If you were asked to name menu items at a typical sports bar and grill, what things would come to mind first? Would it be burgers? Maybe you would think of nachos, fries, or chicken tenders? I suspect that pretzels and flatbreads might come to your mind also. You might mention salads. Of course, you would only do that if you wanted people to think you eat healthily. Still, we all know salads at sports bars hide large amounts of calories and fat within them to make them taste better. Before we leave this question, we must mention chicken wings though.

However, this food review focuses on none of those expected bar food menu items. During a large seasonal event at Universal Orlando, I went to NBC Sports Grill and Brew with a group of friends. During this evening, my wonderful spouse insisted we order the “crucified pretzel.” This evening, I ordered a burger as my main entrée. My spouse selected to order lettuce for her entrée.

Okay, technically, she ordered the “Chicken Lettuce Wraps.” These wraps currently cost $13.95. The menu description tells us to expect to enjoy ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, lettuce, cilantro, and ginger soy sauce. When I visualize bar food, I rarely imagine lettuce wraps and most of those ingredients.

So how was this appetizer? I assure you it did not taste anything like the large soft pretzel appetizer. The components for these lettuce wraps tasted fresh. The overall flavor of these wraps rates very high. In my experience, the chicken itself simply serves as a medium for the other flavors intended to reside within the lettuce. I would have preferred more flavor with the chicken. Yet somehow, this combination of components works very well.

On the possible negative side, I doubt this would be a filling enough item for the main course itself. However, if you get another appetizer to go with this then it could make for a solid meal. Also, these lettuce wraps rate very high of the potential dining “messy” scale.

If you grow tired of typical theme park resort food, these lettuce wraps provide a nice change of pace. Now, if you are like me, you might order these as an appetizer just so you can feel better ordering the least healthy item on menu for your main entrée. The final choice falls to you.

As always, eat like you mean it!