Active Low-Carber Forums - Carnival Cruise Lines to Introduce New Low Carb Menu

Wednesday April 21, 5:20 am ET
Specially Prepared Appetizer, Salad and Entree Selections to List Carb Content

MIAMI, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the explosive growth in popularity of low carb diets, Carnival Cruise Lines will begin rolling out specially designated low carb dining selections on dinner menus this week with a gradual fleetwide implementation over the next month.

Whether consumers are following Atkins, South Beach, the Zone, or simply subscribing to the low carb philosophy, we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible to enjoy the pleasures of the Carnival dining experience," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Dinner menus in the ships' main dining rooms will feature an appetizer, salad and entree with a low carbohydrate count. The number of carbohydrate grams per dish is listed beneath each low carb selection.

The designated low carb appetizer and entree dishes on each evening's menu are designed to complement each other. Primary ingredients focus heavily on vegetables, meat and fish blended with flavorful seasonings and creative preparation. The low carb dishes are included both within the overall list of menu selections for each course as well as in a special box on the opposite page labeled Low Carb Selection, which contains all low carb items from that evening's menu.

The new low carb selections are being introduced on menus aboard the Carnival Victory this week with implementation throughout the balance of the company's 20-ship fleet expected to occur over the next month.

"The low carb phenomenon has been building for years and has recently evolved to such an extraordinary degree that there is tremendous consumer demand for carb-conscious dining options and specific carb count information," said Dickinson. "We are constantly striving to stay abreast of societal trends and provide our guests with choices that meet the needs of their individual lifestyles," he added.

Sample low carb appetizer selections include: Vine Ripe Beefsteak Tomatoes and Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella -- Marinated with Basil Leaves and Virgin Olive Oil -- 3 grams of carbs; Hickory Smoked Alaskan Salmon -- Garnished with Purple Onion Rings, Fresh Dill and Baby Capers -- 2 grams of carbs; Escargots Bourguignonne -- Burgundy Snails in Garlic Butter with an Infusion of Chablis and Pernod -- 5 grams of carbs; Gravlaks -- Thinly Sliced Norwegian Fjord Salmon Cured with Dill and Brandy Presented with a Sour Cream Mustard Sauce -- 5 grams of carbs

Sample low carb entree selections include: Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Butter -- Aged Center-Cut Beef Tenderloin, Grilled to Perfection with Green Beans -- 8 grams of carbs; Pepper-Seared Supreme of Young Long Island Duckling -- Marsala Infused Purple Onion Confit, Steamed Bok Choy and Sauteed Spinach -- 6 grams of carbs; Tender Roasted Prime Rib of American Beef au Jus, Cooked to Perfection -- Broccoli Roses and Grilled Tomato -- 4 grams of carbs; Jerked Pork Loin -- Slowly Roasted Center Cut Pork Loin, Marinated in Island Spices and Herbs Sauteed Savoy Cabbage with Bacon -- 6 grams of carbs.

A reduced carbohydrate bread selection will be available each evening on request, as well.

Carnival lunch and dinner menus in the main dining rooms also feature Spa Carnival selections, which are lower in calories, sodium, cholesterol and fat. Designated items are accompanied by a listing of the number of calories and grams of fat contained within each selection.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040421/flwfns1_1.html