Compensation was provided by Houlihan’s via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Houlihan’s or Momtrends.
Between this crazy winter weather, multiple sick kids, and countless appointments, the last few weeks have really taken a toll on me. I’ve been exhausted. It is easy to get stressed and lose myself with so much going on. Luckily, last week my husband and I pulled off a weeknight date night to unwind and enjoy some good food.
Our date nights typically include dinner and shopping without kids (exciting, I know). However, since this night was much needed, we just opted for a dinner on a week night. The restaurant of choice: Houlihan’s. We visited the one in Creve Coeur, MO on Olive Blvd & Mason. For being a weeknight, it was nearly packed, but the atmosphere was still relaxed and comfortable. I couldn’t think of a better way to unwind from the madness than to have a cocktail. The X-Rated Moscato Martini looked amazing and only packed 140 calories. The fresh fruity flavor was delicious and smooth.
We started with an appetizer, Houlihan’s Famous ‘Shrooms. We can never go wrong with these panko crusted stuffed mushrooms. I also ordered a cup of French Onion Soup. It is my favorite soup and I was not disappointed. Just looking at the picture, I can smell the cheesy, oniony goodness. It is amazing.
Deciding on an entree is normally a hard task for me. Luckily, Houlihan’s has created a new specials menu loaded with craveable lighter fare entrees (plus some desserts and cocktails). I have been working hard to eat healthier and each of the specials have less than 590 calories and made with fresh, nutritive ingredients.
It was hard to pass on the Lemon & Herb Grilled Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad with Ginger-Soy USDA Prime Top Sirloin, but the Misa Grilled Salmon was mouth-watering. The miso-marinated atlantic salmon was served over stir-fried quinoa with steamed edamame, house-pickled cucumber, and shaoxing sauce. With only 540 calories (I know, that’s it!), I didn’t expect so much food, but if I did finish it all, I wouldn’t have felt bad. Not only was the food plentiful, the flavor was definitely not spared. I will absolutely be back to order it again.
The lower fare menu is available for a limited time, but Houlihan’s is looking for feedback from their customers, via social media (tag #SoEatingThis and @houlihans) to move these items to their menu.
$50 Houlihan’s Gift Card Giveaway
Houlihan’s would love for you to visit your local restaurant, so they are giving one lucky Nifty Mom reader a $50 Houlihan’s Gift Card!
No purchase necessary to enter. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST March 17th, 2014. The winner will be selected via random.org and contacted by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply to confirm their prize or a new winner will be picked. If you have any issues entering or have any questions, please email me at contact (at) niftymom(dot)com.