Bites Nearby: Outback Steakhouse

As the magnificent month of May lies just around the corridor, barbecues across town are starting to get fired up.

Maybe you’ve even jumped right in and already had your annual first barbecue of spring already. A hearty steak fresh off the grill is a mouth watering treat, making even the most devout of vegetarians question their dietary decisions. Rain, wind and the occasional chilly day will continue to plague us from time to time, though.

So how do you satiate yourself when a downfall spoils your plans for beefy delights? Gather up the family’s rainboots and windbreakers, and take a ride over to Merrick’s Outback Steakhouse.

Start off with some Aussie-tizers to share. Almost everyone who lived through the early part of the 21^st century is acquainted with the famous bloomin’ onion. For parties of two, stomachs will be filled up with this monstrously tasty creation of golden onions and spicy sauce. Bigger parties may want to stock up on some other options such as grilled shrimp on the barbie, Alice Springs chicken quesadilla or seared ahi tuna for family outings or a group celebration.

Feast your eyes on the massive amount of meaty entrées including baby back ribs, prime rib, New Zealand rack of lamb, filet with wild mushroom sauce, ribeye, Norwegian salmon and the New York strip steak.

Not hungry yet? Consider the fact that you have the choice to add lobster and mushroom topping, sautéed mushrooms, grilled shrimp, grilled scallops, shrimp scampi or lobster tail to any of the entrees ordered.

Can’t decide on just one of the flavorful favorites? Order one of the Outback’s combination meals. Choices range from a sirloin steak and grilled shrimp (on the barbie, of course!) to filet and shrimp scampi. More casual fare, such as the bloomin' burger and a grilled chicken and Swiss sandwich are offered as well.

End your meal with a traditional desert, carrot cake or cheesecake for example, or give your sweet tooth some serious satisfaction with the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under, a pecan brownie covered in vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Have a few cold ones to wash down this flavorful and filling meal. Stick with a traditional beer, get a little classy with a Huckleberry Firefly Sweet Tea or New South Wales Sangria or indulge in an alcohol free delight such as the coco-berry smoothie or the country-style wild berry lemonade.