EAT: NICOISE SALAD AT MAISON HARLEM

After a long holiday and doing some major restaurant reviews in December, we decided to check out some of the healthier options to be found uptown for 2016.  An iPhone app that calculates approximate calories for each ingredient also comes in handy for getting a better idea of calorie count and we put some of uptown's favorites to the health test. Pretty much anything around 300 or under will be the ones to look out for.

For a more substantial salad option in the new year, we decided to check out Maison Harlem on the corner of 127th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.  This is probably one of the more substantial plates to be offered up in Harlem and one gets a good portion of seared tuna on top of a bed of greens, fingerling potatoes, egg, green beans, olives, cherry tomatoes along with a bit of anchovy mixed in with the vinaigrette.   For $19 an order and just about 320 calories a serving, this uptown option was not only satisfying for those with a large appetite but also very low in calorie.  Fresh fish always keeps the number count down and this generous serving will keep one on diet goals without feeling like not much was sacrificed for dinner. Paired with a sensible glass of light wine, one can have a reasonable night out on all levels without the guilt on the waistline or pocket book.