Aug 11 2008
Quick Meals
Is it possible to have a quick meal without resorting to fast food? As a mom, I am always on the look out for restaurants that offer good (and good is the operative word) food fast and without it being served on a plastic tray.
Who doesn’t want to sit and savor a delicious, leisurely meal? I think most moms dream about that on a nightly basis. I know that I do. Then we wake up to the reality of needing to get our family feed in under an hour.
So does that mean you will always have to settle for a burger wrapped in greasy paper and restaurants filled with garish colors? No! It is possible for to find restaurants that serve good food, relatively fast.
There is a whole niche market of restaurants that are one step up from fast food. Take Noodles and Co. Sure it is technically fast food, but it is reasonably healthy fast food. You still have to choose wisely from the menu, but there is nary a French-fried item on the menu.
What makes it extra special, in my opinion is that the food is served on real plates. Not to mention the added bonus of having it delivered to your table. If you are a busy mom shuttling your kids around you deserve to have your food brought to you once in awhile.
A place like International House of Pancakes can be the perfect place to take your kids. I know, I know most adults look down on IHOP, but if you have a crew of hungry kids this place can help you get everyone fed ASAP. Even if you have picky eaters, and who doesn’t have at least one of those, in the family IHOP can usually tempt them with something. I don’t know many kids who would turn down chocolate chip pancakes.
As with Noodles and Co. you have to choose from the menu wisely. You can get a lot of sugar and fat from pancake and bacon, but then again, if you don’t go there everyday it can be quite a treat.
Of course, you can always choose to frequent a local restaurant or diner. There are some hidden gems in every town, plus, you get the satisfaction of supporting a local merchant.