With our last several of issues, we began a series where we spotlight restaurants that are now offering a specific low carb menu. We've spotlighted TGI Friday's, Ruby Tuesday, Schlotzsky's Deli, and Don Pablo's... Watch for other restaurants to be featured here in the future (Chili's, Blimpie's, Lee's Famous Recipe, Skyline Chili, Hardee's, Burger King, and others.)

On Tuesday, February 10th, we visited the O'Charley's Restaurant located at 1830 N. Bechtle in Springfield, Ohio to sample some of their new low carb menu items. Several people had recommended them, and we were not disappointed. In fact, I think it's fair to say that we were delighted.

The entire back page of their menu is low carb (click on the menu photo below to enlarge), and they truly seem to understand what they're doing. The waitstaff was well-versed and pleasant about it. In fact, we heard the parties at several of the tables in our section also ordering low carb.

So what did we have? Neil had the Chicken Cordon Bleu a boneless chicken breast seasoned, grilled, and topped with spicy mustard, sliced ham and melted Monterey Jack cheese. He had this with the Vegetable Medley, for a total net carbs for his dinner of 10.5 grams.

I had the Bacon Cheese Chicken Trio a boneless chicken breast grilled and topped with bacon and melted cheddar, Monterey Jack and Swiss cheeses. I had this with their Cauliflower Casserole. My total net carbs were 12 grams.

Both dinners were quite good with Neil's Chicken Cordon Bleu the best. However, the real star was the Cauliflower Casserole! It was simply delicious with just the right amount of seasoning. It comes with a spritz of parmesan cheese, but you can get it with melted Jack and Cheddar cheeses as well. (And of course I did.)

Shots of our dinners that night are below... Click on the photos to enlarge.

           

On subsequent dinners we've had their Prime Rib, and their Black and Bleu Caesar Salad. Also really good. So we feel very good recommending O'Charley's as a great Low-Carb friendly option when you dine out.

No sugarless desserts as yet... we wish more restaurants would understand the need for them. And we'd like to see them add some low carb soups to the menu as well. But this is a great start!   Visit their website to see their full low carb menu and to find a location near you.

         

Review content copyright © March 2004  Lora Ruffner and Low Carb Luxury.   Inset food photos copyright © 2004  Neil Beaty and Low Carb Luxury.

O'Charley's logo and menu copyright 2004 O'Charley's, Inc.; 3038 Sidco Drive; Nashville, TN 37204