In January, when the best of intentions rule, those who have partied a bit too heartily over the holidays may resolve to change their eating habits. Some may decide to actually go on a specific diet, be it low-calorie, low-fat or low-carb. Others may opt to simply make more sensible choices.
To the mindful eater, dining out can present a challenge. That's why it helps to know that some restaurants offer menu choices geared to lightening up. Keep in mind that virtually any restaurant can prepare grilled fish or chicken with steamed vegetables. And sashimi can be a dieter's best friend.
Nassau County
Butera's, 4964 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park and 516- 795-1929; 7903 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-496-3633. This popular Long Island Italian chainlet offers a roster of low-carb dishes, such as grilled chicken breast over sautéed escarole, fennel, and green and yellow squash. A listing of "lighter side" low-fat items includes linguine with shrimp and grilled chicken with arugula and fresh tomatoes in a light wine sauce.
Green Melody, 519 N. Broadway, Jericho, 516-681-5715. Those who eschew meat will enjoy the varied alternatives at this Chinese spot tucked away in a strip mall. Here, you can get freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices as well as surprisingly good "barbecue veggie duck" made from a soy substance. The sautéed Chinese eggplant is a simple standout.
The Mixing Bowl Eatery, 2601 Merrick Rd., Bellmore, 516-826-7971. The lightened menu at this revamped New American restaurant was created with the help of TV terror-chef Gordon Ramsay. One good choice is warm spinach salad with grilled chicken, pine nuts, grilled eggplant, shaved red onion, a warm roasted tomato vinaigrette on the side. You can even get a veggie burger wrapped in a lettuce leaf.
Mother Kelly's, 490 Chestnut St., Cedarhurst, 516-295- 5421. At this bustling Italian ristorante, you can dine well from a listing of such lightened dishes as shrimp Divan with steamed mixed vegetables and unbreaded eggplant over spaghetti squash with low-fat cheese. Portions are large, though, so eat wisely and leave with a doggie bag.
Nick & Pedro's, 1496 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, 516-365- 6930. Salads are big, bold and beautiful, their dressings always served on the side at this Manhasset in-spot drawing a weight-conscious clientele. The grilled calamari salad with sun-dried tomatoes and olives over field greens is a winner, as is the leaf spinach with grilled chicken, corn, mushrooms, tomatoes, green apples, Gorgonzola and walnuts.
Suffolk County
Butera's, 65 E. Main St., Smithtown, 631-979-9113. See Nassau County listing.
Cirella's at Saks Fifth Avenue, 230 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, 631-350- 1229. At this department-store cafe, you can get a customized salad, checking off the ingredients and dressings printed on a note pad. The sushi and sashimi here are top-notch. A big plus is that you can order maki rolls made without rice.
Precious, 504 Larkfield Rd., East Northport, 631-266-1199. The "revolution diet" menu of this East Northport Chinese restaurant lists chicken with water chestnuts, broccoli and spicy orange flavor as well as a "protein" trio of scallops, chicken and jumbo shrimp with snow peas, bean sprouts and broccoli in spicy Hunan sauce.
Torcellos Restaurant, 1932 E. Jericho Tpke., East Northport, 631-499-8792. Waistline watchers can order from a "lite side" roster on the back of the regular menu at this busy Italian strip mall spot. Included are grilled salmon on a bed of steamed julienned vegetables as well as grilled eggplant rollatini - sliced eggplant rolled round roasted peppers, asparagus and grilled chicken, served with a fresh tomato basil sauce.
Tula Kitchen, 41 E. Main St., Bay Shore, 631-539-7183. With balance as its underlying philosophy, this romantic hideaway offers fare that's vegetarian-friendly as well as health-oriented. Choices include a roasted-edamame salad with red onion, wasabi peas and tahini dressing and grilled marinated chicken kebabs with hummus dip and tabbouleh salad.
North Shore
