ML Interest Tag: grass-fed-beef

Ring the Dinner Bell: Meal Delivery Services for Denver Families

by Kate Loweth

Don’t let the dinner doldrums get you down! We’ve got this super-handy list of Denver meal delivery services for families and it will satisfy even the pickiest palates. From heat-and-eat options to kits that leave the cooking to you and the kids, your family can go beyond the usual dinner routine to try something new.With the school year starting back up, now is the perfect time to try one out!

*As of this publishing, all of the below services had availability and supply.  

SupperBell

This on-demand meal delivery service offers Denver families loads of options to get dinner on the table in no time. They have single entree options, kids meals and family meals that serve two adults and two kids. The menu is changed weekly and viewable on Friday evening. The pineapple chicken family meal comes with a side of broccoli and will cost you $33.95 and the kids' beef tacos will satisfy even the pickiest palate. 

Cost: Entrees cost $10.95 and up, family meals $32.95 and up, and kids' meals $7.95 and up.

Online: supperbell.com

The Spicy Radish

Touted as "Denver's tastiest meal delivery service," The Spicy Radish lets you order meals for next week without any contract. A new menu is posted every Tuesday. Order by Thursday and you'll get your meals delivered on Sunday. All options are heat and eat with family favorites like chicken tortilla casserole and baked ravioli plus side to round out your meal. Don't pass up on the oatmeal peanut better chocolate chip cookies; they are as good as they sound!

Cost: A two-person entree costs $29

Online: thespicyradish.com

Nurture Life

Wishing you had the superpower to make healthy meals magically appear on your dining room table? Kick up your heels because Nurture Life delivers nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for babies, toddlers, kids and adults straight to your door (read no more grocery shopping, meal prep or planning!). With Nurture Life, now you can serve your kids their favorite foods at lightning speed . . . no cape (or apron) required. Read our full review here. 

Cost: $6.89/meal and up

Online: nurturelife.com

Sun Basket

meal delivery services in Dallas

Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 15 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray! 

Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves. 

Another great option for healthy eating: Sun Basket launched their Lean & Clean menu with high-in-fiber-and-protein recipes around 550 calories. The meal kit includes kid-friendly games and instructions—an interactive way to get parents and kids cooking dinner together.

Cost: $10.99 per serving

Online: Sunbasket.com

Blue Apron

meal delivery services in chicago

Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process. 

Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping

Online: blueapron.com

Dinnerly

meal delivery services in chicago
Dinnerly

If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time. 

Seasonal ingredients, grass-fed ground beef and antibiotic-free chicken are all a part of the Dinnerly meal box. Efforts are made to reduce packaging waste and customers receive their recipe cards via email instead of receiving printed cards in their box. At only $4.49 per serving, Dinnerly makes easy weeknight dining a snap.

Cost: Two-person box containing three meals is $29.94, plus $8.99 shipping. A family box containing three meals that will feed four adults is $59.88, plus $8.99 shipping.

Online: dinnerly.com

Takeout Kit

Takeout Kit

If you are looking to add some world flavors to your cooking repertoire, look no further than Takeout Kits. These kits offer globally-inspired flavors and brings them to your door in some totally adorable packaging. Ever wondered what went into your favorite pad thai, Japanese Tonkatsu Ramen or Indian butter chicken? Get to know some new, exotic ingredients and learn how to cook these delicious meals for your family. 

The kits contain non-perishable ingredients that can wait in your pantry to be cooked for up to two months (pro tip: bring a kit along on your next camping trip!). This makes such a huge difference for busy lifestyles to always have a tasty meal ready to cook when you come back from vacation or can't make it to the grocery store. Some examples of the Takeout Kit proteins include: dry cured Spanish chorizo, canned premium Japanese snow crab, 100% natural pouched chicken and many vegetarian proteins like lentils, teff flour, freekeh and tetra-packed tofu. If you'd like to add your own protein, select the "add your own protein" option. 

This SF Bay Area company ships all over the U.S. so order a meal to ship to your far away family. Better yet, opt for one of the sampler kits to try a few at a discount and add on a drink kit to pair with your meal. 

Cost: Kits range from $29.99-34.99 and serve four adults. No subscription is required. 

Online: takeoutkit.com

Marley Spoon

meal delivery services in Atlanta

This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The partnership gives Marley Spoon access to Martha's archive of over 18,000 tried-and-true recipes to feature in their meal kits. They promise quality purveyors offering grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp and artisanal cheeses. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories.

Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help. Also, the blog offers great tips and ideas, like what to do with lentils, immune-boosting foods and Martha’s easy Oscar party snacks. The family kit feeds four adults, so will easily feed two adults and two kids.

Cost: Families can choose two meals a week ($76), three meals a week ($106.80) or four meals a week ($131.20). Delivery is free.

Online: marleyspoon.com

Freshly

Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in 3 minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork, and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor. 

With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.

Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.

Online: Freshly.com

HelloFresh

Hello Fresh

With a newly-expanded menu and new Family Plan, HelloFresh is better than ever these days. Their goal is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Meal plans available are meat and vegetables, vegetables, family-friendly and low calorie. 

With the debut of HelloFresh Wine and their online marketplace that sells curated kitchenware, their portal is a one-stop shop for even more of your shopping needs (or wants). 

Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.

Online: hellofresh.com

Farmbox

Farmbox Direct

Farmbox offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.

Cost: starts at $43.95/box

Online: farmbox.com

Gobble

Meal Delivery Services in dallas

Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?

Cost: Prices start at $11.99/dinner and $5.99/lunch

Online: gobble.com

Veestro

How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).

There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

If gluten is your family offender, they carry a special pack called The Gluten-Free Feast which comes swiftly to your home via a chilled FedEx box and includes an assortment of gluten-free breakfasts, lunches, dinners and two desserts: gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and "cheezcake"!

Cost: $35 minimum food order, packages start at $99; free shipping for orders totaling $199

Online: veestro.com

One Potato

One Potato

When it comes to feeding families, One Potato has got you covered. Co-founder Catherine McCord's best selling Weelicious recipes are the basis of the One Potato meals. There's nothing fussy here—the organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to get from box to table in no time. Each recipe will be ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes weeknight meals a cinch. 

One Potato understands that not every family has two adults and two kids so they offer plans for two to six servings per meal. By indicating how many children are in your family, you'll receive kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) for them. Choose two or three meals to be delivered per week, or skip that week if you'll be out of town. 

Each week you have eight meal options to choose from—five rotating Seasonal Favorite and three constant Family Favorites. Vegetarian, nut-free and gluten free meals are available. The included recipe cards are super easy to follow and kids will love getting involved in the cooking process by following along with the photos. Have them brown the ground beef for tacos or prep the par-cooked potatoes for French fries. The recipe cards provide tips for getting the kids involved in cooking. 

Cost: Plans vary from $7.32-12.95/serving. The more servings you purchase, the lower your per serving cost will be. 

Online: onepotato.com

—Kate Loweth

Featured photo: iStock

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Make It Easy: 12 Restaurants Offering Family Meals To-Go

by Allison Sutcliffe

Suddenly it feels like you’re cooking 400 meals a day (and what’s with all the dishes?). Just say no to meal prep tonight, and pick up a dinner that’ll feed the whole fam from one of your favorite local spots instead. One meal. One price. Does it get any easier? Read on to simplify your life.

FrogsLeg Culinary

courtesy FrogsLeg Culinary

When cooking isn’t on your to-do list, check out FrogLegs’ Family Meals. The menu changes weekly, but you’ll always find two tasty options to choose from, that are available for curbside pick-up on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the U Village shop or the Kirkland school. In the past few weeks we’ve seen banh mi sandwiches, Greek chicken gyros and chicken piccata pop up on the menu. Items are heat-and-serve and you can easily add in a bottle of wine, Happy Hour Nosh Board or dessert to make your meal complete.

Good to know: They’ve got breakfast to go (think: quiches, cinnamon rolls and muffins) for families too, and specialty meals that pop up when you need them (hello, Mother’s Day!).

U Village
2643 Village Ln.
Seattle, WA
206-887-8228

2550 N.E. Park Dr.
Issaquah, WA
206-887-8228

Order online: froglegskca.com

West 5

Koji B. via yelp

If comfort food is what you’re after, there’s no better spot than West 5. This West Seattle staple has been serving up piping hot mac ‘n’ cheese that makes everything feel better for as long as we can remember. And now they’ve got it (and other options) available for pick-up in family-size servings. In addition to the mouthwatering mac, families can order Cabin Fever Meals (in large or small sizes) that include a hummus platter, salad, mac ‘n’ cheese and a huge slice of coconut cake, and other options that rotate and still feed a brood. We love the add-ons you can select for each meal that help make sure parents get something their kids will actually eat. Plus the order ahead option means you can plan pick-up days in advance. One more thing checked off your list!

4539 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-935-1966

Order online: toasttab.com

Le Coin

Anran L. via yelp

Say “oui oui” to Le Coin’s family Cassoulet ($60), a staple on the take-out menu, available Wednesdays through Sundays from 4-8 p.m. Although the menu changes daily, this unchanging item feeds four and includes a simple salad. Families should also consider ordering a whole ($62) or half ($42) fried chicken dinner on Sunday night. All it takes is a call to the restaurant to reserve yours for the following week (these dinners go fast so call early!). The chicken can be breaded with Le Coin’s traditional herb breading or ask for gluten-free, and it comes with potatoes, green beans and buttermilk biscuits.

4201 Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-708-7207

To order: call 206-708-7207 or email info@lecoinseattle.com

Gracia

Vick P. via yelp

Turns out tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays when you order a Family Meal for pick-up (Thursdays through Saturdays, from 4-8 p.m.) from Gracia in Ballard. Mix and match from their selected entrees that include chicken enchiladas, pozole, burritos and more, plus chips, salsa, rice and beans all for just $55. Add on extras like guac, a margarita kit or mix-n-match sodas for four, and you’ve got everything you need for a weeknight fiesta. Our favorite part? That parents can add a kid’s rice, bean and cheese burrito for free.

5313 Ballard Ave., Unit B
Seattle, WA
206-268-0217

To order: call 206-268-0217 or email graciaballard@gmail.com

Ezell's

courtesy Ezell's

Does it get easier (or tastier) than a combo from Ezell’s when it comes to feeding the kids? Food they’ll eat and a not-too-often treat for parents, Ezell's 8-piece combo comes with everything you need to serve a hot dinner as soon as you get it home. Dig in to 8 pieces of chicken, four rolls and two jumbo sides (your choice) for a complete meal. Plus, families can order ahead to make dinner that much faster for those extra busy nights.

501 23rd Ave.
Seattle, WA
206-324-4141

4436 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle, WA
206-686-3772

2300 N. 45th St.
Seattle, WA
206-453-5250

4575 N.E. 4th Ave.
Renton, WA
425-228-9008

1645 140th Ave. N.E., Suite A3
Bellevue, WA 

2020 S. 320th St., Suite M
Federal Way, WA
205-429-2634

Order online: ezellschicken.com

Copperleaf

Copperleaf

Bring the farm to your table with Copperleaf's new take-out menu, featuring Hungarian goulash, grass-fed beef meatloaf, buttermilk fried chicken and a spicy beef & lamb curry, just like mom used to make, if she was a foodie. Included with each dish is a choice of salad and a baguette, pretty much everything you need to feed the kids and have leftovers for lunch the next day. Meals are priced per person, and families can add on a la carte items or even a six-pack of the exclusive Cedarbrook Northwest IPA to their order. Pick-up is just as easy as dinner. Simply swing by and grab food daily any time between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Cedarbrook Lodge
18525 36th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA

To order: call 206-214-4282

Canlis

courtesy Canlis

Reopened and reimagined, with the same upscale food Seattleites know and love, Canlis now offers Family Meals to go. Each week, you’ll find different menu offerings, like Homemade Lasagna with dry-aged beef bolognese or vegetarian enchiladas, complete with sides, dessert and (sometimes) salads to make ordering easy. Weekly options go live on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for delivery the following week. Remember to make it a true Canlis experience when you livestream a Live, From the Dining Room piano concert on YouTube while you enjoy your meal.

Good to know: Zero contact meals are available for delivery throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, with a few exceptions. Meals can be picked up if you live outside of the delivery zone.

2576 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-283-3313

Order online: canlis.com

Maggiano's

Maggiano's Little Italy via yelp

Pass around the table family meals have always been a staple at Maggiano’s, so it’s no surprise you can pick up yours curbside or have it delivered when going out isn’t an option. The Family Meal comes with a choice of pasta and salad to go with one of Maggaio’s classic chicken dishes, enough to feed four. Pair chicken marsala with fettuccine alfredo, and a tossed salad or chicken picatta with spaghetti & meatballs and a Cesar, whatever flavor combos your crew’s after. Adding on extras is easy too—bring on the tiramisu. Orders can be picked up curbside at Lincoln Square or delivered.

10455 N.E. 8th St.
Bellevue, WA
425-519-6480

Order online: orders.maggianos.com

Opus Co.

Marie B. via yelp

To feed your pack, Opus Co. has Feast in a Sack (sounds about right). For $50 you can feed three to four people with two cuts of pork or lamb from the Preservation Meat Collective, kokuho rice, two sides and Opus pickles. Meals are available for pick-up Thursday through Sunday, from 4-8 p.m. and can be ordered up to five days in advance, which makes meal planning easy when the days blend together. You can also call in a same-day order starting at 2 p.m., if you need a last-minute dinner plan.

Good to know: Feast in a Sack offerings are Gluten-free and usually dairy-free too.

7410 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-420-8360

Order online: opuscorestaurant.com

Plum Bistro

Lena L. via yelp

Plan a Meatless Monday when you pick up a Family Meal at Plum Bistro in Capitol Hill. Chef Makini’s delish (and discounted) kid-friendly family meal serves four; her creative offerings change daily. Your dinner will be ready for curbside pick-up at 5 p.m. each day, and is always heat-n-serve so you can take it easy after a long day of work and teaching the kiddos. Families can also have food delivered between 4-7 p.m. There’s limited availability each day, so be sure to jump on that order right away.

1429 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA
206-838-5333

Order online: plumbistro.com

Cask & Trotter

Lawrence L. via yelp

Make dinner simple with Cask & Trotter’s Family Meal. $50 gets you two pounds of meat, two sides, four pieces of corn bread, six slider buns, a house-made dessert and bottle of wine. And everything’s super customizable. For your protein choose from pork, pulled chicken, brisket and more. Kid-friendly sides include mac-n-cheese, garlic mashers and beans. It’s everything you need to plan a backyard picnic on a warm spring night or set one up in your living room to change things up a bit.

711 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-453-4756

Order online: www.toasttab.com or call 206-453-4756

Habit Burger Grill

Teresa L. via yelp

Sometimes a burger and fries just hit the spot. And when you can get enough to feed the fam for just $25, they definitely do. Order Habit Burger’s Family Char Meal and you’ll get four burgers, four fries and an entrée size salad, ready for drive thru pick-up in a jiff. The burgers come fully loaded (with grilled onions, cheese, lettuce and tomato), and items are customizable so you get exactly what you want right off the grill. Fast and tasty!

3501 S.W. Avalon Way
Seattle, WA

907 N.W. Ballard Way
Seattle, WA

17025 Southcenter Pkwy.
Tukwila, WA

1253 N. 205th St.
Shoreline, WA

1676 9th Ave. N.E.
Issaquah, WA

Order online: habitburger.com

—Allison Sutcliffe

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Beyond the Grocery Store: 12 Places to Get Pantry Staples in DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Scavenger Hunts and I Spy games are things we like to play with our kids, not with our local grocery store. If hunting for flour has you feeling frustrated, we found a great new source for pantry goods: your favorite restaurant (and indoor playground!). Local businesses are sharing their resources in an effort to take the guess work out of dinner (and, yes, you can order that pre-made, too). Here are our favorite pantry pick-ups along with other options beyond the grocery store (like farmers markets and CSAs). Read on for ways to support local businesses while getting your baking on—and leave hunting for “flower” for those scavenger walks!

photo: Markus Spiske via Unsplash

Curbside Pantries

Badlands
Support one of the area’s most beloved indoor playgrounds by purchasing your pandemic comforts at this pull-in pantry. To help keep the lights on (and pay dedicated employees), Rockville’s Badlands is offering contactless grocery pick ups; 50% of proceeds go to support Badlands staff. You can grab staples like butter, milk and cheese here along with kid-favorites like Goldfish, Pringles and Lay’s potato chips. Badlands also offers wine, beer and liquor to go. Don’t forget to pick up a prepackaged STEAM kit.

5200 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD
Open: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Online: https://badlandsplayspace.com/

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group
In healthier times, The Neighborhood Restaurant Group manages some of our favorite good eats, like Birch and Barley and Hazel in DC and Columbia Firehouse and Vermillion in Old Town Alexandria. During these uncertain times, the Group is operating Neighborhood Provisions with three pick up locations (Alexandria, Arlington and DC).  Order yeast, flour, toilet paper and locally-made, handcrafted hand sanitizer with your favorite apps and mains. Bonus: they also deliver!

Bluejacket, 300 Tingey Street, SE DC 20003
202-524-4862

Rustico Alexandria, 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria VA 22314
703-224-5051

Rustico Arlington, 4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
571-384-1820

Online: https://www.nrgprovisions.com/

Sweet Water Tavern
Craving those sweet and savory Ozzie Rolls? You can get them to go (with a side of honey butter) along with growlers, grocery essentials (including TP and paper towel), kids meals for kids 12 & under and your favorite Sweetwater staples, like firecracker shrimp. All American Restaurant Group locations are offering carry-out, but only Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling is operating a Tavern & Grocery (aka groceries to-go).

45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166
571-434-6500
Open: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Online: https://sweetwatertavern.pub/swtsterling

Founding Farmers
You can order your favorite menu options at all of Found Farmers restaurants, but in Tysons and Reston Station you can pick up groceries at Market & Grocery. Order family portioned meals, bottled craft cocktails, groceries like eggs, cheese, bottled craft sauces and more. Don’t forget pantry staples like Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, dish detergent, toilet paper and microfiber towels.

Founding Farmers Reston Station, 1904 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
(703) 988-7333
Open: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: foundingfarmersrestonstationmarketgrocery.com

Founding Farmers Tysons, 1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102
(703) 442-8783
Open: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: foundingfarmersmarket.com/order-online

 

photo: Anne Preble via Unsplash 

Farmer Markets

Old Town Farmer’s Market
Old Town Farmer’s Market is the oldest continuous market in the good ol’ U S of A used by the first President himself. It’s still open during the pandemic, but you do need to pre order your goods.  

King St., Alexandria, VA
Open: Saturday, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
Online: alexandriava.gov

Bethesda Central Farm Market
Bethesda Central Farm Market is one of the largest markets in the area with over 100 vendors and is still operating as a traditional, walk-up. Your children will pine for pastries at Patisseries Poupon and wish for waffles at Les Caprices de Joelle, while grownups will appreciate lobster rolls and Zeke’s coffee. Parking is free.

7600 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD
Open: Sunday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Online: bethesda.centralfarmmarkets.com

City of Falls Church Farmers’ Market
Quite possibly the best market in the area—the American Farmland Trust puts it in its top five medium-sized markets in the country—this market now offers a to-go format. Featuring over 50 vendors, be sure to check out Kate’s Crepes and Pops ‘n Chill, an artisanal handmade popsicle stand with fruity flavors like roasted peaches and cantaloupe.

300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA
Open: Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
Online: fallschurchva.gov

photo: Suzie’s Farm via Flickr

CSA Memberships

Farm to Family
This veteran-owned, Richmond based CSA offers fruit, meat, eggs, soy products, pasta, bread, and pantry items delivered straight to your door. Our favorite add-on: locally sourced, ready to heat meals. 

Online: thefarmbus.csaware.com

From the Farmer 
This CSA offers curated boxes from MD and VA farms delivered right to doorsteps in the greater DMV area. It’s a farmer’s market that comes to you! Choose from: six different plans offering fruits and vegetables, with optional add-ons like bread and pantry items. You can customize boxes or skip one entirely.

Online: fromthefarmerdc.com

Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative
This Lancaster-based CSA has pick up locations throughout the DMV, including Shaw, Petworth, Capitol Hill, Brookland, Arlington, Silver Spring, Herndon and more. Choose from: vegetable boxes in three different sizes, with option to add fruit, cheese, eggs, meats, fresh flowers, or herbal medicine. 

Online: lancasterfarmfresh.com

Groundworks Farm
This Pittsville, MD CSA is making pick ups safe by asking members to stand over 12 feet a part, offering hand sanitizer after pick up and making sure all hand offs include masked and gloved employees. Choose from: produce, egg, meat, chicken, and cheese for pick up  in Arlington, Alexandria and Annapolis. 

Online: groundworksfarm.com

Little Farm Stand (Virginia)
Delivered fresh to your home, this CSA offers organic, pesticide-free produce from VA farm. Choose from: fruits and vegetables, with the option to add on eggs, grass-fed beef, preserves, pies, honey, and maple syrup. Each box can be customized!

Online: littlefarmstand.com

 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Pat Tanumihardja, HiIary Riedemann and Emily Coleman Dibella

featured photo: Jill Wellington via Pixabay

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5 Uber-Healthy Things I Did as Soon as I Found out I Was Pregnant

By Nicole Schmitz

No, I’m not pregnant now. But I was a little over two years ago. And as soon as my good news was confirmed I was determined to research and understand whatever I could to have a peaceful, natural pregnancy and birth.  

The first thing I did was research my prenatal vitamins. My OBGYN gave me about 10 boxes of vitamins to sample and I took one look on the back of each box and sure enough, there were dyes, preservatives and synthetics in EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.  

So I headed to the Health Food Store. I committed to Garden of Life’s MyKind Organics for the following 2.5 years (up until I stopped breastfeeding about a month ago). They cost $50 a month, and I took 3 a day, one with every meal. I am a firm believer that the horse pills that are made with synthetic ingredients that you get on your drugstore shelf are responsible for a lot of the stomach discomfort women experience during pregnancy. These guys are food based and super gentle on your tummy.  

I also upped my fish oil intake 2-3x what is was before. My preferred choice is New Chapter’s Wholemega. Realizing that the brands that were labelled for moms actually had less mg per softgel than the others, I stuck with a brand recommended by the “expert” at Whole Foods and my midwives.  

I switched to working with midwives around 20 weeks of my pregnancy. I did not want to deliver my baby in a hospital if I could avoid it. Although it may sound crazy or risky, I believed strongly that if other women around the world had the choice and were delivering their babies in their bathtubs at home or in birth centers, why couldn’t I?  

I increased my healthy fat and protein intake, like crazy! I know it may not be for everyone, but from the information I gained from my midwives, Hypnobabies training, and tuning into my body, I knew I needed more protein. I prefer a (mostly) plant-based diet for myself and clients, however, this was only temporary. So I ate eggs, some fish (of course googling which fish were safe during pregnancy every single time we ate out), organic chicken or grass fed beef nearly every day. Avocados and chia seeds were already a staple for sure.  

What did I eliminate? In addition to the traditional recommendations like raw cheeses, alcohol, caffeine and sushi, I made sure to stay away from all cold cuts, processed foods, fast foods, and I REALLY watched my sugar intake. I had this crazy idea in my head that if I ate too much sugar I would get gestational diabetes, so I limited myself to about 1-2 cookies a day.  

I also walked. And walked and walked. I walked an average of one hour per day for 6 days a week during my pregnancy. Something was telling my system that regular weight bearing exercises and cardio were not going to work for me (I was having a very high number of braxton hicks contractions for the majority of my pregnancy) and I wanted to keep the peace instead of push myself. It was the best way to keep my little one in position and give me the fresh air and movement I craved.  

And I meditated. With the help of my Hypnobabies tracks, homework and Naam Yoga Meditations, I made sure to meditate several times a week to envision a healthy, happy birth exactly as I had dreamed. Of course I needed to nap a lot too, so these went hand in hand.  

There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there about pregnancy and birth. I trusted my gut and focused on the books, advice and information shared with me from those I trusted the most. Make sure to always consult with your midwife or OB if you have questions about your pregnancy or baby. 

Nicole L. Schmitz, helps others to improve their energy, digestion, sleep, nutrition, weight, and health conditions with simplified, cleaner eating, and better self-care. She is a mother, aspiring yogi, writer, and artist, loves living by the beach, and inspiring others to make clear and confident healthy lifest‌yle choices every day. 

 

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T-Mobile Park’s New Menu Hits a Home Run

by Jeff Totey

They say that a hot dog always tastes better at the ballpark. While that may be true, there are so many other tasty treats to try at T-Mobile Park this season. This year marks the ninth-year collaboration between the Mariners’ hospitality partner, Centerplate, and 2019 James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Ethan Stowell. Together, they’re bringing new tastes, new flavors and even a new signature cocktail inspired by the Mariners new partnership with T-Mobile to the park. Scroll down to see what you can expect to sink your teeth into this season.

Hit It Here Cafe

T-Mobile Park

Chef Stowell has made some exciting updates to the Hit It Here Café menu adding selections from his Ballard Pizza and burgers featuring Crowd Cow. Created with a half-pound Crowd Cow beef patty, the Hempler’s Bacon Burger is almost too good to be true. Topped with smoked sweet and spicy Hempler’s bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce, it’s a real mouthful. Other burgers on the menu include the Spicy Burger (half pound Crowd Cow patty topped with Face Rock Creamery’s "In Your Face Habanero cheese,” Mama Lil’s pickled peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce), the Beyond™ Burger (a plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, onion and vegan Just Mayo) and the Chef Inspired Burger created by some of Seattle’s top chefs, including Ethan Stowell, Maria Hines, John Sundstrom, Brady Williams and Mitch Mayers and will change on a regular basis.

If pizza is more your style, Stowell brings four kinds of personal-sized pizzas from Ballard Pizza, including Arugula & Guanciale, the Staple & Fancy (with pecorino, mozzarella, Zoe’s pepperoni, jalapeños and pineapple), Zoe’s Pepperoni and Cheese (with pecorino and mozzarella).

Order Up: A side of KuKu Fries with that burger. They are just as unique as they are topped with togarashie Japanese seasoning, red tobiko (flying fish roe), sriracha chili sauce, horseradish crema and chives.

Location: Hit It Here Cafe

Fat's Chicken

T-Mobile Park

Two of the best new tastes this season come with a Southern accent as the Central District’s Fat’s Chicken & Waffles brings its cuisine to the ballpark. The Five Spice Fried Chicken Thigh Sandwich is delicious with its garlic aioli, tomato, pickle, mixed greens and house-made pimento cheese on a toasted bun. It goes together nicely with the Creole-spiced mac & cheese (which is just the right amount of spice without becoming too “hot”) made with Tillamook cheddar and mozzarella sauce. Other great choices include Fat’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Strips with fries, Fat’s Wings (served with lemon pepper, buffalo style or gasp, naked) and Poutine (French fries topped with house-made Andouille sausage gravy and pimento cheese and rice with Andouille sausage gravy (aka Jasmine rice smothered in house-made Andouille sausage gravy).

Location: The ‘Pen

Paseo Caribbean Sandwiches

T-Mobile Park

Recently voted "Best Sandwich Shop in Washington,” by Thrillist, Paseo, brings their mouthwatering Caribbean flavors with inventive spins of favorite sandwiches each served with garlic aioli, caramelized onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette. Choices here include the Caribbean Roast Sandwich (slow roasted pork shoulder in Paseo’s signature marinade), Smokin’ Thighs Sandwich (roasted skin-on chicken thighs), Tofu Delight Sandwich (sautéed organic tofu) and the West Caribbean Bowl (slow-roasted pork or chicken thighs atop jasmine rice with black beans, warm salsa, cheddar cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeño and cilantro with tortilla chips.)

Order Up: The sides which are just as amazing. The roasted corn on the cob is unlike any corn you have ever eaten. Slathered in aioli, the ears are topped with parmesan cheese, cilantro and Paseo spices. Other sides include black beans and rice, Caribbean fries (with aioli, cilantro and Paseo spices) and nachos topped with cheddar cheese sauce, sour cream, caramelized onions, cilantro and pineapple chunks.

Location: Edgar’s Cantina & Edgar’s Home Run Porch

Li'l Woody's Burgers & Shakes

T-Mobile Park

Hamburgers might seem like a dime a dozen at the ballpark, but Li’l Woody’s is creating imaginative and savory combinations this season. Using fresh, quality ingredients, namely Painted Hills grass-fed beef, the burger joint has received high marks as one of the best places in Seattle. Now, you can enjoy the flame-broiled burgers served with chopped onion, diced pickle, tomato, lettuce, ketchup and mayo as you cheer on the M's. Choose from The Big Woody (1/4 lb. beef patty, Painted Hill’s bacon and Tillamook cheddar cheese), the Li’l Woody (the same burger minus the bacon) or the Impossible™ Veggie Burger. Your kids might prefer the chicken tenders and you can help them eat the hand-cut French fries.

Order Up: Fries from the mini fry menu featuring the now classic Garlic Fries, Queso Fries and a little something they like to call the ’95 Slide which is an order of fries with a small Full Tilt ice cream milkshake – for dipping! Sure, it sounds weird, but people love the savory/sweet combo.

Location: The ‘Pen

Sultan of Sandwich & The Natural

T-Mobile Park

The Sultan of Sandwich is offering a tribute to the Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus with its Grand Salami Sandwich. Believe it or not, it comes with a half-pound of local salami, smoked provolone cheese and grainy mustard on a marbled rye baguette. My, Oh My!

Location: Main Level, Section 105

Over at The Natural, you’ll find vegetarian options like the Beyond Meats Vegan Sausage (gluten-free, vegan plant-based protein topped with choice of condiments available in spicy or sweet Italian flavors. Even gluten-free buns are available if you prefer). Other choices include Avocado Toast (fresh scooped avocado on Franz Bakery organic high-protein, gluten-free bread and choice of up to two toppings), pre-made or build-your-own salads and the hummus platter.

Location: Section 132

Magenta Mojo Signature Cocktail & Buzz Margarita

T-Mobile Park

Pretty in pink, the new Magenta Mojo is a "disruptively light and refreshing” signature cocktail. It's considered not too sweet, strong or heavy and pairs well with many of the food choices featured here. It gets its vibrant color from hibiscus extract and includes vodka, Lillet Rose, Pamplemousse liqueur, and Peychaud’s Bitters and is topped with soda water. For an extra “buzz” spring the extra $3 for the lighted ice cubes.

Location: The ‘Pen, Terrace Club lounges and Lookout Landing

El Zacatecano mezcal is the base for the refreshing Mexican drink the Buzz Margarita.  It features Szechuan buttons, edible flowers that tingle the tongue and toasted and spicy grasshoppers as a garnish.

Location: Hit It Here Café Club Level

The Frozen Rope and Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

T-Mobile Park

No offense to the classic Toll House cookie, but The Frozen Rope is bringing Metropolitan Market’s "The Cookie” to play. The 6 oz. treat is practically a meal with two kinds of Belgian chocolate, toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. Sure, your kids will love it, but they won’t appreciate it. This one’s for you, mom and dad! 

Location: Main Level, Section 132

Meanwhile, Shug’s brings a bit of nostalgia from its old-fashioned soda parlor to T-Mobile Park with two of its colorful portable carts hand-scooping Lopez Island Creamery's small-batch super premium ice cream.

Order Up: A prosecco float–a four ounce scoop of Lopez Island Creamery ice cream topped with San Martino Doc Extra Dry.

Location: The ‘Pen, Main Level Section 152

—Jeffrey Totey

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Food Trucks That Cater (and Kids Love)!

by Jennifer O'Brien

Instead of stressing over your own hot grill during your next party, imagine throwing a swell soiree without lifting a finger food-wise. What is this miracle fix you ask? It has four wheels and dishes out food and desserts like it’s their business (cause it is). Here are our favorite food trucks in Los Angeles that are not only family-friendly but will bring their delicious food to you.

Let's Be Frank Truck

Jonas J. via Yelp

Face it, you can never go wrong with great tasting hot dogs at your babe's event. And Let's Be Frank serves up some of the yummiest (and healthiest) grub in town with their delicious grass-fed beef frank dogs, family-farmed heritage brats, free-range turkey dogs and even veggie dogs for those meatless minis. Parents will love that all beef is free of nitrates, nitrites, hormones, and antibiotics. And kids will dig choosing from an assortment of old-school sodas and drinks full of fizzy fun. The signature Let's Be Frank full-size trailer is available for parties year round, but if you're looking to save some space, their whimsical grill cart is an adorable option too.

Cost: The minimum for full-service catering for the MINI tabletop cart starts at $495 plus tax and tip and for the bigger carts or trucks, it's $895 plus tax and tip.

Phone: 415-515-8084
Online: letsbefrankdogs.com

 

Prince of Venice Truck

Emanuele D. via Yelp

Mangia! Mangia Mangia! This food truck is a pasta-lovers paradise that encompasses only handmade-pasta and sauces. The seasonal menu uses the "best ingredients from Italy and Southern California, locally sourced organic vegetables, cage-free eggs, and free-range meats from California farms paired with Italian flour, olive oils, and truffles." The under-ten-set will love the Bucatini and Meatballs, Bolognese, and Pesto pastas.

Cost: Barring high-end items like truffle and smoked salmon, pricing is in three tiers: $18/person for just pasta, $20 per person for pasta, salad or dessert and $22 per person for pasta, salad, and dessert. There's tax, and 18% gratuity added plus a $350 truck fee for parties under 100.

Online: princeofvenicefoodtruck.com

 

Coolhaus Truck

Brenda K. via Yelp

It's every kid's wildest dream to have an ice cream truck pull up to their party. (Score one for mom and dad!) The Coolhaus Truck provides a single-serving dessert activity that's super engaging for little ones as they customize flavors and cookies to create their own special ice cream sandwiches. The mini sammies are easy-peasy to eat, and edible wrappers mean no muss, no fuss and can be personalized for the event. Coolhaus can even create a custom flavor ice cream for the fest's fabulous guest of honor. To ensure that tikes with allergies get to share in all the scrumptious fun, sorbet and gluten-free options are available as well.

Cost: Call Coolhaus for specific information on pricing.

Phone: 310-424-5559 x105
Online: eatcoolhaus.com

 

The Grilled Cheese Truck

Jerilyn M. via Yelp

A love of grilled cheese is practically built into a child's DNA, so The Grilled Cheese Truck is a perfect choice for your party. But this ain't your mama's grilled cheese – it's a truly inventive take on the old-time favorite. Little ones will do backflips over the Cheesy Mac and Rib, as well as the S'mores Melt with Nutella, toasted marshmallows and graham crackers on brioche bread (shown above). Party menus can be customized to fit a kiddo's age and tastes, while still ensuring adults have plenty of options to keep their more advanced palates happy. Full vegan menus are available as well.

Cost: Minimum pricing depends on the day of the week and time of year. Typically, the truck serves for a two-hour minimum but can work with you based on your specific needs.

Phone: 323-522-3418
Online: thegrilledcheesetruck.com

 

Get Shaved Truck

Kevin P. via Yelp

When you have a bunch of small-fry sweet fanatics on your hand, the Get Shaved Truck is definitely a refreshing party option. Kids will smile ear to ear as they devour a colorful mixture of Hawaiian style shave ice, dreamy ice cream and sweetened condensed milk poured over top. Several catering packages are available, including a basic shave ice package with 30 fabulous flavors to choose from or you can go all out with the whole menu and guests not only get a choice of shave ice but ice cream sandwiches as well.

Cost: Call Get Shaved's catering department for specific information on pricing depending on your party size. They highly recommend booking at least three months in advance of your event.

Phone: 818-363-2383
Online: getshavedice.com

 

 

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to, follow us on Instagram!

– Jennifer O’Brien & Andie Huber

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Parenting Really Is Just Like Learning to Ride a Horse

By Rachel Phillips

Once upon a time I had a job—a job that paid money. That job was teaching people how to ride horses.

Riding a horse can be as complicated (and expensive) as you want to make it. You can literally spend your entire life and hundreds of thousands of dollars on riding lessons, gadgets, hospital bills, therapy and still be thrilled when your horse just simply comes to you when you call it.

This is also of course, parenting.

Riding a horse can also be as simple as throwing your leg over and trying to stay on. It can be running out your back door, jumping on your pony bareback, galloping down a hill and squealing with delight as she puts her head down to eat grass and you go flying through the air into the dirt. Sometimes pure survival is exhilarating.

Again—this is also parenting.

When I was a riding instructor the hardest students to teach were adults. Particularly adult women, especially moms. And of course, they were the ones who wanted it the most. They would do anything if they could just “get good” at this thing that they wanted to “get good” at.

They would come to lessons announcing that they had read articles, found a horse back riding centered fitness class, subscribed to a riding magazine, bought a $2,000 saddle from a man with a french accent… Surly this is THE week it all comes together and becomes “easier.” And I loved teaching these women. I really did. Even before becoming a mom myself, I understood that this time they were taking for themselves was important and sacred. I loved hearing their stories, goals and fears—and I loved being a part of the journey of them learning something new.

But of course, in order for them to truly feel the joy of cantering a horse without whiplash and awkward saddle/rear slapping, they would have to do the unthinkable. They’d have to do the one thing that most Moms simply cannot do; their bodies are so out of practice, that they have actually lost the physical ability to do this one impossible thing:

Relax. 

Let go.

Not care so much.

Not overthink every movement, second guess every step. Not overwhelm themselves with all of the opinions, the “tips,” the insane amount of information available out there. They would have to stop yelling over their shoulder at me: “Is this right? Am I doing it right?” every step of the way. They would have to start trusting their body to just follow along and react.

“My hands? Do you want them here? What about here? Is this right?!” As their instructor I would patiently point out that the problem wasn’t their hands at all—it was that they were thinking too much about their hands.

This is me, parenting. And maybe every mom I know: “Please for the love of God, just someone tell me how to do this right.”

Kids are the easiest to teach.

They have little to no expectations. Most of them are just happy to be in a barn petting a horse. They want to learn, but they are more concerned about the steps to take to make it happen, not so much how they look doing it. They aren’t worried about what might happen if the end result is achieved differently than instructed.

I had a student once who’s pony spooked and took off with her. Her mom sat white as a ghost next to me, her finger hovering over 911 on her cell phone. I was calmly but loudly giving instructions to pull the reins and say “Whoa!” The little girl responded by yelling out with delight: “Is this what galloping feels like?!”

So what is it?

What is it that happens between the somewhat out of control gleeful gallop that feels so free and good—and the paralyzing question of, “Am I doing this right?”

Is it just life experience? Knowing that hearts and ribs can break and the fear of what COULD happen takes over the joy of just being in the moment? Is it because we learn to put value on moments? “I paid for horseback riding lessons. I need to learn to prove it was worth it.” 

Sounds an awful lot like, “We said we were going on vacation this weekend and by golly we are going to HAVE FUN even if it kills us!”

My experience with horses and child rearing is that the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, somewhere between the squealing little girl with wind-blown hair and the mom with pilates legs that don’t bend.

I learned through the years that the mom lessons sometimes went best when I jumped on a horse myself, opened up the gate, and took them gallivanting in the woods. I’d ask them questions about where they grew up instead of telling them how to make a 20 meter circle. The freedom of not overthinking and just feeling the rhythm almost always unlocked their stiffness and before you knew it they were smiling from ear. It was as if they had remembered the words to an old song.

I learned that fearless kids still needed boundaries and goals and direction. Their lessons often went best when given an upfront guarantee of some kind of adventure or “free time fun” after their lesson was complete. “If you want to jump, you need to learn how to go straight,” I would tell them.

But I watched time and time again as those very same without-a-care kids grew up, little by little, the “fears” would creep in. A sudden realization that another student was “better” than they. More natural. “Well, of course she won, SHE has a better horse,” they might say. “Can you tell me what it takes to win the BLUE ribbon?” This from the the 14-year-old who at eight wanted to do nothing but comb the horse’s tail and pick hooves. Eventually the need for some sort of validated success is craved.

I still have my old ribbons from horse shows past. I’m still waiting for my motherhood trophy.

I find myself navigating stiff mom-lesson-moments in my own parenting journey. Researching “Okay to Wake clocks. It worked for so and so, it will work for me. Second-guessing myself in decisions: am I a “time out” mom? A “1-2-3 magic” mom? Should they be eating more organically grass-fed beef?

But I also find joy in my wind-blown-hair-mom moments. Get in the car kids we are going to climb a mountain today! You know what? Yes—yes we can bake zucchini bread. This school feels right to me. Let’s stay in pajamas and build forts. Hell yeah, we can get Happy Meals on the way home!

Parenting is just a life long lesson on how to stay with the horse: finding your balance and creating rhythm. Keeping your heels down not by forcing, but by relaxing and sinking down into them. Keeping your eyes up—but not by staring, but SEEING what is surrounding you.

Trust yourself. You know when it feels right, no one has to tell you. Get out of the arena. Go jump on bareback and gallop in a field. Pack your kids up and go somewhere new.

A little wind blown hair never hurt anybody.

This post originally appeared on Planting Marigolds.

A Whidbey Island mom that left a life that was "normal" and ran away with her husband and three little boys to live on an island in saltwater air and open spaces. A mom who is remembering who she was, loving who she is and dreaming of what she could be. 

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Fall for a CSA! The Antidote to Farmers’ Market Withdrawal

by pat tanumihardja

You can’t control the shifting seasons but if the thought of missing your weekly farmers’ market shopping trip sends you into the doldrums, we have a solution for you. Try a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership!

Photo: Lancaster Fresh Farm

How it works
In the CSA model, community members pay a local farm or farm co-op for a share at the start of the growing season. This payment guarantees the shareholder a portion of the season’s bounty through weekly or bi-weekly produce shares. Members can also buy into other products such as grass-fed beef, free range poultry, cheese, dairy, and even flowers.  

It’s a win-win situation
Members receive fresh, local–often organic–produce at reasonable prices (delivered to a chosen location), while local area farms produce better quality food securely with upfront financial support. Here in the D.C. area, we are lucky to have an abundance of CSA options, many offering flexible payment plans, pantry items, prepared foods, and delivery options (if your school-year is just too crazy to squeeze in pick-ups). 

Sign me up!
Choosing the CSA that is right for you can be daunting. For an idea of what’s out there, check out these six unique fall CSA’s. Fall is a wonderful season to try CSA out. The season is short and offers the best of both worlds—a mix of summer produce and cooler-weather items. For even more options, visit Local Harvest to search by area and view CSA details and pick up locations with maps.

Farm to Family (Richmond, Va)
Choose from: fruit, meat, eggs, soy products, pasta, bread, and pantry items
Season: year-round, divided into spring/summer and fall/winter shares
Pick-up: various locations in D.C. and Richmond, Va.
What’s unique: This 501©3 nonprofit is a CSA, indoor market, and education center all rolled into one.
Online: thefarmbus.csaware.com

From the Farmer (Washington, D.C.)
Choose from: six different plans offering fruits and vegetables, with optional add-ons like bread and pantry items
Season: year-round
Pick-up: home delivery to all of D.C. and much of Maryland and Virginia
What’s unique: You can remove or add items from your CSA box via their website.
Online: fromthefarmerdc.com

Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative (Lancaster, Pa)
Choose from: vegetable boxes in three different sizes, with option to add fruit, cheese, eggs, meats, fresh flowers, or herbal medicine
Season: year-round, divided into spring, summer, fall, and winter shares
Pick-up: various locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
What’s unique: Over 100 family farmers own and invest in the co-op, guaranteeing it’s efficiently run and provides a wide variety of products.
Online: lancasterfarmfresh.com

Groundworks Farm (Pittsville, Md)
Choose from: produce, egg, meat, chicken, and cheese shares in two sizes
Season: winter/spring, summer/fall
Pick-up: various locations in Virginia and Maryland
What’s unique: Offers whole farm shares, a combination of all shares (above).
Online: groundworksfarm.com

Little Farm Stand (Virginia)
Choose from: fruits and vegetables, with the option to add on eggs, grass-fed beef, preserves, pies, honey, and maple syrup
Season: Spring, summer and fall
Pick-up: Home or office delivery to Washington, D.C. and Rosslyn, Va
What’s unique: Very flexible—you pick exactly what items to include in your weekly box.
Online: littlefarmstand.com

Think ahead: Great Country Farms (Bluemont, Va)
This CSA offers a farm share only from April to October but this is a fantastic option for families. Every membership includes fruit in each share, free farm visits, free weekly U-pick options and free or discounted admission to all the farm festivals and events. For busy families, the various pick-up and delivery options–public or private community sites, or delivered to your door–are a perk.
Online: greatcountryfarms.com

Does your family have a favorite CSA? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

-Pat Tanumihardja

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Son-spired: Local Mom Makes Life Healthier For Us All

by Meghan Rose

Our kids inspire us all to be better people and do better things. But perhaps no parent has been as inspired by her son as Jeanne Cheng. Based on her son Kye’s picky palate, food sensitivities and love of all things yummy, she created a food, restaurant, book and a philosophy to help kids live healthier lives. Read on to get this inspired and inspirational mama’s tips on the best ways to live happy and healthy with your kids in Los Angeles.

photo courtesy: Jeanne Cheng

Can you describe both your philosophy of eating with kids and how your son inspired you?
Kids have super high nutritional needs and often times picky palates, yet it’s impossible to get a child to eat something they don’t like.  My food philosophy, KyeChi, evolved out of me trying to feed Kye (my son) responsibly and do Tai Chi with his ever changing food likes and dislikes and his food sensitivities.  KyeChi means to satisfy both the yin (nourishment) and yang (enjoyment) of why we eat, to give our body everything it needs to function optimally (and for children to grow and develop) as well as to give pleasure and enjoyment.

photo courtesy: Jeanne Cheng

Which came first, the restaurant (Kye’s in Santa Monica) or the food (the KyeRito)?  Give us the scoop on how you went from molecular biologist to restaurateur!
The KyeRito came first.  I went from being a molecular biologist doing cancer and heart disease research to practicing Chinese medicine and the healing arts and teaching qi gong and meditation, to studying the Vedas and counseling and personal development, to stay at home mom.  Both my husband and I took a year off when Kye was born and nested with him.  I’ve always been into food and nutrition and love to cook.  Feeding Kye focused all of my life experiences into this area.  When he started Kindergarten, I found myself with more time and wondering what to do next.  I had created the KyeRito for him and a way of eating that I thought people would appreciate, so decided to open a restaurant.

Then you wrote a book: The Pursuit of the Magic Piece!  What made you take the healthy kids/healthy food idea and write a book about it for kids?
I’ve learned so much through Kye and am really passionate about children’s nutrition, and at the same time understand that food is one of the main pleasures in life.  I wanted to communicate the importance of both and provide a tool for kids and parents to work together on developing a healthy relationship with food.  My son is obsessed with LEGOS and I found myself using the analogy of the right size shape color LEGO piece to build his Star Wars ship just like his body needs the right vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, to build his body and the idea for the book popped into my head.

photo: InSapphoWeTrust via flickr

You know your healthy LA!  Can you give us your top 5 LA activities that involve and engage kids in a healthy lifestyle?
1. Go to the beach and swim in the ocean.  Walking on sand is so good for our body’s alignment and sand is a great exfoliant and sea air contains tons of negative ions that relieve stress and improve mood. The energy of the ocean is really energizing and sea water is very healing and cleansing, not to mention super fun and great exercise! Will Rogers Beach is our favorite, because the water reports are good and there is parking so it’s easier to bring all of our beach gear (boogie boards, surf boards, paddle board, sand toys, umbrellas, chairs, ice chest, etc.).

2. Ride bikes to a farmers market.  I love taking Kye to the Santa Monica Farmers Market at the Promenade on Saturday mornings and checking out all the amazing food.  He loves sampling everything and he gets to choose 3 things for his lunches. Our other favorite is the Mar Vista Farmers Market on Sundays on Grand View.

3. Go for a hike.  There are so many great trails here and it’s such good exercise and really nice to hang out in nature. Rivas Canyon Trail (from Temescal Canyon to Will Rogers) is the hike we love best. We call it the Hobbit Trail because it feels magical and there is a lot of shade as well as beautiful views.   You can also pick up the trail off Rivas Canyon Rd and skip the busy Temescal Gateway Park.

4. I love to let Kye choose a food to make and look up the recipe and come up with ways to make it healthier, then walk to the market to shop for the ingredients and make it together. (See Hot Dog Salad, below.)

5. Our favorite weekend brunch ritual is to go to Rose Ave. and start with a tumeric shot at Moon Juice, get an I Am Cool at Café Gratitude, get stretched at Stretch Lab (great to bring kid’s awareness to their bodies and working with their muscles and releasing tension and blockages), then hang at Oscar’s Cerveteca for Kye’s favorite salmon tacos.

Those recipes Jeanne told us she likes to create with her son’s input? There are three in her book, including this one, which goes to show that healthy can include a kid’s favorite food…

photo: Jeanne Cheng

Hot Dog Salad
2 cups organic spinach
¼ cup grated organic carrots
1 free-range hard boiled egg
1 diced grass-fed beef or bison hot dog
dressing of choice, like Maple Dijon

Toss them all together and eat!

Maple Dijon Dressing
1/3 cup grade B maple syrup
2 tbsp. chopped shallots
3 tbsp. organic whole-grain Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. organic extra-vigrin olive oil
black pepper and sea salt to taste

Blend in a blender until smooth.

Note from Jeanne and Kye: Our favorite local hot dog is Homegrown Meats grass fed beef hot dogs.  Our all time favorite hot dogs are Tanka Buffalo Hot Dogs.

photo courtesy: Jeanne Cheng

Kye’s Montana
1518 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica
310-395-5937
Online: kyesmontana.com

The book, The Pursuit of the Magic Piece, is available on the website: pursuitofthemagicpiece.com or at Kye’s Montana restaurant.

What has having your own kids inspired you to do?  We’d love to hear your stories in the comment section below.

—Meghan Rose

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