Out to Eat: Zingerman’s Roadhouse

I took my foodie dad to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for a (very) belated Father’s Day dinner. Zingerman’s Roadhouse has been ranked among the top 10 BBQ restaurants in the country, but all of the food is good. From their website:

James Beard-nominated Chef Alex Young and the Roadhouse crew serve a menu and weekly specials, with a passion for Really Good American Food, using seasonal, heirloom produce from Cornman Farms—our very own farm, supplying Roadhouse tables with hours-old vegetables.

All of their food is selected so carefully, I can really food good about ordering anything on the menu (including meat). That’s why I went for the Ancho Beef Chili, (“Hand-cut Niman Ranch beef with black beans in ancho chile broth”) which is literally the best chili I’ve ever had. I also ordered one of my favorite salads, the Arugula and Red Oak Salad (“Arugula and red oak leaf with with Cornman Farms roasted beets, red onion, California Zinfandel vinaigrette and fresh goat cheese from Zingerman’s Creamery. Tossed with red wine vinaigrette”). That goat cheese is so amazing. It puts any you can buy at a normal grocery store to shame.

My dad had the BBQ sampler plate with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork (I’ve had it before, it’s incredible). I love Zing’s Roadhouse and recommend it even over the famous eponymous deli. Both restaurants, however, have the best ingredients from the best sources that make the high prices worth it. If you’re ever in town, don’t miss ‘em (and take me with you!).

I ordered a goat cheese and grilled veggie wrap on a whole wheat pita.

Rachel ordered a spicy eggplant curry dish. It came with a yogurt-beet sauce that was BRIGHT pink. She said it was good, but not as spicy as she expected.

After the movie, Rachel (pictured) and I couldn’t imagine eating meat, so we headed to the nearest vegetarian restaurant and sat outside. After scrutinizing the menu, we ordered yam fries as an appetizer. Their dipping sauce is so good!

ETA: Yes, it’s Seva!

Shanna asks:

What’s your take on Chipotle? Specifically, a vegetarian burrito bowl is kind of my go-to for quick, on-the-run meal. I order half the rice, twice the beans, and have them load on fajita veggies, fresh salsa, guac, a little cheese and lettuce.  I end up eating this about 2 or 3x a week (I LOVE it) and I’ve always considered it a pretty healthy alternative to fast food, but am I just deluding myself?

Chipotle is one of those chains that sort of masquerades as healthy by marketing itself as natural and organic. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they’re striving for “food with integrity,” but in terms of health, I’m not sure that means a whole lot.

If you’re going to eat Chipotle, a vegetarian burrito bowl is probably the best you can do (hold the sour cream and cheese if possible). WITH guac, sour cream, and cheese, the whole thing will run you about 900 calories (per the Daily Plate). I’m guessing you can shave 300-400 calories by cutting the sour cream, some cheese, and some rice, but it’s still not a low-calorie dish by any means. Beans are great, but they’re pretty calorie dense and I’m sure Chipotle isn’t using oil sparingly.Plus, the rest of the bowl doesn’t offer much nutrition (romaine lettuce isn’t exactly a nutritional champion).

Bottom line: A Chipotle veggie burrito bowl isn’t the worst thing you could eat, especially for fast food, but it’s still a higher calorie meal without a ton of nutritional value. I know, I know, my Chipotle-loving readers are going to be mad at me for this. Just watch the portion carefully (don’t eat the whole thing if you can help it) and don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s health food.

Friday Day in Food

Sweet treat, 12:45pm: Yogobliss tart mango frozen yogurt with raspberries. (180 calories)

Friday Day in Food

Lunch, 12:15pm: Greek Goddess Salad from my favorite Middle Eastern place. Spinach, tomato, cucumber, carrot, olives, chicken, feta, and the best dressing made with sumac, olive oil, and tons of lemon juice. I also ate most of a pita, but I didn’t finish this whole monster of a salad. (~500 calories).

Out to Eat: Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mango Salad (first course)

I try to stay away from fried foods, but since this appetizer came with only one shrimp (and the other option on the fixed price menu was escargot), I decided it was alright.

Out to Eat: Artichoke Salad with Orange (second course)

I always try to order a brothy soup or salad when eating out. They both help fill me up without adding a lot of extra calories (obviously, watch out for creamy soups and heavy dressing).

(Photo was taken after I had already eaten a couple bites!)