Don’t overload on the dessert course, but enjoy a heart-healthy dark chocolate fondue. Up your fruit intake by concentrating on the fruits in the dessert course.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Soccer Taco

Reviewed March 5, 2011 by Anna Gewecke, MS, RD, LDN

3 out of 5 Forks

I went to Soccer Taco in Bearden for lunch on March 5.  Soccer Taco offers lunch specials, including a special price on fajitas, so that’s what I ordered!  Fajitas can be a really healthy dish, if you do it right. At Soccer Taco, the fajitas always come with green and red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomato, with your choice of meat or without if you follow a vegetarian diet.  The main thing that Mexican restaurants do to make them unhealthy is that big scoop of butter to make it sizzle right before they bring it out to you- that and the portion size.  The other thing that goes wrong with fajitas is the extra stuff- the beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, etc.  So I ordered the fajitas without the butter and limited my intake of the rice (I was already getting starch from the tortillas), filled my tortillas with lettuce, pico and veggies (the low calorie, high nutrient stuff), skipped the sour cream, and used the guacamole sparingly (after all, avocado is a “good fat”).  I also took home half of the dish to eat later.  What I could have done better was not eat any of the rice or the chips and salsa appetizer.  I think if I went out to eat every day or almost every day, I would be better about turning those things down, but since I only go out once or twice a week, and am sure to get plenty of exercise as well as eat well the rest of the week, I feel like I can splurge a little on the occasion that I go to a restaurant as tasty as Soccer Taco. 

Submitted by:

Anna Gewecke, MS, RD, LDN

(865) 305-8099

agewecke@utmck.edu

Soccer Taco received 3 out of 5 Forks rating as they do not offer non-fried appetizers and nutrition information is not available.  Soccer Taco offers an on-line menu with their lunch specials and daily specials, so try to plan your healthy dining experience before you go!  Soccer Taco is a dine-in restaurant located on Kingston Pike in the Bearden area and a new opening in Market Square.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Oscar's

Reviewed February 28, 2011 by Alice Jablonski

3 out of 5 Forks

Oscar’s Restaurant offers fine Italian cuisine quickly, conveniently, and at an affordable price. Located on Cumberland Ave or “The Strip”, Oscar’s has been a favorite of the Knoxville area since 1985. They offer a cozy dining room for customers who prefer to dine-in; however they are best known for their delivery service. Open into the wee hours of the morning (Sunday-Thursday, until 2 AM, and Friday- Saturday, until 3AM), Oscar’s kitchen will happily provide your late night snack. They have a broad delivery area covering UT campus, Downtown, Sequoyah Hills, Alcoa Highway, Broadway, and South Knoxville which enables Oscar’s to provide delicious cuisine all over Knoxville.

Oscar’s extensive menu includes everything from fresh, crisp salads and warm pitas to specialty pizzas, large calzones, and handcrafted burgers. When dining at Oscar’s, the healthy eater might choose the Veggie City Pita or Falafel Pita. Both are packed full of fresh vegetables such as red onions, green peppers, black olives, fresh spinach, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes. The pita bread is always fresh and warm and the provolone cheese is nicely melted. The Falafel Pita also includes a tasty hummus spread to add protein to the sandwich. Although the pitas are normally served with plain chips on the side, for just one dollar more you can order a serving of freshly steamed vegetables with your pita to complete the healthy meal.  Other healthy entrée options include the Turkey and Provolone Wrap or the Low-fat Black Bean burger.  I enjoyed the White Spinach Calzone, while my friend ordered the Greek Salad and the Hummus and Pita Bread appetizer.  Portion sizes are large enough to share with a friend or to enjoy for a later meal.    

When ordering take-out, the receptionist gives the estimated time of delivery in order for the customer to know when to expect their meal, and the delivery personel is timely and drops off the food with a smile.

Submitted by:

Alice Jablonski, TN Tech University Dietetics Student
3997 Midland Ave

Knoxville, TN 37919

Oscar’s received 3 out of 5 forks because there is an additional $1 charge for steamed veggies or a side salad and nutrition information is not available.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Chili's

Reviewed February 24, 2011 by UTK Dietetic Intern

4 out of 5 Forks  

Whether you want to go out with the family or relax with friends, Chili’s is an inviting, laid-back restaurant where you can enjoy some of your favorite American and Southwestern indulgences.  Yes, Chili’s does make it easy to indulge.  Many of their entrees are fat and calorie-laden and often consumed after starting with Chili’s famous, bottomless chips and salsa. 

However, Chili’s does offer a Guiltless Grill menu with lower calorie and lower fat dishes.  These options are much needed because many of their popular entrees such as the Classic Bacon Burger, Chicken Crispers, and Chili’s Original Baby Back Ribs are 1300-1600 calories and easily meet or exceed the recommended total fat grams for an entire day (recommended total fat per day: 56-78g; total fat for entrees, respectively: 85g, 66g, 84g).  Chili’s Guiltless Grill Salmon (520 calories, 16g fat) or Margarita Grilled Chicken (600 calories, 13g fat) are two tasty options that are better choices for your heart and waistline.  Try these dishes with steamed veggies, rice (no butter), or black beans. Chili’s will allow you to order rice without butter and substitute healthier sides for others for no charge. 

During my recent visit to Chili’s, I was especially in the mood for a Southwestern dish, so I ordered the Chicken Fajitas.  The delectable smell from the patron’s fajitas at the next table was enough to make my decision.  This Southwestern favorite is not only delicious, but it is a good source of lean protein and veggies.  Like the majority of Chili’s entrees, you receive a rather large portion, so consider taking the third fajita home or sharing it with a friend.  Also, be aware of the high fat and high calorie condiments that are served with the fajitas.  Nutirtion information is available on their website.  Additionally, Chili’s vegetarian menu options and suggested menu options for specific food allergies such as gluten, egg, peanut, etc. are available online.  So the next time you find yourself wanting to unwind at Chili’s, remember there are some tasty dishes that won’t cost you an arm and a leg OR your heart and waistline!

Submitted by:

UTK Dietetic Intern

Chili’s received 4 out of 5 Forks because non-fried appetizers are not available.  Chili’s offers dine-in and carry out meals at multiple locations throughout the Knoxville area.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Los Amigos

Reviewed March 2, 2011 by Heather Pierce, MS, RD, CDE, LDN

4 out of 5 Forks

My hubby and I split the shrimp fajitas (our typical choice at any Mexican restaurant). I like this choice because it provides a lean source of protein and you have full control of the added fats. Chicken would be fine as well or beans, but don't rely on cheese as your protein choice here. Unfortunately 2 tbsp. of white cheese dip (approximately the size of a golfball) can be around 40- 80 calories and 4-7 grams of fat (Calorie King database).  The good news is that salsa is only ~20 calories per 1/2 cup- so use this to flavor instead of cheese. Pico de gallo is also good to have on the plate since it makes the plate look fuller as well as add flavor without fat.  I typically choose corn tortillas since they are higher in fiber and lower in calories. My biggest hurdle, like most of us that LOVE Mexican, is the chips. Keep in mind that a serving should be around 2 ounces ( ~2 lady handfuls). If you elect to go beyond the limits, just remember that just 2 oz. chips provides close to 300 calories and 14 grams of fat.

This restaurant provides friendly staff and I believe they would modify foods for you if requested. They are a family-based restaurant and a local favorite. It is conveniently located on Maryville's Greenbelt. So take a walk after you indulge in chips....cause I know you are going to!

Submitted by:

Heather Pierce, MS, RD, CDE, LDN
Blount Memorial Hospital
Weight Management Center
907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804

Los Amigos received 4 out of 5 forks because nutrition information is not available. Standard Mexican fare side dishes are available and healthier options can be determined by the patron.  Los Amigos is available for both dine-in and carry out meals in Maryville.

“What Does the Dietitian Order?” @ IHOP

Reviewed February 17, 2011 by Anna Gewecke, MS, RD, LDN

4 out of 5 Forks

My husband wanted sausage on a Thursday night, and I was game for breakfast for dinner, so we decided to go to IHOP. I ordered the garden omelet because of the number of vegetables it includes (mushrooms, onion, green pepper and tomato), because it has plenty of protein, and because it comes with pancakes. I could have gotten fresh fruit instead, but I really like pancakes! Many breakfast choices don’t contain veggies, and eating these as much as I can is important to me. The server gave me the butter on the side without any grief.  I noticed later that IHOP now has a whole wheat pancake with real blueberries - one of my favorite foods!  When my omelet came, I was disappointed in the amount of vegetables it actually contained. With so many listed, I expected it to be FULL of veggies, but they were really more of a condiment. If I had to do it over, I would have asked for extra veggies, and also for the blueberry pancakes (even though I suspect that would have cost more).  Another thing I did was order with the plan to eat less than half of the omelet, since IHOP’s omelets are HUGE. I took home about 2/3 of the omelet and 1/3 of the pancakes, and ate the leftovers for breakfast the next day!

IHOP has rolled out their “Simple & Fit” menu items since the last time I was there. I like that these are easily distinguished from the other menu items by a green circle with a strawberry and that all these items have the calories listed (although none of the others do).  I was surprised to see that IHOP actually has a lot of foods that qualify for “Simple & Fit” description.  Unfortunately, these menu items can be up to 600 calories, which is a bit high.  They also have suggestions on the menu for how to order your favorite menu items to make them lower calorie - like to order without butter or with sugar free syrup. Nutrition information is available online. 

“What Does the Dietitian Order?” @ Trio Café

Reviewed February 12, 2011 by UTK Nutrition Grad Student

4 out of 5 Forks

Healthy options for the conscious diner are available at Trio Café. Suggestions include the cinnamon oatmeal, custom salad with a variety of vegetable/fruit/nut toppings and an oil and vinegar dressing, veggie panini, pan-seared chicken breast, Alaskan salmon, and out of the garden pasta. No modifications were made; however, Trio is great at substitutions and modifying.

I ordered the veggie panini with French fries as a side. The veggie panini featured roasted portobello mushrooms, roasted peppers, baby spinach, Havarti, and pesto aioli. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere is great for a nice dinner with family and/or friends. TVs make for a warm experience, and the set-up is comfortable and inviting.

I give Trio Café 4 out of 5 forks and would return. The ingredients are fresh, flavorful, and plentiful. The café offers a combination of interesting, new foods in addition to traditional comfort foods. I also enjoy that Trio also offers drinks, coffee, or desserts. The long hours are appealing because a diner can choose to eat any meal at the café (breakfast served until 11AM). Because it’s located right in Market Square, it is a great hangout or meeting spot. A greater amount of healthy options, such as vegetarian or seafood, would be welcomed.

“What Does the Dietitian Order?” @ Veg-O-Rama

Reviewed February 25, 2011 by UTK Dietetic Intern

4 out of 5 Forks

What would a nutritionist order at a vegetarian restaurant featuring organic, locally-grown ingredients? Anything with a side of more! Still fairly new to the downtown Knoxville food scene, Veg-O-Rama has great potential as a niche eatery considering: (1) its proximity to a predominantly young, progressive-ish neighborhood in North Knoxville; and (2) its yum factor (sans the typical guilt among the health-conscious folks).  Veg-O-Rama uses wholesome ingredients to creatively manipulate menu standards, such as reubens, burgers, cheese steaks, and pasta, into meatless nutrient-dense dishes.  Vegetarian does not always mean healthy when high-fat sauces and/or salt- and sugar-laden ingredients replace meat to maintain heavy flavor, but Veg-O-Rama is conscious of preparing food with appropriate amounts of flavor-enhancing techniques.  The food tastes exactly the right degree of tasty.  Sometimes the combinations of ingredients are unexpected (example - sriracha on pasta salad and purple cabbage slaw on a [tofu] reuban), but they are always colorful and pleasing to the body and mind.

As far as pricing, Veg-O-Rama maintains a fairly competitive price structure considering the relatively high cost of organic and fresh ingredients.  A typical dish will sell in the $8-10 range. Their portion sizes are not like those you may get at a typical restaurant, but they are appropriate for satisfying (not stuffing) customers.  My tofu reuban was no bigger than your average sandwich (though perhaps a little thicker) but it, and my side of French onion soup, was just the right amount of food! Plus, the restaurant’s décor—antique with a modern art twist—makes for a fun and relaxing dining atmosphere.  There are couches and a wide selection of local and national publications with which to kill some time while waiting for your food, sipping tea, or just relaxing on a Saturday afternoon.

In terms of service, Veg-O-Rama’s staff is very friendly and accommodating.  On one occasion, I went into the restaurant just before closing, desperate for a meal after a particularly hectic day.  Despite being in the process of cleaning up for the night, the staff encouraged me to stay and fixed me a quality meal—and quickly.  I ate in the company of the cook and wait staff and had an all around great time.

Oh, and in case you need to be just a little bad, Veg-O-Rama does have beer on tap.

Submitted by:

UTK Dietetic Intern

Veg-O-Rama is a dine-in, full-service restaurant and bar on North Central Street in Knoxville.

Veg-O-Rama received 4 out of 5 forks because nutrition information is not available in store or online.  

“What Does the Dietitian Order?” @ Applebee’s

Reviewed February 16, 2011 by UTK Dietetic Intern

5 out of 5 Forks

Applebee’s has a section of the menu devoted to dishes “Under 550 Calories.” These items are a great way to be sure you are ordering an item that isn’t loaded with fat and calories. However, the concern with these “diet” menu items is always taste. Well, I tried the “Dijon Chicken and Portobellos,” and it was great! They are able to keep it under 550 calories by using only a sprinkle of cheese and a mustard-based sauce. Other flavors come from the onions, peppers and mushrooms. Also, this dish comes with sides of steamed potatoes and vegetables, which can be substituted with any menu item for no extra cost! Don’t expect too many potatoes though - the portion size is small to stay within the 550-calorie limit! Other items included in the “Under 550 Calories” section are steaks, whole wheat pasta dishes, and a shrimp and rice dish that all looked tasty. These menu items cost between $9-13, which is on the cheaper end of the menu (ranges $9-18).

On the other hand, if you venture out of the “Under 550 Calories” section, you won’t find many items that aren’t fried or smothered in butter. Even the salads are loaded with cheese, bacon, and croutons, and the only healthy dressing option is oil and vinegar. So be aware and ask to modify recipes based on your needs!

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Sangria's Market Square

Reviewed February 8, 2011 by Briana Presper, UTK Dietetic Intern

3 out of 5 Forks

Sangria’s Market Square offers a unique experience to sample many different items on the menu since it is a Spanish tapas-style restaurant. Paella, a large Spanish rice dish, is also available but be advised that since it is made from scratch, it will take upwards of 40 minutes to arrive at the table. Some healthy tapas options are: garbanzos (beans also called chickpeas), grilled vegetables, tuna Ibiza, and shrimp “Al Ajillo”. In addition, the Berry Caprese salad is amazing! Other tasty options are: the artichoke hearts, Spanish tortilla, Ai-oli potatoes, and croquetas. Be aware though, the artichoke hearts, potatoes, and croquetas are all deep fried.

Because all menu items are tapas style, they come in small portions. Sangria’s Market Square is a great place to share good food and conversation with friends and maybe enjoy a carafe of white or red sangria too!

Submitted by:

Briana Presper

UTK Dietetic Intern

bpresper@utk.edu

Sangria’s is a dine-in restaurant located in Market Square in Downtown Knoxville.

Sangria’s received 3 out of 5 forks because there is an extra charge to modify and substitute menu items and nutrition information is not available.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ The Crown & Goose

Reviewed February 25, 2011 by The Fat (Almost) Dietitian

2 out of 5 Forks

The Crown & Goose is an authentic London gastropub in the Old City, serving “world class food in a relaxed, traditional pub environment.” Their menu boasts appetizers (dubbed “small plates”), a variety of salads (check out the House Cured Salmon and Melon Salad), proper supper (I have been wanting to try the Acorn Squash Fall Risotto, but it is too spendy for my frugal soul), English classics (which include fish 'n' chips and bangers and mash), and dessert (check out the Traditional English Trifle)! Being a pub, the Crown & Goose also offers a large selection of beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails. Check out their menu!

Unfortunately, C & G only earned only 2 out of 5 forks  L…  Before dedicated pub-goers throw tomatoes, hear an (almost) RD out: Nutrition information is not available to restaurant-goers, subbing for a veggie side dish will cost some $, and few of the entrees met the “healthy” criteria set up by KDDA.

If you are hoping to minimize damage to your waistline I would opt for the House Cured Salmon and Melon Salad and a small plate such as the Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart or the Mediterranean Mussels. 

While C & G will not qualify as dietitian-friendly, it is most definitely foodie-friendly! No matter, true pub-goers will opt for the English classics:

I know I did!

Before y’all hate, check out this little gem from the menu:

Happy National Nutrition Month!

Submitted by:

The Fat (Almost) Dietitian

thefatdietitian@gmail.com

www.thefatdietitian.com

The Crown & Goose is a dine-in restaurant located in the Old City.

"What Does the Dietitian Order?" @ Chesapeake's

Reviewed February 14, 2011 by UTK Dietetic Intern

4 out of 5 Forks

When my friends and I tried Chesapeake’s, we shared the Spiced Blue Crab Fingers appetizer.  For my entrée, I chose the special of the day: Ahi Tuna with a side house salad and baked macaroni and spinach with spicy cheese. To avoid using too much dressing, I requested the basil vinaigrette on the side. The server was very helpful in accommodating our menu modification requests.   

The service at Chesapeake’s was excellent, both at the bar and in the dining room. The menu offers a variety of seafood dishes and plenty of opportunity to alter items as desired. I would certainly eat there again. Entrée prices range from $15 to $25 with no additional costs for menu modifications or side dish substitutions.

Submitted by:

UTK Dietetic Intern

Chesapeake's is a dine-in restaurant located on Henley Street in Downtown Knoxville.

Chesapeake's received 4 out of 5 forks because nutrition information is not available.