Menu Mentions:
This restaurant receives rave reviews for its sushi. I am not typically a sushi enthusiast, but I do get excited about a meal at this establishment. They have unique rolls like the "42 roll" and the "donut roll" that are delicious and enough to fill you up (a nice change from my first experience with sushi, which involved me ravenously ordering a roll that turned out to fit the description of an appetizer). They also offer the normal salads and soups you would find at a sushi restaurant as well as their beef, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. They also offer pho, which a friend ordered and said was very good. While I usually get the sushi here, tonight I opted for something different because I wanted to incorporate more vegetables in my meal.
After studying the menu I decided on the Chicken and Broccoli and asked the waiter if he could also include all of the vegetables that come with the Chicken in Black Bean Sauce (Rule #1 when dining out - never be afraid to ask for what you really want. Restaurants are often accommodating). Now, there was a bit of a mix-up and I ended up getting the Beef and Broccoli, but it still had all of the vegetables and lots of flavor, and I eat red meat so seldom, it would be a nice change in flavor. The dish came with a side of white rice and I split a very small side salad with ginger dressing and ordered a glass of Pinot Noir to accompany the meal. I focused on the beef and all of the veggies, only having a very small amount of the rice. The main dish filled me up before I could finish it all and was full of flavor and nutrition...
Nutrition Notes:
- Vitamin C... bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, ginger and bamboo shoots... helps the body produce collagen and protects against infection and cell damage (promotes healthy looking skin). Aids in iron absorption when plant - based sources are consumed.
- Vitamin A... bell peppers, carrots (beta-carotene), bamboo shoots... promotes strong & healthy vision, skin, teeth, and tissues in the body.
- Potassium... broccoli, ginger and bamboo shoots... helps manage blood pressure and proper nerve and muscle communication... ginger may also decrease nausea
- Iron... broccoli, beef & bamboo shoots... important for red blood cells to be able to transport oxygen to all of our tissues (skin & muscle).
- Zinc... beef & bamboo shoots... aids in healing wounds and repairing torn muscles.
- Bamboo shoots...
- Vitamin E... an antioxidant that helps promote a healthy immune system and may prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Calcium... supports strong & healthy bones
- Phosphorus... helps build bones and teeth, helps the body use and store energy, and helps regulate kidney & nerve function, muscle contractions and heartbeat. Those with certain medical complications such as kidney disease should talk to their doctor or a registered dietitian about their recommended daily intake of phosphorus.
- Copper... joins with iron to help form red blood cells. Helps build a healthy immune system and healthy bones among other tissues.
- Manganese... important for normal brain & nerve function, fat & carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, and bone, connective tissue, and blood clotting factor formation.
- Resveretrol... red wine... may decrease LDL (bad cholesterol) and risk of blood clots; may help maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Side Note:
IRON DEFICIENCY
- Did you know that iron deficiency becomes symptomatic once it has progressed to iron deficiency anemia? This means that your iron stores are so low, you do not have enough normal red blood cells to efficiently carry oxygen throughout your body.
- Symptoms = fatigue, weakness, pale skin & fingernails, dizziness, headache and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).
- Animal sources of iron = lean beef, lean pork, turkey, chicken, and fish
- bodies absorb more of this "heme iron" than it does "non - heme iron" (that from plant sources)
- Plant sources of iron = beans (pinto, kidney, soy), lentils, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach), fortified breakfast cereals, enriched rice, whole - grain and enriched breads, tofu, broccoli, prunes, and raisins.
- Pair good sources of vitamin C with your plant sources of iron to aid in its absorption - think a spinach salad topped with strawberries and a citrus vinaigrette or a slice of whole - grain toast topped with peanut butter and a small glass of orange juice to drink.
My Conclusions: (Based on a ranking of 1 to 5... 1 = will not return; 5 = will return tomorrow)
Taste = 5
Nutrition = 4 (A better choice if you add the extra vegetables. The leaner choice would probably be the chicken. Be careful if you are watching your sodium intake because this sauce probably had a high sodium content.)
Service = 5
Overall Ranking = 4.7
