Tyler Florence, the popular Food Network host is teaming up with Applebees to "inject a youthful flair into an already outstanding menu," meaning that the restaurant that is primarily known for its family fare is hoping to attract diners in a different age bracket. The pairing makes sense since Florence's shows are geared towards a younger audience of less experienced cooks moreso than some of the network's programs. He is also known for helping to introduce home cooks to new ingredients and techniques in a familiar setting, which may make the new menu items he helped design more appealing. They include Penne Rosa with Sweet Italian Sausage; Herb-Crusted Chicken Topped with Italian Country Salad; Crispy Brick Chicken (a small flat-grilled chicken) with Warm Spinach Salad; and a Bruschetta Burger, which is a burger on focaccia, topped with a pesto and bruschetta mix.
Florence will also be feature in the chain's ads and will have a photo in their menus. The new foods will be available in mid-September.
May is National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month
Cupcakes, not for dessert (unless beef is your idea of a treat)
Because eating French Fries in the car is so tough
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-01-2006 @ 10:38AM
evan said...
I can't imagine that this will do Applebee's any good. I live in a college area (UCF in Orlando) and Applebee's is definitely the least popular chain restaurant in an area that has Houlihans, Bennigans, Ale House, Fridays, and every Darden restaurant under the sun.
Their commercials are the only ones I can remember from a sit down restaurant which make me not want to eat there. Everything looks inspired by a recent meal on Delta and is driven into your head by terrible commercials.
Waste of money and talent.
evan
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10-03-2006 @ 1:38PM
Mark said...
I too agree that Applebees is one of my least favorite chains as far as food quality goes. Yesterday we gave it another try. I ordered the Bruschetta Burger. Amazingly enough, this was the best meal I have ever had at Applebees. I love hamburgers. This hamburger didn't need catchup or mayonaise to make it good. Even the fries didn't need catchup. (I love catchup, so this says alot.)
Give it a try, and you will become a fan. This is the best move Applebees has made EVER. If they can only market this better they may just start to gain more business.
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10-17-2006 @ 11:42AM
Carol said...
I recently re-visited Applebees after a long hiatus and found Tyler Florences dishes to be absolutely delicious. The food was actually served warm for a change and I look forward to returning to Applebee's more often in the future.
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10-18-2006 @ 10:12AM
David Aswad said...
I recently went to Applebee's for the first time in Bell Gardens, CA. I chose Tyler's "Brick Chicken" because it looked so appealing on the menu. What a disappointment!
Ive tried unsucessfully to find Tyler's email to let him know because I have tried many of his recipes and they were very good. However, I would be embarrassed to have my name associated with what I was served. Buyer Beware!
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10-18-2006 @ 6:28PM
Sandy said...
I have never eaten at Applebee's before, but I plan on going now because I am a fan of Tyler Florence. I have tried many of his simple recipe's at home and they are delicious. I think it was a smart move by Applebee's to bring him in. I've always heard that Applebee's is an "old folks" restaurant.
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10-27-2006 @ 10:20AM
Peggy Ryker said...
My chicken Applebees didn't serve the spinach salad with my brick chicken. The chicken would have been flavorful if the brick was laid on for a longer time and the grill had been hotter. Who blames Appblebees for a bad cook. I live in the South and would love to have had the spinach rather than the substituted Romaine. The recipe was good but the quality will vary with the cook in the kitchen.
Over all it was still better that most schlock I get at Applebees. I will try it aagin at a better Applebees.
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10-28-2006 @ 6:29PM
anna jones said...
My recent visit to Applebees in Manhattan, KS was a wonderful experience. I ordered the brick chicken with greens!! WOW!! The chicken was very good, but the greens (with carmalized red onions, eggs, and rosemary was out of this world!!) I have even pout that on the menu of learn how to make at home. THANKS Tyler.
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11-02-2006 @ 1:49AM
John Bowman said...
Applebees is just too LOUD! Who can concentrate on the food?
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11-04-2006 @ 2:45PM
Lisa Lines said...
The Brick chicken was fantastic and the dressing - I would love to have the recipe.
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11-06-2006 @ 8:07PM
MWC951 said...
SELLOUT!!!!!! I sent back my Crispy Chicken at TGI-Applebees tonight. I was sooo nasty...looked grey....and was barely crip in two spots. The manager at the place cops an attitude with me...that's what we get for going to the mall restraunt. Never again.
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11-07-2006 @ 4:05PM
Cate Slitt said...
Recently had the chicken breast with salad on top and have to say the chicken was much too salty. I mentioned this to the manager and he said others had made the same comment. He also said it comes to them preseasoned. You need to tell Tyler that the salt overwhelms the chicken. Thanks.
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11-29-2006 @ 8:56AM
Norma Wells said...
Applebee's is not a good match for Tyler! The food is just fair and the steak was tough and stringy. I think he should know that Applebee's do not do him justice.
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