Coming up with “healthier” menu options that actually sell has long been a holy grail for restaurant chefs; a way to attract health-conscious diners or encourage more frequent visits from regulars while staying true to your brand. So we started a test project with the fabulous Chef/Dietitian Pam Smith in collaboration with a wide variety of chain restaurant chefs to try to put some common-sense principles of healthy menu design into real-world practice. Last time, we showed you what’s going on at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. This month, we get an up-close look at a truly modern steakhouse with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar!
While the manly, clubby steakhouses of yesteryear will always have a bit of that retro appeal, there’s no doubt that a more modern, broader approach is a better fit for today’s sheilas and blokes of all ages (more on that trend here). Fleming’s VP of R&D Cliff Pleau’s food is as diverse as the restaurant’s 100-by-the-glass wine program, with an array of proteins beyond steaks. Cliff was excited to work with Pam to create a plant-forward dish starring pastured Aussie Lamb.
While the veggies and grains are literally in the center of the plate, there are a pair of herb-crusted lamb tenderloins too. It has seasonal design built in, so the veggie stack can stay current all-year-long, and flex to fit what’s available.
With the popularity of lamb chops on Fleming’s menu, Chef Cliff was interested in the mild, clean and versatile cut of the Aussie tenderloin to create a dish that could be updated regularly and executed well. It’s also a great protein to pair with the wine program.
“What makes this dish work is that balance on the plate,” adds Pam. “There are lots of good grains and fresh veggies to appeal to a health-seeker, but it still looks and sounds craveable to a committed carnivore.”
We can’t wait for this dish to hit the menu, and we’ll volunteer to test out some wine pairings too. Cheers!
If you’d like to work with our team on healthier menu innovation, drop us a line at mlateam@summitmg.com.