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diggOn a lighter note
Watching the waistline? Choose skinnier entrees
It's January, a time for resolution, and a pledge to eat more wisely. Here are a few selected restaurants that offer lighter items, but you can apply the lower-fat, fresh approach to menu entrees at nearly any restaurant, and maybe save some calories for dessert. !Buen apetito!
LA PARILLA SUIZA $$
3508 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix
(602) 978-8334
Also: 13001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
(602) 996-6479
5602 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson
(520) 747-4838
2720 N. Oracle Road, Tucson
(520) 624-4300
La Parilla Suiza's grilled fajitas are popular, but there are other dishes on the menu that can be consumed by those watching their waistlines. For example, Camaron Loco (Crazy Shrimp, $12.99) is a plate of grilled shrimp, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and chiles, covered with a spicy red sauce, served with rice and flour tortillas. Use your fork more than the tortilla, and go easy on the rice for a slimmed-down dinner.
LOS SOMBREROS $$
2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
(480) 994-1799
At Los Sombreros in Scottsdale, chef Jeff Smedstad can offer such fresh-tasting dishes, you'll forget you're dieting. Order off the appetizer menu: a tasty Jicama Salad ($5.95) of the sweet vegetable, julienned, then bathed in a chile vinaigrette and tossed with bits of fresh oranges, cilantro and radish discs (resist drinking what's left on the plate); or try the trio of appetizer Seafood Tacos ($7.95) piled with shrimp, bite-sized pieces of fish, ribbons of lechuga mixed with pico de gallo, topped with a chunk of avocado.
CANDELA $$
5845 N. Oracle Road, Tucson
(520) 407-0111
Hours: 11 a.m. Ð 9 p.m. daily
Candela, also in Tucson, has a Peruvian sensibility about its Latin American menu. While you might be tempted to order the traditional Papa La Huancaina (sliced potatoes covered with melted feta cheese and aji sauce), instead discover the savory slimness of escabeche. You can order it here with either chicken or fish ($13 each); either way, it is classically made with a white wine spicy marinade, accented with onions and peppers.
GARDUÑOS MARGARITA FACTORY $$
8787 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. A-102, Scottsdale
(480) 607-9222
Also 3155 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
(480) 857-8700
Garduños Restaurant & Cantina is brave enough to boast a number of low-carb dishes on its menu, including the Salmon Norteño ($14.95), a grilled salmon steak seasoned with chile and herbs, topped with pico de gallo, accompanied by vegetables laced with jalape–o butter, a serving of rice, and garnished with guacamole and a sweet corn cake. The Mexican Stir Fry ($9.95) is another winner, comprised of carne asada marinated in citrus juices and sauted with pico de gallo and served with tortillas (go easy on those tortillas). Or try their Mexican Shrimp Salad ($9.95), a bowl of spicy grilled crustaceans, avocado, tomatoes, olives, pico de gallo and confetti corn strips atop crisp salad greens (order the sour cream on the side). For smaller appetites, stick with the Shrimp, Avocado and Cilantro Cocktail ($8.25): Mexican Gulf shrimp served in a red chile cocktail sauce along with chopped avocado and a lemon wedge.
EL CHARRO CAFÉ $$
311 N. Court Ave., Tucson
(520) 622-1922
Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. Ð Thurs.;
11 a.m. Ð 10 p.m. Fri. Ð Sat.
The Bahía-Style Tacos ($9.95) at El Charro Café in Tucson offer three of the folded wonders filled with a choice of marinated grilled steak, grilled chicken, grilled white fish, Cerveza Modelo fish, shredded beef barbacoa, or the restaurant's famous carne seca. Ask for soft (not fried) corn tortillas to slim this tasty beach dish, which comes topped with cabbage slivers, pico de gallo, cilantro, queso casero and Bahía sauce with a side of charro beans.
