ML Interest Tag: jerk-chicken

DoorDash Releases 2020’s Biggest Food Trends in Deep Dish Report

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Many families have been relying on takeout now more than ever. DoorDash just unveiled the DoorDash Deep Dish report. This report delves into the top takeout and cooking trends to date as we make our way past the halfway point of the year.

Using order data from Jan. 1, 2020 to Jun. 30, 2020 and a national consumer survey, DoorDash’s mid-year report checks in on popular food trends, nationally and regionally, how users ate through social distancing, cravings across the country, and more. The national consumer survey polled 2,000 Americans on what they cooked, ate, and baked the most, the top food and drink they missed while restaurants were closed, the impact the past six months have had on vacation plans and more.

Check out some highlights form the DoorDash Deep Dish Report:

DoorDash

Top Foods of 2020 To Date 

  • Chicken Sandwich & French Fries 
  • Mac and Cheese 
  • Spicy Shrimp Tacos 
  • Make Your Own Pizza 
  • Iced Coffee 
  • California Roll 
  • Breakfast Burrito 
  • Chicken Fajitas 
  • Spicy Tuna Roll 
  • Fish & Chips 

Top Condiments of 2020 To Date  

  • Ranch
  • Sour Cream 
  • Soy Sauce
  • Hot Mustard 
  • Spicy Mayo 
  • Ketchup
  • Hot Sauce
  • Honey Mustard 
  • Salsa
  • Honey BBQ  

DoorDash

 

Top 20 Food On The Rise This Year That You Should Expect To See More Of: 

  • Oatmeal – 1,768% increase 
  • Queso Blanco – 1,735% increase 
  • Iced Caramel Coffee – 1,660% increase 
  • Grilled Chicken Taco – 1,502% increase 
  • Create Your Own Pizza – 1,501% increase
  • Cinnamon Rolls – 1,400% increase 
  • Cheese Nachos – 1,130% increase
  • Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie – 1,193% increase
  • Spinach and Artichoke Dip – 1,092% increase 
  • Iced French Vanilla Coffee – 1,028% increase  
  • Shrimp Tacos – 997% increase 
  • New York Style Cheesecake – 843% increase 
  • Strawberry Banana Smoothie – 822% increase
  • Biscuits with Gravy – 818% increase 
  • Vegetable Samosa – 788% increase
  • Blueberry Muffin – 779% increase 
  • Plant-based Burgers – 433% increase
  • Chicken Fajitas – 318% increase 
  • Churros – 260% increase
  • Horchata – 200% increase 

DoorDash

The State of Flavor in America – Top Items in US Cities 

  • LA: Sushi–California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll are top sushi items ordered
  • SF: Indian–Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Basmati Rice, Samosas, and Saag Paneer are top items ordered   
  • Denver: Cheese is Supreme–Mac & Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chicken Quesadillas, and Chips & Queso are top items ordered
  • Chicago: Is A Hot Dog a Sandwich?–Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Chili Cheese Dog, Beef Croissant Sandwich are top items ordered
  • Austin: Tex-Mex–Chips & Queso, Burritos, Baja Shrimp Taco, Fried Avocado Taco, and Chicken Fajitas are top items ordered 
  • Atlanta: Sweet Tooth–Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cookies & Cream Milkshake, Brownie, Apple Pie, and Banana Bread are top items ordered    
  • Miami: Latin American Flavors–Sweet Plantains, Fried Yuca, Jerk Chicken, Tres Leches, and Tostones are top items ordered   
  • DC: Chicken–Roasted Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and Curry Chicken are top items ordered    
  • Philadelphia: American Staples–Chicken Nuggets, Cheesesteaks, Cheeseburgers, Italian Hoagie, and Boneless Wings are top items ordered   
  • NYC: Chicken–Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Parmigiana, Crispy Chicken BLT, Buttermilk Fried Chicken are top items ordered 
  • Seattle: Seafood–California Roll, Fish & Chips, Crab Rangoon, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Tartar Sauce are top items ordered 

 

Top Food Items ordered this year during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night 

East Coast: 

Breakfast: Iced Coffee, Donuts, Steak Omelette, Belgian Waffle, Bagel with Butter   

Lunch: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chips, Iced Tea, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Turkey Sandwich  

Dinner: Chicken Quesadilla, Caesar Salad, Spicy Tuna Roll, Fried Rice, Gyoza 

Late Night: Chicken Fingers, Apple Pie, Mozzarella Sticks, Strawberry Milkshake, Sugar Cookies  

 

West Coast: 

Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, Bacon, French Toast, Latte, Pancakes 

Lunch: Create Your Own Pizza, Miso Soup, Veggie Spring Rolls, Chicken Egg Roll, Orange Chicken  

Dinner: Chicken Tikka Masala, Spicy Tuna Roll, Mongolian Beef, Bean Burrito, Dragon Roll 

Late Night: Stuffed Jalapenos, Mini Churros, Cheesecake, Horchata, Fried Zucchini 

 

Midwest: 

Breakfast: BEC on a Biscuit, Iced French Vanilla Latte, Breakfast Sampler, Oatmeal, Strawberry Banana Smoothie 

Lunch: Mac & Cheese, Potstickers, Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chili   

Dinner: Potstickers, Chimichanga, Street Tacos, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo 

Late Night: French Fries, Chocolate Milkshake, Cheese Sliders, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon Rolls 

 

South: 

Breakfast: Sausage Biscuit, Hash Brown Burrito, Orange Juice, Fruit Salad, Buttered Biscuit 

Lunch: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Wings, Strawberry Lemonade, Nachos, Southwestern Eggrolls  

Dinner: Fried Chicken, Sweet Iced Tea, Banana Pudding, Country Fried Steak, Ribeye  

Late Night: Onion Rings, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cheesecake, Nachos, Cinnamon Rolls  

 

DoorDash’s survey found that more time spent cooking is tiring people out. 70% of those surveyed said they are spending more time in the kitchen and 47% report that they are tired of cooking. 25% will order more food when they get takeout so that they will have leftovers for the next day.

Almost half of respondents are most tired of cooking chicken, followed by pasta and microwave meals. While tired of cooking chicken, Americans aren’t sick of ordering in chicken. Chicken Sandwich with french fries was the top food item ordered on DoorDash this year, with Chicken Fajitas also making the list as the 8th most ordered item.

While our Instagram feeds were flooded with pictures of banana bread, cookies are filling cravings for comfort food with 60% of those surveyed saying they baked chocolate chip cookies during the pandemic. Cookies also surged in order frequency, with Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies seeing a 1,193% increase in orders compared to the first half of 2019.

People missing eating out, especially Mexican food and margaritas, and sushi. Americans made up for missing eating Mexican and Seafood out by ordering these cuisines in–the top items ordered this year on DoorDash include Spicy Shrimp Tacos (3rd most ordered item), California Roll (6th most ordered), Breakfast Burritos (7th most ordered), Chicken Fajitas (8th most ordered), Spicy Tuna Roll (9th most ordered) and Fish & Chips (10th most ordered). Top trending Mexican items ordered on DoorDash include Queso Blanco (1,735% increase), Grilled Chicken Tacos (1,502% increase), Cheese Nachos (1,130% increase), Shrimp Tacos (997% increase), and Chicken Fajitas (318% increase). 

DoorDash

The west coast disagrees: their top response is sushi, edging Mexican food 36% to 34%. Top DoorDash orders from West Coasters support this, with Sushi and Seafood being the dominant items ordered in LA and Seattle, respectively, and West Coast top dinner items including Spicy Tuna Rolls and Dragon Rolls

The pandemic has caused food habits to change. Of those surveyed, 45% have tried at least one of three select new food habits. Intermittent fasting is especially popular with older millennials (25-34-year-olds) as 40% say they’ve tried it. Plant based eating is also on the rise. 18-24 year olds ranked plant-based as the most appetizing vegan dish and DoorDash orders for Plant-based Burgers surged 443% increase in 2020.

DoorDash

The largest amount spent on a single DoorDash food order this year was an order worth $2,578 that included 70 orders of Mediterranean herb chicken, 40 orders of grilled vegetables, and 20 cheese plates.

You can check out the full report here.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of DoorDash

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The Best Family Feasts To-Go: Carry-Out Options to Feed Your Crew

by Amy Bizzarri

Raise your hand if you’re so over cooking (and cleaning!) after months and months of restaurant shutdowns. With restrictions slowly being lifted and restaurants throwing open their doors, opportunities to dine out are emerging. But, you might not be quite ready to take the plunge into un-distancing your family. Luckily, restaurants have been upping their family-friendly carry-out game with new specials to-go. A carry-out family feast is always a welcome break and a good way to ease back into feeling human again. Here are ten picks for the best family feasts to-go, all of which also promise to introduce little taste buds to delightful new flavors and spices from a variety of culinary traditions.

 

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Pisolino Italian Market’s Half-Pan & Take & Bake Pizza Family Feasts

Popular Italian eatery Pisolino recently morphed into an Italian market, offering gourmet goodies direct from il bel paese, to-go meals and more. Their hearty half-pans to-go serve six and bring healthy, homemade cooking direct to your dining room table. Choose from all your favorite Italian classics, including whole roasted chicken Vesuvio with potatoes; eggplant Parmesan; red wine braised short ribs with potato cauliflower purée; and grilled beef tenderloin with a fresh thyme, rosemary/chianti reduction. Pop one of their authentic Italian-style take & bake pizzas into your oven for now or into your freezer for later. Delivery is also available via Caviar, UberEats and Post Mates.

Order online at pisolinochicago.com

 

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Luella’s Southern Kitchen Half Pans To-Go

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is a beloved Lincoln Square restaurant, known for its traditional Southern favorites. Order up half pans of mac-n-cheese, cornbread, braised collard greens, country fried or smoked jerk chicken and shrimp etouffee, with a Texas sheet cake for dessert (buttermilk chocolate cake with candied pecan topping) for a crowd-pleasing feast to remember.

Order online at luellassouthernkitchen.com

 

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Gather Chicago’s Seasonal Family Feasts To-Go

Gather Chicago gathers everything you need for a celebratory (or plain old weekday) dinner with the family. Their rotating seasonal family-style dinners emphasize innovative and healthy American cuisine and are available for pick-up or carry-out and the menu changes weekly: a sample menu features fried chicken (with roasted sweet corn and coleslaw), roasted pork loin (with creamy polenta, spring peas and Cobb salad) and roasted pork shoulder (with mac -n-cheese and potato salad).

Order online at gatherchicago.com

 

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The Outpost Mexican Eatery’s Build Your Own Family Taco Bar To-Go

Located in the West Loop, Outpost Mexican Eatery prides itself on offering traditional Mexican favorites with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Tacos, burritos and bowls can be ordered a la carte, for both delivery and to-go, but the Build Your Own Family Taco Bar is where it’s at this summer: Complete with fresh tortillas, grilled steak and chicken, plus rice and beans for four, this feast is the ultimate crowd pleaser, since everyone customize their own tacos. Order online at theoutpostmexicaneatery.com/

 

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Demera Ethiopian’s Messob Combination Family Feast To-Go

Ethiopian food is best served family-style, and Demera’s Messob Combination Family feast lets you try a bunch of different dishes, up to seven, all accompanied by injera—a traditional, spongy sour flatbread. Take your pick from a variety of meat stews or vegetarian main dishes and sides. Kids (and parents!) will especially love the doro wot (lemony chicken drumsticks simmered with onions, garlic, and ginger), sambusas (fried dumplings served with a sweet and spicy honey sauce) and kayser tibs (sautéed garden beets and carrots seasoned with cinnamon).

Order online at toasttab.com/demera-ethiopian-restaurant

 

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Mundano’s Family Picnic To-Go

Located in Lincoln Park West, Mundano now offers family picnics to go. Everything you need for a picnic in the park, including a selection of focaccia, salumeria, cheese, spreads, pickles, and cookies, is conveniently packed up to-go, all you need is a blanket to spread out on the grass.

Order online at exploretock.com/mundano

 

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Banyan Ko Family-Style Dinners To-Go

Bayan Ko is a Filipino-Cuban mashup founded by Chef Lawrence Letrero and his partner Raquel Quadreny. Bayan Ko means “My Country”, or “My home” in Tagalog, and all of the offerings here were inspired by family recipes. Their weekly, rotating, family-style dinners include a main entree, veggies, sides, and for dessert, donut holes from Downstate Donuts. Check out instagram @bayankochicago for the latest menu, posted every Saturday.

Order online at exploretock.com/bayankochicago/

 

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Nana, Ajo & Taco E Chicago’s Brunch To-Go

Ahh. . . the weekend. There’s nothing like heading out for a relaxing brunch. Even better, how about staying in your PJ’s and bringing brunch home? Nana, Ajo & Taco E Chicago have teamed up to offer all your brunch favorites to-go, making for the ultimate weekend family feast. Choose from guava-stuffed french toast, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, tacos and tortas and more. And because brunch isn’t brunch without a little booze, parents simply must check out the to-go brunch cocktail options, including fresh lime and strawberry margaritas, mimosas, and spicy bloody marys.

Order online at toasttab.com/nana-chicago

 

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Café Cancale’s Prix-Fixe Family Meals To-Go

Café Cancale recently morphed into the quintessential french market. In addition to a gourmet selection of fresh seafood, seasonal veggies, freshly-baked breads and cheese, and all the French pantry essentials you need, the market also offers curated, cook-at-home dinner and ready-to-eat meals to-go. Their prix-fixe family meal to-go includes a collection of French dishes including Lyonnaise salad, roasted chicken with carrots and mashed potatoes complete with a fromage blanc cheesecake for dessert.

Order online at exploretock.com/cafecancale/

 

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Scandanavian-Style Family Feast To-Go

Michelin-starred Elske is offering takeout for the very first time, with a new menu every week prepared by chefs David and Anna Posey. Available for ready-to-eat pickup Fri.-Sun., 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m., a sample menu features buckwheat crepes stuffed with Gruyere, mushrooms and kale, creamed peas and asparagus, marinated beet and radish salad and vanilla rice pudding with hearth-roasted strawberries. Check back every Monday at noon for the weekly menu.

Order online at exploretock.com/elske-chicago

— Amy Bizzarri

Featured photo: August de Richelieu via Pexels

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Fourth of July Restaurant Specials and Deals from RetailMeNot

by Jennifer Swartvagher

No matter how you plan on spending Independence Day weekend, you will need to eat . If you are looking to score a great deal this weekend, RetailMeNot has compiled a list of restaurants and chains offering food deals and specials in honor of the 4th of July. Check out the links below and get ready to order.

Krispy Kreme

Bahama Breeze

Plan an island-style holiday with Caribbean Bundles (serves four) to-go that come with a choice of entrée (Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Chicken, Jerk Chicken Wings, Seafood Paella and Jerk Chicken Pasta) and side, salad and Cuban bread.

 

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

This Fourth of July, order a Family Bundle to go (starting at $24.99), featuring summer classics like House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Tenders, and two family-sized sides and a half-dozen signature Honey Butter Croissants. 

 

Cheesecake Factory

From Jun. 29 through Jul. 5, order seven items for $20 for delivery, pickup or curbside to-go via The Cheesecake Factory website or DoorDash. The 7-for-$20 deal includes two Happy Hour Burgers, two orders of fries, two soft drinks and one slice of Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake.

 

Eddie V’s

Take your grilling to the next level with Fourth of July Marketplace Boxes (serve four or more), featuring a selection of uncooked prime steaks and lobster for your at-home cookout. Place your order starting on Jun. 30, with options including Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Prime Bone-in Ribeye and Lobster along with a set of chef’s tongs, Eddie V’s Black Tie Seasoning and festive sparklers.

 

Founding Farmers

With locations in D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, this small farmer-owned restaurant chain is offering backyard BBQ kits and ready-to-eat lunch boxes available for preorder from now until Wed., Jul. 1, at 5 p.m., for contact-free curbside pickup on Jul. 3 or 4. See the menu options here.

 

Krispy Kreme

For a limited time, try a Patriotic Doughnut from Krispy Kreme’s Indoughpendence Day collection, or opt for the Strawberry Sparkler Doughnut, Original Freedom Ring Doughnut or the Firework Doughnut—topped with crackling, popping candy!

 

LongHorn Steakhouse

Don’t want to be in charge of all of the grilling this Independence Day? Order a selection of quality steakhouse favorites served Curbside To Go, like seasoned cuts of bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, tender Flo’s Filet and juicy LongHorn Porterhouse.

 

Mrs. Fields

From now until Jul. 5, get 20% off online items with code FLAG20. Try something tasty from the Summer Fun collection and don’t forget to order by Jul. 1 for a Jul. 4 delivery.

 

On the Border

In honor of Fourth of July, try the $5 Liberita—a red, white and blue frozen margarita—available from Jul. 1 to 19.

 

The Capital Grille

Starting Jun. 30, call your local restaurant to order The Capital Grille’s Steak Grille Boxes. Each box includes four, freshly-cut uncooked steaks and comes with The Capital Grille’s signature steak sauce and seasoning to be prepared at home. Selections include Bone-in Dry Aged New York Strip, Bone-in Prime Ribeye or a combination of the two.

 

The Fresh Market

For the first time, The Fresh Market is offering a Fourth of July BBQ meal. The spread serves eight people for $59.99, and comes with boneless Boston Butt, hamburger buns, baked beans, cole slaw, apple pie, watermelon and your choice of two bottle of 12 oz. BBQ sauce. Preorder online now through Jun. 30 at 2 p.m. ET for pickup in-store from Jul. 2 through July 5.

 

The Rustic

On Jul. 4, head to the annual Drink the Flag hangout with free live music and donations to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. The Rustic’s featured beers will be: Wild Acre Brewing Company Texas Blonde Ale, TUPPS Brewery National Standard Golden Ale and Community Beer Company Texas Lager.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Krispy Kreme

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11 Black-Owned Denver Family Businesses to Support Now

by Karly Wood

Red Tricycle is an anti-racist company against the systemic racism toward Black people and all people of color. We stand for justice, equality and humanity, and we support our Black families, co-workers, partners and community. One of the ways to do that directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses, many of which have already been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites below.

Got a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.go-vip.net

TeaLee’s Tea House & Bookstore

Drew Jemmett via Unsplash

Head to TeaLee’s Tea House & Bookstore where it's nothing but high quality loose leaf teas, food and specialty drinks. The afro-centric atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and even enjoying a beer or wine.

611 22nd Street
Denver, Colorado 80205


Online: teeleavesdenver.com

African Grill and Bar

Lakewood's African Grill and Bar is the place to be if you want authentic cuisine. The family-owned restaurant sources their ingredients from their native Africa, and whips up vegan, vegetarian and halal meat that is unsurpassed! Enjoy Akwaaba, Moimoi, Chakalaka stew and plenty of other Ghana-inspired meals.

955 South Kipling Parkway,
Denver, Colorado 80226

Online: africangrilllakewood.com

Whittier Cafe

Whittier Cafe is Denver's first African espresso bar and social justice cafe. Enjoy the exclusively African coffee and espresso bar that serves, hand-crafted coffee, sandwiches, African beers and wines while sharing in the lending library and sipping java on the patio.

1710 E 25th Ave
Denver, Colorado 80205

Online: whittiercafe.com

 

Welton Street Cafe

Welton Street Cafe has been serving Caribbean Cuisine and Soul Food for over 20 years. Diners can get a taste of fried fish, rum cake and jerk chicken in this hot spot right off the light rail.

2736 Welton St Ste 107
Denver, Colorado 

IG: @weltonstcafe

Matter Design & Shop At Matter

Matter Design is Denver’s only design studio, manufactory, and design (book) shop––all in one! Matter specializes in Typography, Design, Design Education, and Resistance-focused books and products, and customers can shop tons of products that also include wearables, games and stationary.

2134 Market Street,
Denver, CO

Online: morematter.com & shopatmatter.com

IG: @matterdesign & @shopatmatter

SOAR

Burst by Shopify

SOAR's main goal is to help adolescents conquer difficulties and grow to become successful adults in their community. Programs include community mentorship, counseling, advising, and tutoring as well as workshops, shadowing programs, one-on-one and group counseling, life skills education, and college prep.

Aurora, CO

Online: soarcolorado.org

 

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

The mission of the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center is to promote an understanding of the role that African Americans played in the settlement and growth of the western United States through its collections, programs and exhibits.

3091 California St.
Denver, CO 80205

Online: bawmhc.org

IG: @bawmhc1

Miss Rachael's Dance

Rachael Harding of Miss Rachael's Dance has been teaching for over 20 years. Her studio focuses on teaching dance to littles of all ages, and providing an experience that helps them grow physically and mentally as dancers.

75 S. Cherokee St.
Denver, CO 80223

Online: missrachaelsdance.com

IG: @missrachaelsdance

Yellow Door Collective

Family-owned and operated, Yellow Door Collective is an eco-conscious small business. Each of their goods are handmade in Denver, and they specialize in fabric work and repurposing. Many of the designs utilize African diasporic patterns and fabrics, and you can shop from tons of goods that include pillows, bags, hats, jewelry, kitchen and kids!

Denver, CO

Online: yellowdoorcollective.shop

IG: @yellowdoorcollective

Sweet Sweetz

New dessert store Sweet Sweetz is doing more than just serving treats––they are focused on supporting the local community by providing a space for families and youth to come together in a positive way. You can enjoy tons of homemade baked goods like pies and cobblers, in addition to plenty of Blue Bell ice cream!

2325 E 28th Ave.
Denver, CO 80205

Online: sweetsweetz.com

IG: @ordermysweetz

Tween Boutique

Tween boutique is more than just outfitting your budding young ladies in fashionable clothes––it's about empowerment, too! Preteens can shop everything from accessories and shoes to dresses and jackets, with uniquely hand branded products that are bright and beautiful––just like your tween.

2511 E. Bruce Randolph Ave
Denver, CO 80205

Online: tweenboutique.shop

IG: @tween_boutique

Got a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.com

––Karly Wood

 

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A St. Lucia Family Vacation: Insider Tips to the Hidden Caribbean

by Jacqui Boland

If you’re looking for one of the last hidden gems in the Caribbean for a tranquil family getaway that is far from the crowds, look no further than St. Lucia.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia offers a diverse landscape, with a volcanic, mountainous terrain, lush green vegetation and a rainforest. Kids can enjoy many things to do, from unplugged activities like snorkeling, visiting rainforests, or climbing a volcano, to getting their lazy river fix, riding a Segway or kite surfing. Parents will appreciate the luxury amenities (think yoga and spa treatments) in an ecotourism environment. Read on for our tips on what to see, eat and do in St. Lucia with kids. 

Insider Tip: While the “High Season” in St. Lucia is Mid-December to Mid-April, travel insiders recommend Spring into early Summer as the best time to visit St. Lucia, thus avoiding peak season pricing as well as the annual rains. This is also when leatherback turtles haul themselves ashore to lay their eggs.

Here Are Our Favorites Things to Do in St. Lucia With Kids

Explore Marine Life
Our adventure to St. Lucia began by exploring the island from the water. We boarded a catamaran and stopped at several snorkeling spots to explore life below the surface. Our favorite stop was Sugar Beach (Val des Pitons), as you could walk into the protected snorkeling area from the beach (a bonus for kids who are afraid of jumping off a boat). In waist deep water, we witnessed a kaleidoscope of color and shapes we’d only seen in a Disney film, all sheltered by the shadow of the Piton volcano.

Horseback Ride on the Beach
There were many perks to our stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (all inclusive resort, close proximity to the airport, a kids’ club, petting zoo,  heavenly spa treatments), but the highlight for us was the horseback ride along the pristine white-sand beach and through the nature trail near the resort. The experienced guides pair unexperienced guest with gentle, trusty horses who were familiar with the terrain, so riders could focus on the lovely landscape without worrying about what the horses were doing.

Get Dirty with a Mineral Bath
On day two, we enjoyed a tour of the Diamond Botanical Gardens in Soufriere. The walk through the garden was about ½ mile round-trip shaded by bamboo and bougainvillea. The talented tour guide kept both kids adults engaged with stories and anecdotes about local foliage and lore—St. Lucia locals are wonderful storytellers and have a rich history to draw. The highlight of the Botanical Garden tour was the waterfall at the halfway mark.

After the Botanical Garden we visited the Sulphur Springs Park, where visitors from all over the world come to experience the black water pool baths and learn about the drive in volcano’s history in a guided tour through the park.

Since it is a popular attraction, the baths can be very crowded with long lines. We were lucky to arrive on a day that had only a few other small groups. That allowed us to time to enjoy the baths and the guides, who do a fantastic job of decorating each person with mud art.

Try Banana Ketchup & Other Local Flavors
When we first arrived at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, we were drawn by the delicious smell of jerk chicken on the grill. A free-standing Jerk Tree House was recently added to the property due to the popularity of the dish. While the chicken is available with many condiments, the kids were most in awe of the Banana Ketchup (tasting exactly as you might expect), and insisted on using it with every meal.

Insider Tip: If your kids get hooked on it like ours did, you can get small bottles to go at the airport. Wish we could say the same for the Jerk Chicken.

Note: The all-inclusive resort had many options for less adventurous kids including pizza, burgers and chicken tenders. The buffets were plentiful and included fresh fruit, vegetables and yogurt.

Own the Water Park, Minus the Crowds
Formerly a Club Med, the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is family owned and maintains a friendly summer-camp vibe, with many guests returning year after year, to be greeted by familiar personnel they have gotten to know over the years. Kids have free reign on the 40-acre campus, which includes a lazy river and multiple water slides, a paintball zone, a petting zoo with rescued animals, and an exclusive kids camp Cocoland Kids Club, that includes a mini zip line and mini rock climbing wall.

 

Pick an Activity for Every Size & Personality
Few people know that St. Lucia has one of the best kitesurfing beaches In the world. Kitesurfing is a seasonal sport with the best months being November through July. Whether you’re a spectator (so much fun to watch!), a beginner or a seasoned kitesurfer, there’s a beach and teacher for you (kids over 8 years old can enjoy a complimentary introductory kitesurfing lesson which includes flying a trainer kite on the beach). If you don’t need the adrenaline-rush of kite boarding, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are also available, as well beach volleyball, aqua fitness, water polo, yoga and pilates. The resort has a full schedule daily for every age and interest.

Find a Beach for Your Family Needs
The gorgeous beaches of St. Lucia coupled with turquoise waters will have you questioning whether to ever go home. Because the island is positioned with the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Caribbean Sea on the other, you get the best of both worlds: calm, tranquil bays for snorkeling (or relaxing with small children) on one side of the island. A short drive away, find crashing waves for body surfing, kite surfing and other action-packed adventures for bigger kids.

Bask in the Glory of the Pitons
Possibly the most famous mountain pair on earth, the Pitons are a must-see for anyone who visits St. Lucia. Located just south of the town of Soufriere on the west coast, you can have a picnic under the Pitons on the beach, take a picture of the majestic towers from the water, or if you’re adventurous, the entire family may want to climb the Pitons (you will need a permit and a guide).

Other tips when traveling to St. Lucia

  • Bring Cash: The ATMs go down frequently and many smaller vendors don’t accept credit cards. We drove halfway around the island after a small storm in search of cash. Plan ahead.
  • Don’t wear camouflage:  It’s true, camouflage clothing is prohibited in St. Lucia. Even those adorable pink camouflage sweatpants, that are awesome on the plane and look nothing like military attire, can get you stopped at the airport. It’s not worth the hassle.
  • Plan ahead: The Rainy season is officially from June-November, but September and October are when the hurricanes are most likely to hit.  July and August can be very wet and very hot and humid, with temperatures pushing mid 80s° F.

 

All images by Jacqui Boland unless noted otherwise. This trip was paid for by the Coconut Beach Bay Resort & Spa but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

 

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Bite Me! Where to Score Food on a Stick

by Phebe Wahl

Kebabs, corn dogs, popsicles—something about eating food on a stick delights everyone’s inner child. In celebration of National Something on a Stick Day on March 28th (for real ya’ll)—here are three spots to score fabulous, fork-free eats.

Bob
Bob (as in shish ke-), had us at hello. Their candy-colored interior tucked inside the Irwin Street Market, and menu of skewers is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Try out tounge-and-cheek combos like the Bob Newhart (a heart healthy combo of grilled shrimp, sweet potatoes, and braised onions), or the Bob Markey (Jamaican jerk chicken, pineapples and poblanos). Kebabs not your thing? Order up a house-smoked, nitrate-free hot dog, served (how else?)—on a stick.

Address: 660 Irwin St. NE
Phone: 678-705-7945
Online: www.weluvbob.com
Order: The Farmer Bob (Rutabegas, Carrots, Beets, Sweet Potatos, and Butternut Squash)or the Thingamabob (and let them build their own “bob”)
Don’t Miss: Jake’s ice cream next door

Pallookaville
If it’s corndogs you crave, Pallookaville is your place. Touted as “gourmet carnival food,” the mamoth corndogs come in a variety of meats (Italian, Polish or Beef) and batter choices (double batter, cheese, or jalapeño). You can even add a double dip for an extra buck.

Address: 17N Avondale Plz, Avondale Estates or mobile corndog wagon (check their Facebook page for locations)
Phone: 404-500-1785
Online: pallookaville.com
Order: The Corndogski (polish sausage wrapped with their signature cornbread)
Don’t Miss: The milkshakes and fried pickles

King of Pops
Unless you have been living under a rock, changes are you have enjoyed these Atlanta-made, popular pops. In fun flavors like “key lime pie,” “tangerine basil,” or “cereal milk”—there is something to please palates both young and old. Find them at Whole Foods and various other retail locations throughout the metro area, or at one of their mobile carts throughout town.

Address: Click here to find location nearest you.
Online: atlanta.kingofpops.net
Order: Banana pudding or chocolate sea salt popsicle
Don’t Miss: Their fundraisers—they will bring the pop stand to your event or school and share the profits making for an easy-peasy moneymaker. Click here to learn more.

What is your favorite food on a stick? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons via Flickr, Annie C. via Yelp, Jim C. via Yelp and King of Pops via Facebook

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Well Played: 5 Atlanta Restaurants with Playgrounds Nearby

by Phebe Wahl

Dining out with your imps can be an exhausting endeavor. When you need something beyond crayons to coerce, check out these kid-friendly Atlanta eateries that all boast close proximity to playgrounds.

Landmark Diner
Grab your hungry little ones and head to Landmark Diner downtown location. Open 24 hours and serving up breakfast all day, they have a separate kids menu which boasts that, “baby bottles are warmed cheerfully.” Make sure to stop by the Woodruff Park playground just around the corner. The playground equipment’s design is in the shape of “ATL” and has climbing walls, monkey bars and slides, which your wee ones are sure to enjoy.

Eat: Landmark Diner, 60 Luckie St., www.landmarkdiner.com
Play: Woodruff Park Playground, 51 Peachtree St. NE

Eat’s
Located near the amazingly awesome Historic Fourth Ward playground and splashpad, Eat’s prides themselves on being an affordable Atlanta landmark. Their claim to fame dish is the Jerk Chicken, but the old-school cafeteria-style serving and wide variety of tot-tastic options like mac-and-cheese are sure to please.

Eat: Eat’s, 600 Ponce De Leon Ave., www.eatsonponce.net
Play: Historic Fourth Ward playground, 680 Dallas St.

Joe’s Crab Shack
Anywhere that offers a bit is bound to be fam-friendly and fun and Joe’s certainly fits the bill. Request a table on the patio to be right next to the playground—yes, a playground is actually on site! The kids can play while the adults have a grown up conversation. (Well, maybe.) The children’s menu is stocked with options beyond just seafood if they find fishy fishy. For dessert, have the littles build their own sundae sandwich and sit back and enjoy the smiles.

Eat: Joe’s Crab Shack, 2501 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw, joescrabshack.com
Play: on-site playground

Atlanta Food Truck Park
In the mood for some meals on wheels? The Atlanta Food Truck Park has ample picnic table space and a rotating list of food trucks. Trying something new every time is part of the foodie fun! Pre- or post-meal enjoy the adjacent playground where the kiddos to burn off some fuel. Click here for our full guide to the Food Truck Park.

Eat: Atlanta Food Truck Park,1850 Howell Mill Rd., www.atlantafoodtruckpark.com
Play: on-site playground

The Downwind Restaurant and Lounge
Located at Peachtree-DeKalb Airport, the tots will stay endlessly entertained by watching planes take off and land while you’re waiting to eat. Classic food choices make this an amazing find for the family. (Burgers and fries sound good?) After eating, check out the playground perfect for your aspiring aviator. Click here to read more about this spot for high-flying fun.

Eat: The Downwind Restaurant, 2000 Airport Rd., www.downwindrestaurant.com
Play: Peachtree-Dekalb Airport Park, 2000 Airport Rd.

Where do you like to eat and play in ATL? Share your spots with us in the comments section below!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Cynthia K., Andrew C., Gale L., Dave T. and Aj B. via Yelp

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4 Inspiring Picnic Spots (And Where to Get Your Grub)

by Selena Kohng

Finger food. A cozy blanket. Space for kids to run around. No dishes to wash. Clearly, picnics were invented by a parent. In Chicago, we take advantage of the sunshine when we can, so pack up the family and move mealtime outdoors. If you want to skip sandwich-making duty, grab your grub on the way. Here are suggestions on local grocers and nearby parks that, paired together, add up to easy-breezy urban picnicking.

Lincoln Square
The grocer: Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen
The park: Welles Park

Gene’s is a neighborhood gem with German roots, and it attracts loyal patrons from all over the city. It’s easy to see why: The one-stop shop offers exotic meats (like boar sausage), fresh produce, wine and spirits, and hard-to-find European sweet treats at unpretentious prices. Pack your picnic basket with homemade potato or pasta salad for under $5 a pound and some deli meats and pretzel rolls; or, go for a pre-made pretzel bread sandwich for $4.99. If your stomach is really rumbling, branch out with authentic staples like schnitzel, potato pancakes and pierogi. Dessert is a must: Chocolate-covered Bahlsen biscuits will elate the kiddies and whole cherry pies are ample enough for everyone to share. Be a good Chicagoan and return later to grab brats to grill for dinner.

For your picnic, walk a few blocks south on Lincoln Avenue to Welles Park, where green space abounds. Stake out your spot close to the north end where you’ll find a charming gazebo and a new toddler-friendly playground — you know, the kind with cushy rubber mats and those swanky bucket swings. After your meal, let your little monkeys loose on the jungle gym. The water play area comes in handy for hosing off sticky hands and faces.

Tip: Venture to the south end of the 15-acre park at Montrose Avenue to find more picnic-perfect space. There’s an older playground there, complete with wood chips and all.

Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen
4750 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-728-7243
Online: www.genessausageshop.com

Welles Park
2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
312-742-7511
Online: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

West Loop
The grocer: J.P. Graziano Grocery
The park: Mary Bartelme Park

Randolph Row may be home to culinary heavyweights like Avec and Girl and the Goat, but just a few blocks west sits J.P. Graziano Grocery, a 75-year-old family-run business that’s a Chicago foodie’s best-kept secret. The hefty Italian sandwiches have ingredients like artisan-cured salame and truffle-mustard balsamic vinaigrette; and simple but tasty classics like turkey or ham please picky eaters. The line to pay gets long, mainly due to the motherly cashier chatting with customers. While you wait, grab a carton of imported Aliseo blood orange juice from the fridge to wash down the sammies. Browse the pre-packed olive salads, Miele Thun honey flavors, homemade giardiniera, and barrels of dried herbs and beans to stock your pantry. Soak up the humble family atmosphere and count how many times you hear an affectionate, “How you doin’?”

Head four blocks south on Peoria Street to Mary Bartelme Park for your picnic, but be forewarned: Once your kids see the industrial-cool playground they’ll be deaf to your pleas to “Stop running” or “Eat first.” Thankfully, a few tables and chairs welcome you right next to the play structure so you can refuel and keep watch. This isn’t your red-checkered picnic blanket scene, but what the park lacks in grassy knolls it makes up in edgy urban details, like sculptural metal archways that spray a cooling mist on warm days. Even the furriest of your family members can stretch his legs in the attached dog park.

Tip: If you’re driving, breeze past the metered streets and park on Adams Street between Peoria and Morgan streets; it’s free.

J.P Graziano Grocery
901 W. Randolph St.
312-666-4587
Online: www.jpgraziano.com

Mary Bartelme Park
115 S. Sangamon St.
312-746-5494
Online: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Gold Coast
The grocer: The Goddess and Grocer
The park: Washington Square Park

After a morning of shopping downtown, you and your squirmy sidekick deserve a break. Take a two-minute walk from Water Tower Place to The Goddess and Grocer and plan a feast with prepped food like crab cakes, butternut squash ravioli and carrot ginger soup. Or put in an order for the signature Goddess Garden Wrap, brie and apple panini, or chorizo torta. Sound too fancy-pants? The kids’ menu has failsafe favorites like PB&J and grilled cheese. If you lose sight of your tot while you’re ordering, don’t be alarmed; he’s glued to the baked goods case, eyeing the dreamy rainbow cake.

Afterward, walk two blocks west on Delaware Place to picturesque Washington Square Park. Lay out your spread close to the fountain in front of Newberry Library for Instagram-worthy shots. It’s a great people-watching spot loaded with history as Chicago’s oldest small park as well as the site of famous soapbox debates.

Tip: Time your visit to take advantage of events at Newberry: It hosts free tours Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and an annual used book fair the last weekend of July.

The Goddess and Grocer
25 E. Delaware Pl.
312-896-2600
Online: www.goddessandgrocer.com

Washington Square Park
901 N. Clark St.
312-742-7895
Online: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Hyde Park
The grocer: Hyde Park Produce
The park: Burnham Park/Promontory Point Park

Load the family bikes and soccer balls and head to Hyde Park for a fresh view of your favorite skyline. But first, stop at Hyde Park Produce and fill up on fresh produce and deli staples. While the foodstuffs here are basic, standouts include house-made guacamole and plantains. If you’re sandwiched out, hot meals like jerk chicken or barbecued ribs will satisfy.

Drive just over a mile to Burnham Park/Promontory Point Park, which was home to Chicago’s second World’s Fair in the early 1930s. Similar to other lakeshore oases around the city, this place wins thanks to its dense, lush greenery and castle-like tower monument. Enjoy hours of unplugged fun on the bike trails or exploring the rocks along the shore.

Tip: There are fire pits, so grab s’mores ingredients and matches from the store. You can also make a full day of it and bring a mini grill and stock up on meats accordingly. The fire pits were originally designed as council rings, so consider the grilling time as a teaching moment for your tribe.

Hyde Park Produce
1226 E. 53rd St.
773-324-7100
Online: www.hydeparkproduce.com

Burnham Park/Promontory Point Park
5491 S. South Shore Dr.
312-747-6620
Online: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

What do you like to pack in your picnic basket? Let us know in the Comments section below.

— Selena Kohngx

Photos (from top to bottom): @Ron Chapple|Dreamstime.com, Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen, Chicago Park District, J.P. Graziano Grocery, Chicago Park District, The Goddess and Grocer, Chicago Park District, Hyde Park Produce, Chicago Park District

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