It’s time to Savor Fort Wayne! Starting January 15, and running through January 26, diners can enjoy delicious options at some of their favorite local eateries at a special price. This year, we’re sponsoring the event by recommending Parkview Lighter Choices on select menus. To tempt your palate, we asked a collection of Parkview dietitians to share what they love about these smart selections.
Bourbon Street Hideaway
Lauren Mullins, RDN, LD
“Choosing to partake in delicious menu options doesn’t have to break the bank or your calorie budget. One of the many restaurants featured in this year’s Savor Fort Wayne is Bourbon Street Hideaway. Their menu boasts delicious flavors, with two lighter options: the Shrimptini appetizer and the Baked Tilapia entrée, with wild rice and vegetables.
The Shrimptini appetizer features Creole-poached jumbo shrimp and Cajun cocktail sauce. Shrimp is a low-calorie option, with most of the calories coming from protein and fat. Shrimp is also rich in iodine, selenium, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in the antioxidant astaxanthin.
When it comes to the lighter entrée, tilapia is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium and potassium. Choosing this baked meal will save you calories and unwanted saturated fats. This scrumptious dish will surely leave you feeling satisfied, as its accompanying sides contain fiber and are packed full of nutrition. Wild rice provides slightly fewer calories per serving compared to brown or white rice and is considered a plant-based protein source. Adding vegetables as an additional side will also provide many beneficial nutrients and a great fiber source.”
Shigs in Pit
Rachel Bunch, MA, RDN, LD
“For a lighter option at Shigs In Pit, go with their classic chopped chicken and smoked turkey two meat plate. This option is packed with delicious, lean protein that promises to fill you up. This option also comes with two of Shigs In Pit’s famous sides.
Try to mix and match one decadent side, such as apple pie baked beans, creamy coleslaw, macaroni salad, green chile mac ‘n cheese, potato casserole or corn ‘spoon bread’, with a healthier option such as the southern green beans or tomato and cucumber salad. You can enjoy your favorites while also making smart choices. Also, remember that sharing or saving some for later is always a great option when eating out!”
Three Rivers Distilling Company
Amanda Langan, RDN, CD
“Three Rivers Distilling Company offers dishes rich with a colorful variety of vegetables to keep you full and satisfied. The Savor Salad starts the meal off light with mixed greens, onions and beets. Ask for the dressing on the side and dip your fork in before picking up each bite of salad. Vinaigrettes are usually made with heart-healthy oil, like olive oil, but they still contain calories and usually added sugar for sweetness.
The tuna and red lentils in the Grilled Tuna with Pineapple Rum Sauce provide a lean protein, while the baby bok choy is low in carbohydrates. The majority of the calories in this dish come from the pineapple rum sauce.
Not feeling like fish? The vegetable-packed Himalayan Red Rice Risotto with Red Pepper Coulis is lower in calories and saturated fat than the pork belly dish and provides vitamins, minerals and fiber, leaving you a few extra calories so you can enjoy dessert.
If you choose an alcoholic beverage or sugar-sweetened beverage like soda, consider asking for your dessert to go and save those delicious calories for later. Sparkling water, unsweetened tea or a dry red wine provide fewer calories from carbohydrates.”
Nawa
Adrianne Kartholl RDN, LD
“If you plan to participate in Savor Fort Wayne, be sure to check out the Parkview Lighter Options at Nawa! The lettuce wraps will offer a light dish packed full of flavor. At 250 calories or less, this dish is full of lean protein (chicken and shrimp) and topped with ginger.
When it comes to the entrée, the Spicy Salmon Salad is a great choice, brimming with nutritional benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein and rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that eating salmon twice a week has shown positive benefits in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Salmon is also naturally high in B vitamins and a good source of calcium.
The salad features a tamarind dressing. Tamarind is a hardwood tree that produces a fruit with a sweet and sour flavor, known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is rich in B vitamins, potassium and magnesium.
As for dessert, their selection is ice cream with a selection of fried fruit and sweets. To make this option lighter, try asking for fresh fruit instead of fried, and bypass the sweets to save calories and added fat. If you prefer, you could even split this option with company.
Another tip to cutting calories when eating out is being mindful of your beverage choices. While it’s tempting to add an alcoholic beverage or soda to your meal, these add additional calories. Mixers are full of added sugar. Try to keep it simple and skip the sweet stuff.”