Macaroni Grill was one of only two restaurants in walking distance of our hotel while staying in Colorado Springs recently.
I’d never been, and being on a low carb diet it seemed like an ironic choice. I jokingly call Macaroni Grill “the carb capital of the world” lol. But I said “Sure! I can find something to eat just about anywhere 😉 ”
I actually enjoy trying out new restaurants and checking out their low carb options. I’ve been making a game of it. Surprisingly, Macaroni Grill had plenty of them!
On my first trip to MG (yes, I ended up going multiple times during that short stay -lol), I had the Grilled Salmon with Asparagus. It was melt-in-your-mouth delicious!!!
And while I was browsing over their dessert menu, just peeking mind you, I noticed they had a Ricotta Cheesecake…
Hmm. 😀
I looked it up and it only has 34g carbs. They don’t break it down, so I am not sure what the net carbs are. Still, that is excellent for a low carb dessert!
I ordered it without the honey & lemon, and with a fresh strawberry instead (lowering the carb count even more).
Absolutely beautiful! I was instantly in love. 😀
It was so incredibly good. Not too sweet, but very rich and creamy. I felt an addiction coming on from the first bite. LOL.
I ended up having that low carb cheesecake three times in four days. The second trip, I went just for dessert. But on the third trip, I had dinner with friends. This time I ordered one of their pasta dishes – but with grilled vegetables in place of the pasta:
That’s chicken alfredo over grilled onions, zucchini and eggplant. It was so rich and so good. I’ll definitely be ordering this again, and trying other pasta dishes with the veggies instead.
That did it. I am now completely addicted! I’m on a mission. I would love to visit EVERY SINGLE MACARONI GRILL IN THE WORLD. 😀 I already have plans to have dinner there twice this weekend. Can’t wait!!
Note: LIKE Macaroni Grill on Facebook and get a $5 coupon immediately:
Enjoy 😀 I know I did!
I’ve been enjoying trying out some new restaurant choices with gluten free selections on their menu. I was surprised when Olive Garden added a gluten free section to their menu since it’s mostly pasta! They have a gluten free pasta, and some meat and veggie dishes that I’m looking forward to investigating, although they are a little higher priced than the “regular” Olive Garden menu.
I bet we can find Olive Garden coupons online too π I’ll have to check out what they offer low carb…
But this weekend it’s all about Macaroni Grill! lol
Update: I ate at Macaroni Grill twice again this last weekend. Both times at the Medical Center Pkwy store in Murfreesboro TN.
On Friday evening, not such a good experience. The salmon wasn’t nearly as good as it was at the Colorado Springs store! So bad in fact that I sent it back and had grilled chicken instead. π
On Sunday evening I ordered Chicken Parmesan with caesar salad on the side instead of pasta. More carbs than I normally eat, but it was delicious – and a much better overall experience.
Unfortunately the Ricotta Cheesecake has been replaced with a New York Cheesecake – which is NOT low carb. Boo!
I constantly eat out! I’ve been low carb for about 6 years now, and I’m just used to it. My best friend knows what I like and it is the low carb options anyway. She just recently went to cracker barrel and showed me their LOW CARB MENU. Who would think! I referred to Cracker Barrel as a Chicken and Biscuits Place! I just recently went there and had the hamburger steak (added bacon). I live in Maine and it was nice to be able to have comfort food with my friends!
I wasn’t sure if you knew about Cracker Barrel’s Hidden Gem!
Yup – and LOVE it! π They have tons of low carb options anyway, if you order right – and of course they offer the ala cart menu, which is nice. But the additional low carb menu was a nice touch!!
I never would have thought of ordering a pasta dish and then replacing the pasta with grilled vegetables. Only You!!!! Which Is one reason I love you and your blog. I did go to an Italian place and ask to replace the side of pasta with vegetables, but still wouldn’t have thought of your idea. Brava!!!!!
It’s delicious. π Even better than pasta! Grilled vegetables have WAY more flavor. It can easily be done at home too, of course. I just bought some good Alfredo sauce at the store this week – just for that! And my favorite marinara & pasta sauce (low carb & organic) is http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/bello It’s addictive, so rich and fresh!
Lol how is 34g carbs good for a desert. That means one piece of cheesecake will put you at daily limit
True, Daniel – it was 34 total carbs WITH the honey, lemon zest and strawberry glaze and I ordered it plain (without any of those things). So I’m not sure what the net carb count was on the plain ricotta cheesecake, as I mentioned.
Fortunately they no longer have it on the menu, so no worries. π