Applebee’s of Wall wants me – and you -- to eat healthier.

Can you imagine me changing my ways and counting calories?  That would be a lifestyle change of dramatic proportions, don’t you think?

Don’t laugh, please.

Seriously, though, Applebee’s, 2007 Route 35 South (732-280-3676), has introduced a new, special menu called, “Great Tasting under 550 calories.”

Less than 550 calories?

Teddy M., my dining partner on this night, reminded me that in years past, 550 calories might have covered the first couple of favorite brews we often enjoyed before we even thought about looking at a menu.

As we have grown older, and much wiser, eating healthier surely is the way to go and it would make the people who watch over my health -- Dr. James A. Clarke and now Susan E. Boggs of Total Patient Care of Wall  -- much happier with me.

General manager Michele Lawrence, of Wall, and a lifelong Applebee’s employee new to the area after 10 years on Long Island, assured Teddy M. and I that eating off this new menu, introduced last month, was the smart way to go.

Applebee’s came up with the idea at the time it did, Lawrence said, because so many people make New Year’s resolutions about trimming down by eating healthier that they would help us all.  Personally, I gave up on those resolutions I could never keep.

Area director for Applebee’s, Kathleen Malato of Lacey, agreed.  This was a perfect way to watch those calories.

Teddy M, also of Wall, and the owner of RKE Athletic, and I took Lawrence’s advice -- after Teddy M. ordered the Potato Twisters ($6.99) and I could not resist the Cheese and Broccoli Soup ($2.99).

We also ordered the Teriyaki Shrimp Pasta ($12.99) and the Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Shrimp ($13.99) to taste these new dishes ourselves.

Very good, I thought.

Teddy M. agreed.

Also on the low calorie menu: Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobello ($11.99), the Grilled Shrimp and Island Rice ($12.99) and the Asiago Peppercorn Steak ($11.99).

I was particularly impressed with the taste, despite being less than 550 calories.  Usually, the taste is lost in dishes of this type.  Not so, Lawrence said.

I also was impressed with the young women working the bar – Liz and Deirdre – who were both personable and eager to serve. They also were great conversationalists.  I enjoy that.

In fact, everyone who spoke with Teddy M. and me were just terrific.  That’s so uncommon it seems these days.  It made for a great visit, and made me think about returning.

But before leaving I was tempted to stray on this night of healthy dining.  How can anyone resist those Applebee’s desserts.  You guessed it, I could not.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae ($6.49) called out my name – and I was not disappointed.  And, to be honest, I have no idea how many calories there were in this dish, and, frankly, I didn’t care.

Teddy M., more calorie conscious that I have ever been, selected the Hot Fudge Sundae ($2.49) off the Dessert Shooters list.

The desserts were the perfect ending to a perfect night.

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Email Don Wilno at: donwilno@yahoo.com