What to eat at this restaurant? Calorie counts are insane!

UrbanLotus · February 2013

I'm going to Bailey's Pub right after work for an event and will be there for 3+ hours, so have to eat dinner there. I'll have about 700 calories left - but even the salads are more than that (doesn't look like they have any light dressing)! Can anyone give me some advice on what to eat? (Please don't say just eat, cheat, whatever - I'm looking for specific recs on what I make healthier/fit into 700 cals. The food isn't very good so I don't want to splurge on something that doesn't even taste good). I don't eat seafood but everything else is fine.

I was thinking the Jamaican Chicken- 921 calories, Two grilled chicken breasts, marinated in sweet soy sauce, pineapple and ginger. Served with black beans, rice and fresh steamed broccoli. If I don't eat the rice, can I subtract the rice calories (big easy rice says 423 calories, or rice pilaf for 300)?

Menu:
http://www.foxandhound.com/party-starters.aspx

Nutrition info:
http://foxandhound.com/Portals/0/pdf/fhnutrition.pdf

I know I'm being anal about this but its the only way this works for me, so if anyone has any helpful advice its much appreciated, thank you!

volleygirl1980 · February 2013

I'd probably eat half the cheese pizza or jamaican chicken and have a side salad..

I went to a burger place the other day where the smallest burger was 1000 calories. They had salads, but I really wanted a burger. So, I ordered the smallest one, ate half and ordered a small salad on the side..(instead of fries). Had water instead of my usual iced tea. My meal probably ended up being around 700 calories..

My husband ordered a giant burger with fries and had a chocolate milkshake..his meal probaby rang in at over 3000 calories (he usually eats quite well, so this was a treat for him)..

I'd say get what you want, but eat an amount that would fit within your 700 calories. Chicken is a good option..

UrbanLotus · February 2013

Even the side salad is 647 calories though! I don't understand these calorie counts at all

. And like for the chicken, if I subtract the rice, its 500 calories - that doesn't sound right for 2 chicken breasts, sauce, broccoli, and beans, it should be more shouldn't it? Half the cheese pizza would be good if only I could get a normal side salad that wasn't 647 calories!

I'm really shocked to see these numbers, how can a place not have anything remotely healthy?

carriempls · February 2013

If you want the field greens side salad you could ask for it without cheese or bacon and have the dressing on the side. Then dip your fork in the dressing for each bit instead of pouring the whole thing on.

You can do that with any of the salads to make them fewer calories, really. Leave off some of the more calorie dense items and get dressing on the side.

There's a side ceasar salad for 298.

They have a side of broccoli for 133. Side of black beans is 128.

I'd do half of one of the pizzas or a sandwich and a veggie side.

Amazigh926 · February 2013

Order the chicken and when you get it, immediately ask for a to-go box and pack up HALF of it right away so it is not on your plate.

cwolfman13 · February 2013

As a general rule, restaurant servings generally represent 2 and sometimes even 3 servings. I'm assuming those two chicken breasts are not 4 oz serving sized breasts...probably closer to 8 oz...meaning two of those would actually be roughly 4 servings of chicken.

When I don't want to splurge, I just eat about half of an entree. If there is meat, I eat a portion that is roughly the size of my closed fist in width and length...for stuff like rice I eat what would roughly fit in the cup of my palm, etc.

whatjesseats · February 2013

I would get a bowl of chili and share a side of sweet potato fries with somebody.

LeonnieH · February 2013

Already suggested but my thoughts would be to not eat everything on the plate, the portions are probably very large anyway. If there's dessert then skip it and opt for a coffee instead.

alanlmarshall · February 2013

Another alternative, salad with no cheese, dressing on the side. Also, they might have a vnegrette dressing that is not on the menu.

dowesney · February 2013

Asking for dressing on the side of a salad will cut the calorie count down big time. It won't help you today, but I have found when I know I have to go out to eat I eat very minimal all day to save my calories for the big dinner. I would rather order something I like, than to spend money on something I don't just to stay under the calorie count.

primpinxoxo · February 2013

I worked at a Bailey's Pub & Grille for 3 years.....
If you're serious about your diet....do not eat there. Ask for celery (they serve it with wings) or plain chips and salsa. Even the healthy options are cooked in too much butter and oil. You can make special requests but that's not even a guarantee they'll do as you ask. Sad...I know.

Just don't do it...

tpfoodie · February 2013

I'd get something and eat half, then save the rest for lunch another day.

grimendale · February 2013

I tend to ask for a box as soon as the food comes, then box up half of the food immediately. That way, once half is gone, I'm far less tempted to continue eating the other half because it's there. It works fairly well for me.

vettle · February 2013

I don't know about you, but I can't imagine eating TWO chicken breasts! I imagine that you will see that plate and it will be huge and you won't be able to eat it all anyway.

nicolemarie045 · February 2013

What I have done before is order off the kids menu. I realize you feel a bit silly..but the portions are more likely to be what you are wanting/needing without having to box up the rest or worry about only eating part of something.

Melo1966 · February 2013

Why do people think salads at resturants are a healthy option? They almost never are. Eat steak, even a burger is better than a salad.

branson101 · February 2013

I'd get something and eat half, then save the rest for lunch another day.

this is my suggestion

MallorieGreiner · February 2013

I'm going to Bailey's Pub right after work for an event and will be there for 3+ hours, so have to eat dinner there. I'll have about 700 calories left - but even the salads are more than that (doesn't look like they have any light dressing)! Can anyone give me some advice on what to eat? (Please don't say just eat, cheat, whatever - I'm looking for specific recs on what I make healthier/fit into 700 cals. The food isn't very good so I don't want to splurge on something that doesn't even taste good). I don't eat seafood but everything else is fine.

I was thinking the Jamaican Chicken- 921 calories, Two grilled chicken breasts, marinated in sweet soy sauce, pineapple and ginger. Served with black beans, rice and fresh steamed broccoli. If I don't eat the rice, can I subtract the rice calories (big easy rice says 423 calories, or rice pilaf for 300)?

Menu:
http://www.foxandhound.com/party-starters.aspx

Nutrition info:
http://foxandhound.com/Portals/0/pdf/fhnutrition.pdf

I know I'm being anal about this but its the only way this works for me, so if anyone has any helpful advice its much appreciated, thank you!

Whenever I go out places, I'm always a pain in the butt to wait on because I ask to make changes to EVERYTHING.
For example, if you get the grilled chicken breast, ask for them DRY and cut out the rice and beans and ask for more broccoli. Little things like that can make a big difference.

krisiepoo · February 2013

Ask for some grilled chicken without whatever sauces they put on it and a side of veg/salad with everything on the side. They're more than able to modify the menus, I do this all the time