Houlihan's recently invited me to stop by and check out their new Inspiralized menu. So, I met up with my friend and expert foodie, Chef Tiffany Derry, to give it a whirl and see if the entrees lived up to the hype. The Inspiralized mission is to eat deliciously and creatively by transforming vegetables into noodles and making dishes that are clean-eating friendly. Ali Maffucci created Inspiralized after tasting a pasta dish made with zucchini ‘noodles’ formed with a spiralizer. Inspired, Ali began experimenting at home with this revolutionary kitchen tool. Today, Ali has a popular blog and social media following; a New York times best-selling cookbook; her own branded spiralizer and is often featured in cooking and lifestyle publications and events with partners like Williams-Sonoma and Barnes & Noble. Ali has chosen Houlihan’s to be her partner in exposing others to this healthier, delicious way of eating. There are currently 3 menu items to select from:
THAI 'NOODLE' SALAD
Sriracha Thai peanut sauce tossed with spiralized fresh zucchini ‘noodles,’ mango, red peppers, snow peas, tri-colored quinoa, basil, mint, almonds
SWEET POTATO, CORN & BACON MEXICALI FLATBREAD
Spiralized sweet potatoes & zucchini, sweet corn, bacon, Greek yogurt white sauce, pickled jalapeños, blend of cheeses, avocado salsa
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAUSAGE LASAGNA
Spiralized butternut squash 'noodles,' herbed ricotta, Italian sausage, sautéed organic kale-spinach-chard blend, marinara & mozzarella, served with a pesto zucchini 'noodle' side salad
The Mexicali Flatbread was my personal favorite, Tiffany liked the Lasagna best and we both thought the Noodle Salad came in dead last out of the three. Not that it was bad, but the other dishes have a lot more flavor and POW than this dish. Visit Houlihan's online and get a coupon good for $10 off your visit! Houlihan's is located at 5225 Belt Line Road, Dallas, TX 75254, 972-386-0689. There are also locations in Garland, Arlington and Fort Worth.