Dining out can be a delicious yet calorie-laden experience. At Grand Lux Cafe, a popular upscale casual dining spot, the extensive menu features many indulgent dishes packed with flavor. Understanding Grand Lux Cafe’s calorie counts allows diners to make informed decisions when ordering. In this post we talk about understanding Grand Lux Cafe Calorie Content.
Appetizers
Grand Lux Cafe’s appetizers run the gamut from fresh and light to hearty and comforting. Lighter options like the Edamame Hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, and spices contains only 210 calories per serving. Their popular Chinese Chicken Salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, crispy wontons, and ginger dressing contains 325 calories.
However, many of their appetizers are more calorie-dense. Options like the classic Cheese Pizza with marinara and melted mozzarella delivers 560 calories per slice, while a generous serving of Chili Cheese Fries with bacon and Pico de Gallo packs 910 calories. Even a starter like the Caprese Skewers with mozzarella, tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze contains 400 calories for 6 skewers.
Entrees
Ranging from Italian to Asian fusion, Grand Lux Cafe’s diverse entrees vary widely in calories. Lighter fare like the Miso Glazed Salmon with bok choy and jasmine rice contains 500 calories, as does the Thai Crunch Salad with chopped romaine, cabbage, carrots, peanuts, and ginger dressing.
Pasta dishes often tip higher on the calorie scale, with options like the Penne Rustica with chicken, peas, tomatoes, and parmesan cream sauce containing 1260 calories and Spaghetti and Meatballs packing 1500 calories per plate. Their pizzas also climb into quadruple-digit territory at 1140-1300 calories each.
Charbroiled carne asada on the fajitas dish tallies 1250 calories while Asian noodle dishes like the Pad Thai provide 1350 calories. Going with roasted meat entrees helps lower calorie counts, with herb roasted chicken at 740 calories and sliced Tri-Tip steak dish at 800 calories.
Sides and Desserts
Grand Lux Cafe’s sides seem innocuous calorie-wise, though the portions add up fast. The Creamed Corn with bacon packs 320 calories per helping, the same as the Sauteed Green Beans in garlic butter sauce. Even steamed Jasmine Rice contains 210 calories per sizable serving.
Finally, diners with a sweet tooth face temptation from Grand Lux Cafe’s dessert menu. While fresh fruit is available, selections like their Classic Carrot Cake weigh in at 830 calories. A dense slice of their Three-Layer Chocolate Cake tops 1000 calories. For a lighter option, order the sorbet for around 140 calories per scoop.
Strategies for Dining Out Calorie-Consciously
Understanding the calorie landscape at Grand Lux Cafe makes it possible to enjoy their creative cuisine more mindfully. Follow these tips when dining there:
– Opt for tomato-based sauces over creamy pasta dishes
– Choose roasted meats instead of fried options
– Start meals with broth-based soup or salad
– Share high-calorie appetizers and desserts
– Request salad dressing and high-fat sauces on the side
– Take a portion of the entree to-go to prevent overeating
The Final Takeaway
At Grand Lux Cafe, lighter and more nutritious choices do exist among the indulgent offerings. Equipped with calorie awareness around menu categories, diners can satisfy cravings for favorite dishes in balance with vegetables, lean proteins, and other smart alternatives. Moderating overall portion sizes also helps decrease calorie loads. By implementing such strategies, patrons can continue enjoying Grand Lux Cafe’s elevated flavors while maintaining their health goals.
