Last Friday we had the opportunity to be guests of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Walnut Creek as part of the Beauty-Fully Girls Night Out. (Don’t worry, The Husband totally LOVED being one of the girls when it involves a steakhouse).
The folks at Fleming’s asked if I would share my BEST Weight Watchers tips for surviving a steakhouse and navigating their deliciously tempting menu.
I have to admit that I LOVED the idea as soon as I heard it. I am always looking for ways to help everyone make healthy choices whether they are making their own tasty recipes at home, travelling or heading out to one of their favorite restaurants.
TIP #1
Always check out the MENU online before you head out to find out what healthy options they have available. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse not only has their menu online, but, they have nutritional guidelines for how you can navigate their menu for weight loss, gluten free, low carb, etc.
If you pick out what you will order BEFORE you go, then, you will not need to open the menu & let any pictures or descriptions (if any) change your mind.
I often look up the points+ values on Weight Watchers online for steakhouses or items that I will be order that are comparable to get an idea of what to order.
TIP #2
Eat your calories/points+, do not drink them
Ok ~ I realize this isn’t realistic for everyone because well part of dining out is having a nice glass of wine and/or a cocktail.
If you do choose to drink wine and/or a cocktail, alternate each drink with 1 full glass of water. This will help you feel fuller so you will drink and eat less.
Fleming’s actually takes things a step further! This Summer they created the 99 calorie Cocktail called the Russian Prom Queen as part of the skinny Sippin’ Summer!
This is one drink you can definitely indulge on one or even two without breaking your calorie/points+ budget.
Curious how they do it….they are letting me share the recipe with you all
TIP #3
Decide ahead of time if the bread & spread is worth it to you. For me, I can usually pass on just regular bread & butter because I can have that any time, any where.
However, I knew Fleming’s had this delicious warm, toasty, homemade parmesan bread with TWO spreads ~ Sun Dried Tomato & Feta Infused Butters.
It was totally WORTH it to have that crispy, doughy cheese bread. I made up TWO slices ~ one with each bread, then slowly broke off small bites savoring each one.
I made sure I put the bread basket out of reach so I wouldn’t be tempted to have more.
For the record ~ the sun dried tomato butter was my FAVORITE!
TIP #4
Ask about the appetizers BEFORE you order them so you know exactly what you are getting.
Your BEST options at Fleming’s would be the Shrimp Cocktail because you could eat the entire cocktail & stay 100% on track. After all, you get 2 ounce of shrimp with 1/4 cup cocktail sauce for only 4 points+.
I was so excited when I asked about the Mushroom Ravioli and found out it only came with 3 ravioli’s. I knew I could easily stay on track with my plan and not be tempted to have more than 1….so I traded the shrimp for these….
ROASTED MUSHROOM RAVIOLI
portobello and shiitake mushrooms, porcini butter sauce
Hands down, the BEST ravioli’s we both have ever had in our lives…..They were cooked perfectly al dente with a nice woody mushroom flavor. The porcini butter sauce just let them melt into your mouth.
TIP #5
ALWAYS start your meal with a salad and/or broth soup because it will fill you up, keep you away from the bread and can be a tasty way to start your meal.
The Fleming’s Mixed Greens Salad is an excellent choice and so is the Caprese salad. I totally LOVED that I was able to check off my healthy oil & dairy guidelines with this
I ordered this asking them to go Lite on the Olive Oil and I shared it with The Husband.
The balsamic reduction & flaked sea salt made the the tomatoes & mozzarella shine.
FRESH MOZZARELLA & SWEET TOMATO
drizzled with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh basil
TIP #6
Don’t be afraid to order something that is NOT on the menu or to have them custom make your entrée.
Fleming’s serves the finest USDA Prime beef: corn-fed, aged up to four weeks for flavor and texture, then broiled at 1600 degrees to seal in all the juices and flavor. All of their steaks are seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper; finished with a touch of butter and freshly chopped parsley.
If you are looking to lighten up your steak, make sure you ask them to exclude the butter, Peppercorn or Béarnaise Sauce
My FAVORITE thing about their menu is that they offer their Filet Mignon in different sizes.
MAIN FILET = 12 OZ
PETITE FILET = 8 OZ
THE LITE FILET = 5 OZ ~ Just right! (7 points+)
The other thing that is AWESOME ~ they serve it with a small serving ~ just a 1/4 of their creamy, cheesy Fleming’s potatoes. Just enough to give you the taste.
LITE FILET MIGNON* served with Fleming’s potatoes
The Husband has put Fleming’s Steaks on our top 5 list of the BEST Steak places in the world after eating there.
TIP #7
If you are content after your meal and you do not feel like you need dessert, treat yourself to some coffee or tea.
If you decide to have dessert, then, share it with someone and savor just a few bites.. The Husband has a pretty big sweet tooth so I knew he would be ordering dessert.
I usually focus on savoring 3-4 bites with my coffee. It is “just enough”….
We finished our night with this refreshing Lemon Pie ~ it totally reminded me of a creamy, tart lemon sorbet and paired well with the gingersnap crust and raspberry sauce.
FROZEN LEMON GINGERSNAP PIE
frozen custard with vanilla and fresh ginger, raspberry lemon foam sauce
Are you all hungry now?! I know we definitely cannot wait to go back ~ every single dish had us raving with each bit about how good it was. Not to mention, we had the best servers (Hi Rexanna!) ~ everyone was really on top of their game, even the managers made sure to come by and say hi!
Fleming’s wanted to share in the FUN with you all and they are offering up a Beauty-FULL Girls Night out to one of my readers.
ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE THIS PRIZE:
* $50 gift certificate for ANY Flemming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar across the US
* Sigma Beauty Kabuki make-up brush
* Yes to Carrots Brightening Facial Towelletes
* Gardener’s Hand Cream, Lip Butter
* On-the-go Facial Towelette
* Eye Firming Treatment
HOW TO ENTER:
1) Simply tell me your best TIP for how you survive going to a steakhouse in your FIRST comment.
BONUS ENTRIES
2) “Like” Flemming’s Steakhouse on Facebook. Feel free to tell them how you found out about the contest (on Danica’s Daily!) leave your SECOND comment letting me know you did.
3) TWEET about this giveaway and/or follow Flemming’s Steakhouse on Twitter. “@danicasdaily is sharing her tips for surviving a steakhouse & giving away a @flemingssteak giftcard & prize pack “ Be sure to leave a THIRD comment to let me know you did.
4) FACEBOOK this giveaway. “@danicasdaily is sharing her tips 4 surviving a steakhouse & giving away a @flemingssteak giftcard & prize pack ~ enter now! “ Be sure to leave a FOURTH comment to let me know you did
5) If you have a blog, LINK back to this contest and leave a FIFTH comment letting me know you did.
If you don’t have a blog, just leave a comment below telling me someone you told about this giveaway.
The Fine Print: Thanks to the folks over at Flemming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for providing one lucky reader & I a night out on Flemming’s Experience & a Beauty-Full Girls Prize Pack! This contest is open to US-Residents.
The winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Friday, August 26th, 2011!
Ready to enter, comment away!!!
Best #1 all time rule- research the menu and nutrition online and decide before you get there! Can’t wait to try Flemming’s!!
My best tip would be to share a few dishes that way you can try different things and still be on the safe side 🙂
I just liked Fleming’s on FB and told them I found the contest through you!
Just tweeted it 🙂
*like* Flemming’s on FB- CHECK!
I am going to put the link on my weekly link share tomorrow!
And I just shared the giveaway on my FB page 🙂
Just got a big tweet out as well. Great seeing your vacation went well Danica, thank you for sharing!
I just shared on Facebook 🙂 SO looking forward to trying this place!! Flemming’s here I come!!!!
Order a small steak and baked potato with butter on the side and salad with dressing on the side.
Liked Flemings on FB
I make sure half my plate is filled with veggies, so I can’t go to overboard on “the good stuff” 🙂
Posted Flemings giveaway on my FB page
Check the menu before hand!
Liked em on fb!
I shared the link on FB!
I try to drink lots of water as I eat, but I always look at the menu and plan ahead what I think I should order when I am going somewhere decadent like a steakhouse!
I told my boyfriend about the giveaway because I’d love to go to Fleming’s with him!
Check the menu and stats before you go. I also just “liked” Fleming’s on FB. It’s my favorite restaurant for a special occasion. Our anniversary is coming up this week and we have reservations.
I make sure to drink lots of water while I’m there and ask the waiter to have my meat cooked w/o butter.
Steak is always my go-to meal when I go out for dinner. It is a meal I can calculate the points for easily. I order the smallest leanest steak on the menu along with a salad with a vinaigrette dressing with a water or iced tea. For a side, I generally try to order veggies and stay away from the potato but sometimes I just crave the potato and I dip into my weekly WW points!
I Liked Flemings on Facebook.
I told my walking buddy about the giveaway!
Liked Flemings on Facebook!
My tip for not overeating at a restaurant is to stay on track on the day that I visit the restaurant so that my taste buds will be appreciative of the meal. I also make sure to get in a workout that day to feel like I have earned a treat. Lastly, I make sure to get only what I truly want and not eat filler items that I could get somewhere else or make at home.
Surviving a steak house:
1. Save all those extra 49 points for your meal!
2. Skip the alcoholic drinks.
3. Indulge in what you’ve been craving, but practice self-control
4. Share a dessert
5. Enjoy yourself!
Liked them on fb!
When I go to a steakhouse and I decide I want to have a slice of bread I have the waiter remove the basket after I have had a slice so I’m not tempted to have more!
I “liked” Fleming’s on FB!
My best tip: ask for any sauces on the side- dip, don’t douse, your food in sauce!
Shared the giveaway on FB!
Just tweeted!
I am all about mapping out my meal prior to going out…if I know what I am having and how many points it is, I enjoy the experience even more!
I normally try to eat well during the day if I know I will be indulging at a nice restaruant. I usually look up the nutrition information ahead of time if it is available too. PS your meal looks amazing! Great giveaway!
I “liked” Flemmings on facebook!
I facebooked about the Giveaway!
Order what I really want, don’t “waste” points on food I don’t care about. Try to find a smaller portion, and dressing/sauce on the side.
I survive at a Steakhouse by ordering the mini steak and a baked sweet potato and veggies. Also, usually a salad – restaurant ones are so much better than ones made at home!! 🙂
I always try to check the menu online before I go to a restaurant, especially a steakhouse! I also try to share everything!
I told my daughter about the Fleming’s post, and she wants to try it out…. 😉
I put it on my blog!
Always check the menu online first to try navigate your way before going!
I liked Flemings on Facebook!
best tip: don’t go….LOL!
liked them on FB!
I always research the menu beforehand, and pick out a couple of items that I will chose from (that way if my food mood changes, I have an option). I always start with a salad (dressing on the side), and then eat my main dish as slowly as possible, and as soon as I start feeling full, asking for a box to take the rest home (yum, 2 meals!)
posted on FB
told my husband about the give away! crossing our fingers because we FINALLY have a night out to ourselves on Sept. 10 and WOULD LOVE to have a fancy steak dinner!
My favorite strategy is taking my husband with me.. the guy can eat (and still be lean..hate him haha) and he will eat his entree and half of mine.. other than my entree I share everything with him..apps/dessert and he eats 99% of it 🙂 Loving this giveaway!
liked on facebook!!
I usually share with my husband too! I order salad and have a few bites of whatever he gets so I still get to taste everything!
Look up NI on website, decide what you want before you go – don’t change your mind, and you should be at one with your dinner!
I am new to this whole thing but I try to do my research ahead of time and keep the dressing for my salad on the side. I will definately use all of the tips in this post the next time we go out to eat!!
I always start with a full glass of water, then I get a salad as my appetizer with the dressing on the side. I always get my steak with steamed veggies and a baked potato with no butter, then I put my veggies on my potato to give it some flavor. YUMMY!!
I always read online menus before going out, then I take a sticky note with me to remind me what I plan to have.
I tweeted about the giveaway.
I always eat exactly HALF of my meal, and box the rest up to enjoy the next day! Or, pass it on to my significant other if I’m feeling nice 😉
I do what you suggest and look at the menu BEFORE leaving the house. 🙂
Don’t have a blog but I did tell some people this morning!
LIKE on Facebook
TWEETED! @danielleruns
There are a couple of things I do…I usually always check the menu on line and then try to decide before I get there what is the best option. Also, I order vegetable side dishes and ask them to prepare without added oil or butter and I still get some sort of potato dish but always make sure to share it with others so I do not eat the whole thing!!!
I am the QUEEN of checking out the menu before we go out – and I am no longer afraid to ask not to but butter on my steak which most steakhouses do – no wonder they taste so good!
I didn’t even realize we had a Fleming’s Steakhouse in Chicago – and I always opt for restaurant coffee vs. dessert – it always tastes better then what I make at home. 😀
I always check out the menu online before I go out to eat. That way when I get there I know what I want and how I’m going to order it.
I told my friend about this giveaway!!!
Sounds strange, but if I know I’ll be eating at a place that’s known for it’s high calorie food, I’ll eat a small meal about an hour before leaving so that I’m not starving when then bread and butter get put infront of me.
I’ve been to Fleming’s once and I must say, it did not dissappoint. Unfortunately, there was a game on the night we went and the rest. is super open and everyone from the bar was screaming so loud we could hardly hear eachother… but hey, the food was melt in your mouth good 😉
Research the menu and also eat something little before you go so you’re not starving by the time you park, get seated and have your order taken.
I usually order a salad and cut the baked potato and steak in half and only eat half. The rest gets boxed up and taken home to eat another day.
I have been doing WW for four years now and haven’t stepped foot in a steakhouse since…now with your tips, I can actually go and have a nice date with my husband. Thank you for all you do…you are an inspiration!!!!!
I liked Flemings on Facebook and commented on their site.
I made the giveaway my facebook status.
Great post, Danica! ALL of the food looks great!
When in doubt, go with relatively plain options..
If you are worried about sides, a plain or “almost plain” baked potato is a good option, as well as meats minus the heavy sauces. Avoid the creamy mushroom steak sauces in most steakhouses! Loaded with butter, cream, and all the good tasting but not good for the waist line ingredients 😉
I don’t eat red meat like that much and usually end up with a seafood dish when I go to a steakhouse. On the rare occasion I am feeling like a steak, I always find the smallest filet on the menu to order. Tasty and tender steak with the least amount of fat.
I ALWAYS look up the menu online and hopefully the steakhouse has the nutritional facts online (like Flemings!). I choose what I am getting before I get there and I put that in my points tracker, so it’s already recorded…so it’s harder for me to change my mind.
Love this post – I’m soooo hungry now! I survive a steak house by starting with a big salad, dressing on the side and I skip the bread. I always want to save room for dessert but by the time I finish my steak, I’m too full. 🙂
I “liked” Flemings on Facebook!
I always order first so I don’t change my mind when I think someone else’s order sounds better than mine (and is probably more caloric too!).
I LOVE Fleming’s! I ask for my steak without the butter and always ask for extra veggies.
I just liked them on Facebook! Can’t wait to see if they run any specials!
Just tweeted 🙂 http://twitter.com/#!/jesstagirl/status/106023753129000960
I order what I want….eat 1/2 and bring the other half home for either a dinner or a shared lunch with my hubby…I give all breads to my hubby.
I always check the menu ahead of time so I know what the healthiest options are!
My steakhouse survival tip is to order the fish! I actually don’t like steak, so I always go with salmon or tuna – simply grilled!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/kstrembel/status/106025627806732288
I don’t have a blog, but my guy friend and his wife are obsessed with the Flemings in Chicago – so I just emailed both of them about your giveaway!
My game plan for surviving is to go to spin class before I go to dinner! I earn 13 APs in class, so I can pretty much eat anything I want afterwards! If I can’t make it to spin, I would definitely work out prior, in order to have a few more points to spend!
I would survive by starting with a salad and making sure to get a baked potato in there too!
My game plan for surviving dinner at a steakhouse is to definitely check the menu online before I go and plan the rest of my day around what I’d like to have for dinner.
I liked Fleming’s Steakhouse on Facebook!
i always use your #1 tip and decide what to eat beforehand. i’m always better at staying on track when i plan ahead!
I use you tip #5, I always get a salad and if it comes with cheese I have them put it on the side with the dressing.
I also tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/domi_girl
I liked Fleming’s Steakhouse on Facebook!
Best tip for eating out at a steakhouse: Stay away from the potatoes and order steamed veggies – great accompany to any steak! My doctor says to avoid white foods such as potatoes, pastas, and bread as they will spike your blood sugar levels, making you hungrier faster.
Just liked the Fleming’s Facebook page. :o)
I do not have twitter, so I left a special message on the Fleming’s Facebook site instead… hope that helps.
Shared this amazing contest on Facebook.
Do not have a blog but told several co-workers about your awesome blog and this great contest!
I tweeted giveaway @sus151
I always share my meal with my daughter (she is 12). We each get 1/2 the steak, 1/2 the sides and are always content with our portions. My husband shares with our 6 year-old daughter. It’s a win-win situation, because we all eat a “normal” portion, and we save a lot of money! When we go out with friends, people are always commenting about how they should do the same thing, because their kids never eat all of their food and each person is so full that they can hardly move! We also order water to drink. We never spend more than $25 for a nice meal at Outback!
Tip: Drink lots of water before going!
My all-time favorite tip for a steakhouse is to have something you really really love but control your portion of it. Luckily for me, I really really love filet mignon and it’s one of those things that’s both portion controlled (at least, usually) and isn’t hugely high in points+. A little steak, some sparkly water, a baked potato with salsa. Special, yummy, satisfying and doesn’t put me over. That’s a rare combination!
My most effective tip is to share your larger entree with someone or order an appetizer or tasting portion so you won’t be tempted to overindulge.
By asking for a box before i have eaten so i can portion it out is been sooo helpful!
Liked them on facebook
Commented on their page
Blogged http://healthynewmuah.blogspot.com/2011/08/amazing.html
Tweeted
i always look up the menu beforehand! i also try not to go on a completely empty stomach, making sure i have a small snack before i go…that way not EVERYTHING on the menu looks like something i really want to order… (: it’s like not going to the grocery store when you’re hungry!
xo.
My survival strategy when eating out is to plan ahead, check out the menu on line, go to Dotties weight loss zone, or check out e tools. Above all else I only get what I really want and what I am craving. If it’s a higher points + value I feel that it’s okay, because I make sure to exercise that day and drink lot’s of water. No guilt and move on! 🙂
I’m always looking at the menu ahead of time I find it’s easiest to walk into the meal knowing what Im going to order!
I just pick something randomly and hope for the best!
I would have to say the researching online before going. I am always amazed at the amount of calories in the foods I loved. If I am not careful, I can have around a 3,000 calorie dinner!!! Not good
One of my biggest challenges is learning to fit restaurant meals into my Weight Watchers plan. So far so good. I have lost 62 pounds! My best tip is before you start to eat cut everything in half and package for take home. Cuts the points in half and you have a fabulous lunch or dinner for tomorrow.
When going out to any restaurant DH and I order a small salad each and share one app and one entree. It is always enough food.
I make sure I only eat half of what is served. Then I eat the other half later. Usually when I get home. haha
I cant not eat yummy bread so I ask them to bring it, that way I am not tempted. Also drink lots of water with lemon so I dont drink my points.
If the steak portions are all large, I either ask if I can have a smaller amount, split with someone, or immediately portion off part of my meal to take home so I don’t over eat.
I always check the menu online before and eat my dressing on the side with the dip method.
I liked them on FB too.
I like Fleming’s on FB!
I would probably eat a healthier snack before hand so I am not starving and then maybe split an entree. I work right down the street from Flemmings in WC 🙂 Small world.
Just told my fiance all about Flemming’s and Danica’s Daily giveaway! (also updated him on how your surprise vaca went!)
Whenever I eat at a steakhouse I let myself eat whatever I want.. steaks are my treat meal 🙂 and Flemings is AWESOME!!!!
My best tip for surviving the steakhouse is to never hear the specials and go in with a plan of what you’re going to eat ahead of time. Because personally if I hear the specials first, i’m waaaay more inclined to go with that since they always sound sooo goood!
I ‘liked’ Flemming’s Steakhouse on Facebook!
I dont have a blog but I told my mother about the giveaway, she loooves that restaurant!
I always research the restaurant, start with a salad, and ask for the steak dry (no butter)
I always check to see if the restaurant has nutritional facts online. If not, I’ve used the steakhouse cheat sheet on WW website.
I liked Fleming’s on Facebook!
I told my coworkers and friends to come on and enter the contest!
I get the sirloin 🙂 small, because I know it’s relatively low in calories/sat fat
i liked them on facebook!
i told my college friend Cindy ;D
I always look at the menu ahead, I also start my meal with soup/salad, have one bite of bread and split my dinner in half right away. If I leave something on my plate, I cover it with a napkin so I do not pick.
i look at the menu and plan my meal ahead of time. Since I don’t eat out often I use it as a treat/reward. I stay within my points/calories on the other days and splurge at the steakhouse
Liked Flemings on facebook
I make sure I order what I’m craving, otherwise I’ll regret my meal even if it’s still delicious. Then I take my time to enjoy my meal as well as the people I’m eating with, and try to sense when I’m getting full. Most of the time when I’m getting full, I’m eating without really tasting, and that’s definitely a sign that I don’t need to eat more!
my best tip for the steakhouse is to either skip the potatoes (mashed or baked) or share with your date… the portions are always more than needed and I’d rather eat more steak anyways 🙂
I drink the water like crazy and then I ask for vegetables that are slightly roasted with no oil. Then I pick at them through the night so I’m not tempted by the appetizers or bread basket. If the bread is good then my hubby and I each take a piece and ask them to take the basket away.
I do similar things, look at the menu before hand, share desserts, etc. I also sometimes get 2 appetizers as a meal.
I don’t have a facebook, but I told my daughter and daughter in law!
I don’t have twitter, either, so I told my mother.
I never loved steak until I had it rare – yum! My favorite way to have it is a small filet like the awesome lite version Fleming’s has with a side of no/low Point veggies. Sometimes I “go big” and have leftovers thinly sliced on a yummy salad the next day. I’m actually getting married this Saturday morning and am excited that the New Husband and I are going out to a nice steak dinner alone Sunday night after our peeps head out town! Saving up for a honeymoon next year – Atlantis is on the list of options!
My #1 rule to follow is to always fill up with a broth based soup or salad first!
I liike flemings on FB
Before I go out for a big steak dinner, I make sure I have exercised that day and then have a snack – like string cheese – just before I go.
I always make sure I have worked out and eaten light throughout the day – heavy on my fruits and veggies. I also find it very helpful to look at he menu before going out 🙂 Mmm Filet is my favorite steak ever!
I liked Fleming’s on Facebook and told them you sent me 🙂
I also tweeted about your giveaway 🙂
I like Flemmings steakhouse on facebook!
I usually order a big salad and a small steak – or a steak to share with someone else!
I usually look at the dining out companion when going to a restaurant that does not have nutritional values on line. I would first look on line then the book. I think you made great choices.
Thanks,
I order water and drink at least a whole glass before I start eating.
I like to research the menu online before I head out. I also try to share meals if possible.
I just told my sister about your giveaway!
I save points by skipping the bread and butter. I also order the smallest sirloin and I “try” most times to box up half right away.
I don’t have a blog, but I told my husband about your site and giveaway. I told him Flemings was in our future, regardless on how the contest turns out! It sounds delish!
Portion control & skip the bread basket 😉
I always know what I’m ordering before I walk into the restaurant if a menu is available online. The bread basket is usually my splurge (and wow that bread in the pic looks GOOD) but I limit myself to one piece and use whatever spread they have sparingly. I like to avoid drinking my points too. 🙂
Great tips. My favorite tip is to order your entree without the butter or oil.
My best tip is to order any sauce on the side. I love Bernaise sauce but it helps if I control the amount on my steak.
Danica, love your article! You might like to know that at the end of September we’ll have six different 99 calorie cocktails on our beverage menu. We’re committed to “Skinnier Cocktails.” And thank you to all your readers who liked us on facebook! Good luck to you all.
–Fleming’s
I haven’t been to Flemings, though I know there is one in the area. The only tip I have is to plan ahead and shell out the extra money for the filet – it’s smaller and leaner and of course really freaking enjoyable.
I would definately SHARE my choices. That way you can a little of everything that sounds good without going overborad. Hey, going to FLEMINGS is a very special occasion; use some of those weeklies!
I like Flemings on FB
I always order a cold appetizer so I can snack on it after I finish the reason I came to begin with – steak!