You might want to think twice before ordering off the menus at Red Robin, Cheesecake Factory, Famous Dave's, Joe's Crab Shack and a handful of others. They've all earned the unwelcome distinction of rating at the top of the Center for Science in the Public's Interest (CSPI) "Xtreme Eating Awards." Put simply, these restaurants are home to the fattiest, most calorie-filled meals in the entire food service industry.
Topping the list is a "monster-sized meal" at Red Robin. It comes in at a whopping 3,540 calories; that's around 50% more than the typical adult's suggested calorie intake for an entire day. CSPI defines this meal as a "monster-sized" A1 Peppercorn Burger, the "bottomless" steak fries that come with every burger and a "monster" salted caramel milkshake.
In fairness, this particular meal is not offered pre-configured on Red Robin's menu; it's a meal that CSPI's testers customized themselves. Also, the A1 Peppercorn Burger comes standard with one beef patty. For this award, you have to "make it a monster," which adds a second patty atop the first.
The Cheesecake Factory, which CSPI describes as a repeat offender in the Xtreme Eating Awards, swept three of the nine awards given out this year. The chain's Bruléed French Toast from the Sunday brunch menu tops out at 2,780 calories. It's no wonder; just look at what's in it: extra thick slices of french bread baked and grilled, filled with custard, topped with powdered sugar topping and maple butter, and served with four slices of bacon. Cheesecake Factory's Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic may not sound too bad, but it packs in 2,410 calories. The restaurant's decadent but delicious-sounding Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake, on the other hand, speaks for itself. It contains 1,500 calories — a problem compounded by the fact that to get to dessert, you've probably already gorged yourself on one of Cheesecake Factory's notoriously fattening entrees.
Famous Dave's offers a "Big Slab" meal that includes almost 1.5 pounds of meat, and clocks in at a total of 2,770 calories. Aside from the beef, it comes with a cornbread muffin, Dave's famous fries and baked beans. Other award "winners" include the Signature Deep Dish Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (2,160 calories); the "Chevy's Super Cinco Combo" at Chevy's Fresh Mex (1,920 calories); the "Big Hook Up Platter" at Joe's Crab Shack (3,280 calories) and the Prime New York Steak Contadina Style at Maggiano's Little Italy (2,420 calories).
A spokesperson for Red Robin told Today that they allow sharing and encourage their patrons to do so, to split up all those calories.
