Texas Roadhouse

Tonight my husband and I are going out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse.  I was going to do a "what not to eat" article like I had done for TGI Friday's and Miller's Ale House,   but I was sad when I found this on their website:

Thank you for contacting us regarding our nutritional information. At this time, we do not offer calorie counts and other nutritional information.
We can assure you that we are cognizant of the demand from guests such as yourself to provide this information, but there are several factors that make this difficult.
Many of the large foodservice companies that offer specific nutritional information can do so because their food is pre-packaged and/or pre-portioned. Since we make our food from scratch — including the bacon bits, croutons, and dressings — it is next to impossible to provide exact nutritional information because of slight variations that depend upon whomever prepares the food.
We also make our bread from scratch each day and hand-cut our steaks, so again, we do not have the exact information printed, like some foodservice operators or what you may find in the grocery store.
We have attempted to provide some information in the past, but we pulled back after some guests complained we were not detailed enough. In addition, some enterprising folks tested the food, and when it fell outside the guidelines, they threatened legal action. As such, we stopped providing our special gluten-free menu, for example.
In addition, many states, counties and cities across the nation are attempting to pass legislation providing restaurants with guidelines and rules for displaying nutritional information. As a result, our efforts are on hold until we know what information will be required, the ranges that will be allowed, and how that information should be distributed.
In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, we encourage you to contact us, and we'll answer them as quickly as we can.

So since it appears they are so happy for customers to contact them, I sent them the following email:

Good Morning Texas Roadhouse:
I realize from your website that you feel that you are unable to provide us, your customers, any nutritional information because what you serve us is made fresh.
If you use the same recipe for each order and the same portion size, even if you make it fresh, you should be able to at least give us an estimate.  I am disheartened by this news and will think twice about eating at your establishment because things such as calories and fat are important to me.
Since you have failed to provide this information, can you at least add either a symbol next to certain entrees on your menu or a new section of "lighter" options that are under 600 calories, etc?  This might be a good alternative for you if you are still unwilling to provide nutritional facts.
At the very least, could you recommend to me what you believe to be a healthy option for an entree on your menu?
Thank you,
Elly

If they ever actually respond, I will gladly update this posting.

 So, www.fatsecret.com has posted some nutritional facts for Texas Roadhouse, and I have no idea how they calculated these since it does not come from the source itself, but without further ado:

What not to eat at Texas Roadhouse

(1) Dallas Filet

6oz = 660 calories and 54 grams of fat; 8oz = 880 calories and 72 grams of fat

Description from Texas Roadhouse:

The filet is the most tender steak on our menu. It’s a delicious, lean steak that melts in your mouth. Choose from our 6 and 8 ounce cuts. Served with your choice of two sides.

The description I find to be hilarious, because FatSecret.com estimates that there is a whopping 54 grams of fat in the 6oz size and 72 grams of fat in the 8oz size.  And you call that a "lean steak"?

(2) Prime Rib

12oz - 1034 calories and 88 grams of fat

Description from Texas Roadhouse: 

Mouth watering prime rib slow cooked all day. Served with your choice of two sides. Please ask us about availability.

 This is one of my husband's favorites.  I always knew it was bad, but never thought it was *this* bad!  Over 1,000 calories and 88 grams of fat - delicious! (enter sarcasm here)

(3) Portobello Mushroom Chicken

487 calories 23 grams of fat

Description from Texas Roadhouse:

Marinated chicken breast grilled and topped with Portobello Mushroom sauce, jack cheese, and fresh parmesan

This one came as a surprise.  The calorie count is in the "average" range but 23 grams of fat for grilled chicken???  This is just for the chicken alone, without the 2 sides that you get as well.  I would say, don't be fooled with this one, kids.

What to eat at Texas Roadhouse

 (1) Oven Roasted Chicken

Chicken only - 275 calories and 7 grams of fat

Description from Texas Roadhouse:

A half chicken trimmed, uniquely seasoned, and slow-roasted to the perfect tenderness. Served with your choice of two sides.

The information I received from FatSecret.com labels this meal as "Oven Roasted Chicken Quarter" while on the Texas Roadhouse website it says it is a half a chicken.  I am not sure if the calories should be doubled or if there is just an error some where.  Either way, this sounds like the best thing to order at this place.  Don't forget to add the sides!

(2) House Salad

121 Calories and 5 grams of fat - plus dressing

There was no description on the website.

In order to have even less calories on this salad, I would recommend asking them to leave off the croutons and cheese, which are legendary calorie adders on a salad.  Be careful with your salad dressing choice.  Vinaigrettes are typically better as a choice than creamy dressings.

(3) Sirloin Kebob

Description from Texas Roadhouse:

Marinated steak with onion, mushroom, tomato, red pepper, and green pepper. Served on a bed of seasoned rice with your choice of one side.

I am unsure how many kebobs come on the entree, but according to FatSecret.com, each kebob is only 190 calories and 7 grams of fat.  I would say two would probably be a good serving.

But what about those biscuits? 

272 calories and 11 grams of fat

Now I would gladly give someone the shirt off my back for these biscuits that are served.  They are warm, light, and one of the best biscuits in the world.  They should be called "heaven biscuits."

I know I will never be able to go to this place without having at least 2.  I am literally planning the rest of my meals today around these biscuits (yes I am sad).

They are delicious in every way, but if you have the will power then avoid them!  If not, a little cheat here and there (as long as it's not every day!) is good for your mental state.  And we all know it's all about our mental state!