Working at Applebee’s during college was one of the foundational experiences of my life. I survived an armed robbery and a terrible relationship with a moody line cook, and I met my best friend in the whole world (25ish years and counting!). During that time, I also ate a lot of Applebee’s food, even though anytime a customer asked me about my favorite thing on the menu I’d always scoff and say, “I don’t eat here.” I was 19 and a big brat—sue me!

Last week, I sat down at an Applebee’s for the first time in a long time to taste test their new summer menu with my buds Justine and Ariana. Back in the day, my go-tos were the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, the caesar salad with fried black pepper shrimp (an oldie but a goodie), and the Oriental Chicken Salad, which still goes by that unfortunate name. On our recent visit, I found something else I would recommend to customers now that I’m all grown-up and somewhat less predisposed to small acts of rebellion. Somewhat.