BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The low carbohydrate revolution is everywhere.
The Atkins? Web site offers bagels with lower carbs (one bag for $5.99 plus shipping) to consumers. Low Carb Living the magazine arrived at newsstands. Best friends debate the effectiveness of Atkins versus South Beach. Even the bread at local groceries stores has been stripped of it’s hold on carbs.
And now restaurants are the next to join the bandwagon, making eating out an easier possibility for those joining the revolution.
‘If you would have asked us a year ago about this lasting, we would have said, ‘No way!?,? Erich Lines, Clarkston Union general manager said. ‘I never thought it would balloon to what it is now.?
Lines is one of several local restaurateurs revamping his menu to allow residents more low-carb friendly options when dining out. The demand has arisen and local businesses are listening.
According to Lines, a trend has been growing at the Union recently. Popular choices include buffalo burgers, sans bun of course, and steaks. The trend is increasing so greatly that management at the Union is discussing the possibility of adding specific low-carb entrees to the regular menu.
‘The menu really hasn’t changed that much in eight years,? Lines said. ‘It’s never really adhered to a specific diet trend.?
Up the road on Main Street, Mesquite Creek has found themselves a popular choice for low-carb diners.
‘The nature of our restaurant can satisfy that,? owner Brian Hussey said. ‘We’re always open to do that.?
Salads, seafood, and chicken are regular requests for dieters, but thanks to specific Atkins entrees, individuals have other tasteful options to choose from.
Mesquite Creek offers beef sirloin with blue cheese and sauteed onions in addition to grilled chicken with pico de gallo.
‘We’re very Atkins-friendly here!? Hussey said. ‘However, you sure can go off from it here, though!?
For those looking for low-carb meals on the go, Burger King is the latest restaurant to join the fast food chain’s response to bunless burgers.
The Independence Township location prides itself on being a ‘fast service? restaurant rather than fast food and is ready to embrace both low-carb and healthier diet trends.
‘Burger King is responding to a culinary arts trend related to Atkins-type diets,? Myron Grosz, franchise owner, said. ‘Really, any menu item can become low carb.?
At Grosz’s location, Whoppers are served to customers in a plastic dish with some of the usual ingredients: lettuce, pickles and onions. Missing from the equation are the bun, ketchup and mayonnaise.
Store employees are trained on the carb and nutritional values of each menu item and what additional ‘allowable? items, such as bacon and cheese, can be added. The low-carb bacon Whopper with cheese has 5 grams of carbohydrates, 420 calories, and 32 grams of fat.
According to Grosz, his store sells about 10 low-carb Whoppers a day. He is intrigued to find the philosophies behind his customers? menu choices.
‘I like to find out what the customer thinks of the new products,? Grosz said. ‘I ask what prompted them to make their purchase. Primarily, people are trying to eat healthier and lose weight.?
Not only does Burger King offer the traditional Whopper, it also features a low-carb chicken Whopper served the exact same way. For those not counting carbs but still wish to eat healthier, the chain offers reduced-fat chicken baguette sandwiches as well as seven calorie-conscious items that are under 380 calories each.
‘Our new Fire-Grilled low-carb, Fire-Grilled low-fat, and Fire-Grilled calorie-conscious offerings give our guests food and taste that is consistent with their personal eating styles,? Brad Blum, Chief Executive Officer of Burger King, said in a recent press release regarding the chain’s new menu options.
The ability to eat out and adhere to diet guidelines allows local residents the freedom to enjoy some of their favorite restaurants around town. It’s also caused those still unfamiliar with the trend to see what the revolution is all about.
‘Low carb is everywhere,? Grosz said. ‘It’s here for fast service restaurants like Burger King and even the mom and pop places out on Dixie Highway.?