Macaroni Grill- A Little Foolishness

[Lissa Kristine]

My best friend and I decided to take advantage of a BOGO coupon for Macaroni Grill earlier this evening as one of several "last meals" before I start my Whole 30.

While there, we each decided to contribute $1 to a charity to end hunger. For every $2 donated, Mac Grill gives out $5 off coupons that are good until October 7.

So, now, there's a challenge on-hand. My usual meal of make-your-own pasta with parmesean crusted chicken, pancetta, and a creamy sauce is out. The baked proscuttio with mozzarella and fried macaroni and cheese are out. The warm raspberry torte for dessert? The fresh foccacia? Out and out.

So, where does that leave me?

Lost.

Confused.

I'm unsure of what would be "safe" (or safest) to order. Would the grilled shrimp or chicken spiedini with extra veggies and no potatoes be safe? What about the warm shrimp and spinach salad? Are

prosciutto or pine nuts approved?

Normally, this wouldn't be so difficult to figure out, but the idea of going to a place named after PASTA when I'm grain-free is throwing me off.

Not to mention the idea that my dining partner will be enjoying that delicious, warm, bread dipped in olive oil.

[Derval]

Prosciutto and pine nuts are both ok, but I'd want to check the pack of prosciutto if I was buying it so it would be taking a chance....

The shrimp & spinach - ask for it plain with evoo & lemon to dress yourself.

You could also just give your voucher away to a friend (or even a stranger, make their day!) and go somewhere else

[oliruns]

I would give your coupon to a friend or co-worker, and feel good about donating to a charity.

That bread, pasta and heavy oil/sauces is not going to make you feel good in the long term. Short term satisfaction does not equal health.

[Lissa Kristine]

@Oliruns, I'd be skipping the bread, pasta, and heavy oils/sauces though.

@Derval Ooooh. The Shrimp and Spinach salad with Lemon and EVOO sounds amazing. Apparently, for a dollar more, you can get it with scallops. I assume it's INSTEAD of shrimp, but I'd see if I could do it in ADDITION to shrimp. Seriously, my mouth is watering right now, and I haven't started my Whole 30 yet!

[jhmomi]

IMHO the cost to your health when you eat there is far greater than even the savings for a free meal.

Pick a new restaurant to try with your bestie. Maybe splurge on one that features locally sourced organic produce and grass fed meat. When you don't order alcohol during a Whole30 you can spend that savings on great food.

[Lissa Kristine]

I don't drink, so that is not an issue, and the only place near here with grass fed anything is Moe's. But if I can find some organic place that doesn't serve minuscule portions for an arm and a leg, I will suggest it. However, it looks like that would require a trip to NYC which certainly is not in my schedule.

However, I am not looking for criticism on where I do and do not eat. I am looking for suggestions for a specific place.

[jhmomi]

I don't drink, so that is not an issue, and the only place near here with grass fed anything is Moe's. But if I can find some organic place that doesn't serve minuscule portions for an arm and a leg, I will suggest it. However, it looks like that would require a trip to NYC which certainly is not in my schedule.

However, I am not looking for criticism on where I do and do not eat. I am looking for suggestions for a specific place.

Lissa - I sincerely apologize if my post offended you. It was certainly NOT my intention. I simply thought it could be more enjoyable and fun than trying to find something compliant at Macaroni Grill. It is possible to order anywhere. My family went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch (not my choice) and I had a very nice salad made for me after discussing options with my server.

[Lissa Kristine]

My problem is, my friend is against doing a whole 30 with me, and so there will have to be compromises. If there is absolutely nothing that I can eat, we won't go there. However, I can't subject him to only organic, free range, health food either. Not to mention I am trying to prove to him that I don't have to be deprived while doing this.

That being said, what was on your salad at CPK? I could use the ideas just in case.

[Susan W]

I don't drink, so that is not an issue, and the only place near here with grass fed anything is Moe's. But if I can find some organic place that doesn't serve minuscule portions for an arm and a leg, I will suggest it. However, it looks like that would require a trip to NYC which certainly is not in my schedule.

However, I am not looking for criticism on where I do and do not eat. I am looking for suggestions for a specific place.

Lissa, don't feel you HAVE to have grass fed and organic. In a perfect world, you would be able to find that everywhere, but you won't and when you do, it's likely to be very expensive. When I go out, I go for quality grilled meats or fish and steamed veggies. I don't worry if it is grass fed or not...I cut all the fat off unless I know it is grass fed. I think with a little planning, you can eat Whole30 anywhere and show your friend how not deprived you are.

[jhmomi]

Lissa - At CPK, I told our server quickly what my restrictions were (no grains, no dairy, no beans, no sugar, and I specified no peanuts too) and asked her to have the kitchen make me a big salad with lots of raw veggies, fruit and nuts but please no candied nuts or cheese (FYI - I learned the hard way before, if any salad lists oranges they are most likely mandarin oranges with sugar added). I had seen the salad choices on the menu and all had something or other that was off limits so I didn't want to choose one of them and then make a bunch of substitutions or special requests (sort of seems like making a square peg fit in a round whole sometimes). For example they had roasted veggies listed for one salad but what oil was used, which ones had croutons or cheese or candied nuts? It helped that I was there at an off-peak time to eat. I think a busy Friday or Saturday night it gets a little more challenging to get such great service at any restaurant. I ended up with a salad of greens, tomato, cucumber, onion, avocado, apple, grapes, almonds and pine nuts. It was gorgeous and big! She brought balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the table but I didn't even need it. I didn't ask for any protein on it because I wasn't too hungry (it was a mid-afternoon stop with the family and I had a quick bite at noon before we left to run errands. I ate half the salad and brought the rest home. If I had wanted protein, I would have simply asked for something (shrimp, chicken, steak) dry grilled without seasoning and added salt and pepper as needed at the table. I know there are plenty of spices that are fine to season the protein, but I know what I am getting when I ask for it plain.

As for Moe's, I went with my family last week and although they do have grass-fed beef, it is all seasoned and not possible to order it plain. I called and asked before we went and decided I just wouldn't eat there. On the Moe's website there is a page with Allergy information and the steak and ground beef both contain soy and milk according to the chart! The chicken and pork have soy too. So I just had unsweetened tea and enjoyed the time with my family but had a small snack before we went and then ate my dinner later at home. Sometimes I prefer this because I really like the food I have at home and it also saves money if I don't eat out. When I used to suggest slightly better restaurants to suit me (not necessarily my non-Paleo family), we spent a lot more on the meal and often it wasn't worth it. I was paying $15-25? for grilled shrimp or fish and veggies every time we went out, and their meals cost more too. Often I'd rather save the money on my meal and spend it at Whole Foods on some really good food to enjoy for several meals. Now if they want to go to IHOP or Waffle House or the local pizza place or their favorite Mexican restaurant, I just drink water and let them eat, or I order a small side salad and bring my own dressing. This way they are happy, and I am happy too. FYI - when I do eat out in a nicer restaurant, I tend to order grilled protein on a salad. The same protein ordered with a side of cooked veggies is always more expensive, plus the cooked veggie portion is generally smaller than the raw veggies, fruit and nuts I get with my salad. I have really learned to love my big salads!

Good luck on your Whole30! This plan is possible for anyone, you just have to make it work to fit your life. Keep reading the forum. I learn new tips all the time from the other members.

[Lissa Kristine]

That salad sounds pretty good (minus the tomato- I'm pretty picky about those); I'll definitely be more into fun salads on this plan.

Any suggestions for containers to transport homemade dressings in? I figured on making dressings using herbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and/or lemon/lime juice, etc. I have a good-seasons dressing bottle that I can use at hme, but I'm not sure about bringing it with me. I want something I can keep in my purse- just in case. I don't trust, say, the local diner to have olive oil.

[Susan W]

That salad sounds pretty good (minus the tomato- I'm pretty picky about those); I'll definitely be more into fun salads on this plan.

Any suggestions for containers to transport homemade dressings in? I figured on making dressings using herbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and/or lemon/lime juice, etc. I have a good-seasons dressing bottle that I can use at hme, but I'm not sure about bringing it with me. I want something I can keep in my purse- just in case. I don't trust, say, the local diner to have olive oil.

Oh do I have an answer for that one. I save my spice jars when the spice is gone. They are airtight so absolutely do not leak and they are a nifty size that fit perfectly in purses.

[Laura B]

You could also use a baby food jar for dressing. If you like guacamole I recommend Wholly Guacamole 100 Calorie Packs for dressing. It's really good!

[Lissa Kristine]

I love a basic oil and lemon dressing. The baby food jar idea sounds great... Especially since I eat baby food (fruit and veggie mixes or fruit only). Thanks

[Jessica]

I love using homemade mayo as a base for creamy salad dressings. My favorite is mixing in some garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika. I add a little water to make it the right consistency. Comes out tasting like a ranch or creamy caesar.

[Ann]

I love homemade mayo with chipotles in adobo sauce, a little bit of lime juice, garlic, and cumin - I whiz it up with my stick blender til it's creamy smooth. This is delicious drizzled over roasted chicken on a green salad.

[Lissa Kristine]

Honestly, I hate Mayo, so I doubt I can justify making homemade mayo. The only way I ever eat it is on the rare (no more than once a year) occasions I have deviled eggs, haha

[kellydawne]

I would second the salad option. You can find something that will work almost anywhere. (probably not at an asian type place, but anywhere else)

We ate out yesterday and I had a seafood cobb salad, it was huge and the only changes I made were no blue cheese and oil and vinegar please. I was stuffed when we left and didn't mind skipping the fried calamari at all. (bread makes me feel bad, so no temptation there, its just not worth it!)

I love homemade mayo with chipotles in adobo sauce, a little bit of lime juice, garlic, and cumin - I whiz it up with my stick blender til it's creamy smooth. This is delicious drizzled over roasted chicken on a green salad.

I love chipotles in adobo but haven't been able to find any that are whole 30 compliant. What brand do you use or do you make your own?

[heatherhactenus]

I know I'm 3 years late to be replying to this thread, but just wanted to chime in with (a two-part story of) what I ordered today since I ended up needing to go to Macaroni Grill for a work lunch. I ordered the "Chicken Under a Brick" which comes with chicken, seasonal vegetable (today was broccoli rabe), grape tomatoes and garlic-rosemary roasted white potatoes. I did my due diligence upon ordering and it turns out that they -- according to their server -- just use EVOO as the roasting oil for all the vegetables and potatoes, and since the potatoes were not mashed, added dairy was not an issue. I felt happy about ordering compliant food AND being satisfied at the same time!

 

However, it is now about 90 minutes since I've eaten that meal, and to be honest it's sitting a little weird in me. Maybe it's because it was comprised of conventionally-raised chicken and vegetables, and I've been eating pastured/organic for the past two weeks (I'm on day 13). Maybe it's because it's been a LONG time since I've eaten either tomatoes or white potatoes (and maybe the large serving of white potatoes are spiking my blood sugar in a way that it hasn't been spiked since before I started my W30). Or maybe it's because I slightly engorged myself and finished the whole thing. But something definitely feels slightly off. I'm wondering if they slipped some butter into the meal, even when I specifically asked them to make sure that no butter would be added. I don't know my internal responses well enough yet to know what this means.