Applebee’s
5400 West Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48917
517-321-6045
Price Range: From $8.49 – $10.99
Clean with good customer service
[Jo:] Here is our disclaimer. We are not chefs, nor claim to be foodies, but we know what we like. We are just two full-time PhD candidates who don’t cook as often as we could or would like.
[Mo:] But we have concluded that there is no need for our dinning choices to be budget breakers, gut busters, nor fast food induced glutton runs.
[Jo:] We enjoy good food, in a nice pleasant atmosphere, served by a friendly wait staff. We enjoy meals even more, when they are affordable.
[Mo:] Imagine my excitement when seeing the new promotions for Applebee’s advertising meals for less than 550 calories each. I was even more excited when I saw the menu. Succulent grilled shrimp with island rice, grilled chicken Dijon and grilled cracked peppercorn steak.
[Jo:] We started with the Asian Crunch Salad, which featured tender grilled chicken breast over salad greens and included roasted red peppers and onions as well as snap peas, cucumbers, almonds and cilantro. There was also a mixture of, cabbage, both red and green with a hint of carrots.
[Mo:] The Asian vinaigrette dressing that accompanied the salad was a little salty but they serve it on the side. The roasted red peppers and other items were a great addition. [Jo:] I liked the Asian vinaigrette dressing. It managed to give the greens/slaw mix just the right kick. I even tasted hints of ginger and sesame. But I can see how it would be a bit salty if you you’re not careful. I really enjoyed the grilled chicken. It was appropriately seasoned to complement the salad and it was tender.
[Mo:] Next we had the grilled shrimp which was served on “citrus island rice” with a side of broccoli and carrots. The shrimp was seasoned very well (even a little spicy – but in a good way). [Jo:] I agree. I thought that they pulled the meal off. I was satisfied. I think the most enjoyable part of the meal to me, was the grilled mixed vegetables. They were seasoned well, grilled to perfection, and an excellent complement to the shrimp and rice.
[Jo:] Last, we had the Asiago Peppercorn 7 oz Sirloin Steak.
[Mo:] I was a little disappointed in the amount of peppercorn that was used as seasoning but the steak was extremely tender. [Jo:] I agree. Although I had to remove the peppercorn from my portion, the steamed herb potatoes and vegetables were a great compliment.
[Mo:] I think the idea of 550 calorie meals is great. The idea of heading to Applebee’s to sample great food, which also provides a healthy option (for under $11.00 each) seems to be the best of both worlds.
[Jo:] Yeah, I’m looking forward to sampling the Grilled Chicken Dijon next!
