I sincerely tried to make it to a new restaurant in town this week, but due to misinformation, I missed my window of opportunity by minutes, so it will have to wait one more week.

In light of the economy, I went to Applebee’s instead, to report on its two for $20 special. That’s two dinners and an appetizer for $20. I looked over the menu before my dining companion arrived, thinking I’d suggest something she and I could have from this menu – since I know her tastes fairly well.

Don’t get me wrong, the “two fer” menu has an excellent variety. What I didn’t count on was my own tastes swaying me away to the main menu, tempted by ingredients I could not resist.

For instance, if a restaurant offers me ingredients like creamy spinach with asiago, artichoke hearts, bruschetta and other Italian cheeses, put upon a crispy, extra-thin crust, I’m going to tilt a Scooby ear, take notice and be compelled to order it.

This is what we ordered for an appetizer. Applebee’s veggie patch pizza – and the ingredients lived up to their unique combination. The creamy asiago sauce was a delicious base taste, complimenting the other ingredients, and the “ultra” thin crust foundation of snappy fun.

For dinner, I wanted to eat light after the appetizer, so I perused the salad menu. Again, seeing ingredients together like shrimp, avocado, black olives and bacon on bibb lettuce, I had a positive – even giddy – reaction. The California shrimp salad also came with grape tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs and a creamy avocado dressing.

My dining companion was considering the new margherita chicken, but the chicken included melted cheese on the top and she, too, wanted to eat lighter after the appetizer. She opted for a Weight Watchers dish that also had appetizing ingredients (now there’s a “two fer” deal) – the garlic herb chicken breast with steamed herbed potatoes and vegetables.

She said it was good, however, she could tell the sauce on the chicken and potatoes were reduced calorie.

And, to do my job as I’d planned, sans the temptation – seems to be a hard week for that – the Applebee’s two for $20 menu includes the shrimp salad I had, plus two other salads. Other entree choices include pasta, ribs, chicken, fried shrimp, a burger and even a steak.

You can then choose from four of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers (the veggie patch pizza that had first appealed to me was not on there), including a Bowling Green favorite, artichoke spinach dip.

And if that’s not enough, Applebee’s also has a pick ’n pair at lunch special that allows you to pick a combination of two salads, soups, sandwiches and/or pasta selections for just $5.99.

— Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com.

Applebee’s Restaurant

2545 Scottsville Road

• 782-6981

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday

Cuisine: American

Price range: $7.49 to $16.49

Specialties: Ribs, steaks, fajitas

Libation situation: Full bar

Smoking: Sitting at bar only