Cover of Halloween Party (Salina Yoon Books)

Halloween is a great time of the year to show your creativity and fun side. Since kids and adults enjoy Halloween, this is the perfect occasion to pull out all the stops. When you are hosting a Halloween party, consider people of all ages. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you have an awesome Halloween party:

Boo-licous Food

Any awesome Halloween party will have a mixture of salty and sweet snacks and treats. There are some really great Halloween dessert recipes online. Choose a small variety of wonderful goodies to accommodate all guests. Some yummy choices include batty cupcakes, potato skin ghosts, pizza mummies, goblin grins, and then wash it all down with swamp juice.

Spooktacular Decorations

An awesome Halloween party should have appropriately themed decorations to set the atmosphere of the bash. Keep it cute and fun for a family party with friendly orange and black cartoon characters and streamers. But for older kids and adult only parties, go ahead and get a little scary. Dark walls, black lights and fog machines are fantastic. And, it’s always fun to put your hand in a bowl of grapes and imagine that they are eyeballs.

Goulish Games

Every fun party has party games, so make yours extra special for Halloween. Have games that don’t involve monsters and pumpkins. Do a quick search to get the instructions for the Black Cat Treasure Hunt, Fantasy Photos, Catch The Lion By The Tail, A Gift from Mummy, and Switcheroo.

These are just some things that will turn any gathering into an awesome Halloween Party. Jump online to see the wide range of tips and ideas on how to throw a great bash, and your party will be a memorable one.

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There’s a common perception that to obtain enough protein, one will have to eat lots of non-vegetarian food, as opposed to very little if one is consuming meat.  This perception can be easily described as a myth. The vegans i.e. people who don’t eat any animal product also have plenty of high protein options to choose from as far as protein rich foods are concerned. The most common vegetarian food sources of protein include: beans, nuts, grains like pulses and lentils, peas, nut butters etc.

A vegetarian must ensure that his or her diet contains a wide variety of protein rich foods. This is essential because the essential amino acids required by our body cannot be obtained from a single vegetarian protein source. If vegans need to take a protein rich diet for fighting a medical condition or to build muscles, they should ensure that all their meals contain adequate quantity of protein. To have sufficient protein in your diet, you can take peanut butter with bread during breakfast. A teaspoonful peanut butter contains 8g protein.

A lunch comprising of beans and rice or beans and corn will also offer the required quantity of protein. Another great option fort such individuals is soybeans or other soy products like tofu, soy milk etc. A bowl full of soybean is known to offer as much protein as two egg whites. One cup soy milk, on the other hand, offers 7g protein. In dinner, vegans can take rice with lentils. One cup lentil offers 18g protein. You can consult your dietitian and know how much protein you need to take per day and plan your diet accordingly.

Study Food

If cooking is your passion and what you enjoy more than anything, then the first thing you’ll want to do is study food. It may not seem practical, but if you’re passionate about it, then you’ll be successful because of that passion. Find the best school available to you and study the ins and outs of becoming a professional chef.

Get a Job

Once you’ve graduated, the next step is to get a job in a kitchen. The highest paying jobs are found at Michelin-rated restaurants as the head chef. It typically takes years of working, starting at the bottom of the job ladder, in order to be promoted to head chef. During this time, work on your creativity, continually making new and inventive recipes that wow the palate. Stay up with the newest techniques and contemporary dishes, so when you achieve your goal of becoming head chef, you’re ready to add specials that impress even long-time patrons of the restaurant.

You can be successful as a chef. It’s hard work, but when food is your passion, what else could you imagine yourself doing?

1.       France. Of course France tops the list of best places to eat in Europe. With croissants, breads, pastries, and some of the best wine in the world, you can’t go wrong in France. But go a little out of your way and dine in the countryside instead of big cities like Paris. You’ll find friendly service and a unique taste of true French cuisine if you step out of the tourist areas.

2.       Switzerland. The Swiss are known for their excellent skiing, fine watches, and of course, their cheese! Visit Switzerland and partake in some traditional Swiss fondue. The cheese used to fondue in Switzerland is a little bitter to some Americans, but if you are a risk taker than you’ve got to try authentic cheese fondue.

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3.       Spain. If you are looking for some spice, flavor, and an African influence, then Spain is the place. Spain is a wonderful place for culinary pleasures because the country is influenced by traditional Spanish cuisine, Mediterranean flavors, and even a bit of northern Africa. It’s a true culinary experience that any foodie would be happy to partake of.

Now, be sure to pack your passport and make some room in your stomach. It’s time for a culinary vacation!

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Parents understand that having their children to eat a well-balanced meal can be challenging at time. However, there are certain foods that should be kept in mind for children’s growth.

Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are good sources of zinc and potassium, as well as calcium for strong bone health. One to two cups a day should do the trick in making sure they receive these minerals. Cheese can also assist in this area as well. One thing to keep in mind is that dairy must be given in moderations to control weight gain in children.

Another good source of vitamins is found in seafood. Most likely young children will not sit down to a lobster, but different types of fish like cod carries omega-3 acids that are vital for brain and heart development. Salmon is an alternative for supply these acids and should be given to children about two times a week.

When it comes to meat products, they should be served in the leanest form.  Protein is the source for muscle development. They are several ways to serve lean meats that children will become accustom to such as:

• Rice with diced chicken
• Fish sticks
• Turkey meatballs with wheat pasta

Of course we can’t forget about fruits and vegetables in a young person’s diet. Green leaf veggies and fruits can boost metabolism which can assist in weight loss. Substituting lettuce with fresh spinach on sandwiches and adding tomatoes will do just fine. Also, chopping up fresh fruit like mangos or strawberries is best instead of store bought fruit cups due to high sugar content.

Getting The Word Out

One of the best ways to market a new restaurant is by letting all of the neighbors and community members know that there will be a grand opening. Sending out postcards is an effective way to announce any event that may be taking place in a new business, including a grand opening. You can even add a bonus by making the postcard double as a coupon for a discount at your new restaurant. This is also a prime opportunity to reveal the types of food that will be served, which is especially important if you specialize in vegan, vegetarian or another niche.

Catch Attention

One of the tips for attracting new customers is with special prices to encourage people to come in the door. Once they find something they love to eat, they’ll be willing to pay full price. Tell people about your special offers on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and with your restaurant’s own blog. Give special incentives to those who connect with you via social media.

Marketing can be the difference between do or die for many businesses, which is why it’s important to use traditional marketing tools such as postcards and technological innovations.

Thanks to the Internet and websites like Canada 411, you will no longer have to sift through multiple phone books to find which places offer the ethnic cuisine you’re looking to try. For instance, some of the most popular Canadian dishes are poutine, maple sugar pie, and tourtière. You can use the Internet to find which restaurants offer those Canadian food traditions on their menu. Then use an online search directory to see where they’re located. Searching for delicious, authentic restaurants is so easy. Search the internet for user reviews so you can get an idea on how good the food is.

There is no more shuffling through a phone book, calling all the local restaurants to see if they have what you are craving. With just a click of a button, websites will do all that for you. The nice thing about online search directories is that you can search in both French and English. If English isn’t your first language, you will still be able to navigate through the site without having any problems.

Canada 411 isn’t just for business use. You can now use the website to find people. All you need to do is type in a person’s name and location, and that’s it! Keep in mind if the person you’re searching for isn’t listed, they most likely won’t end up on the website.

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People often talk about comfort food when they are stressed or upset. Our culture bases nearly occasion around food, so this really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone. No matter what the occasion, event, or gathering, there is bound to be food.  Births, deaths, weddings, christenings, holidays… food, food, food.

So, what are some of the favorite comfort foods in America? Macaroni and cheese is an oft-sought comfort food. It’s warm, soft, creamy and flavorful; plus, who can pass up cheese? Meatloaf is another favorite. Meatloaf makes college kids think of home—it’s simply something that you know Mom would make on a chilly and dark night. Mashed potatoes almost scream comfort! Fluffy, buttery, and once again, soft—everything a comfort food was meant to be.

Many sweet foods have made it into the comfort food category as well. A big slice of chocolate cake, a hot fudge sundae, a thick vanilla malt. All of these things bring a feeling of relaxation. Who would possibly be stressed while sinking into seven layers of rich chocolate?

Sometimes people feel comforted by food because of the memories associated with a certain food. Other times, a component in the food interacts with a chemical in the brain, creating warm and fuzzy feelings that are not just in your head. Food is what our bodies thrive off of; it only makes sense that nourishment will soothe not only the body, but also the soul. So, next time you’re sick, ask your Mom to make some of her chicken soup. It just might be the cure for the common cold.

Preparing for the Big Day

While most gown fittings and fittings for diamond engagement rings are a short time before the wedding it is important that you maintain your weight before the big day.

You can do this by eating right and sleeping well. Maintaining a diet filled with the things your body needs to function properly is vital to keeping your weight in check before the day comes. Make sure you include a great combination of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and water in your diet. This will go a long way in maintaining your weight or even losing some weight before that moment.

Another great way to ensure you do not gain weight before your wedding day is to implement an exercise plan. Not only will this help with maintaining weight but it is also a great stress reliever and, regardless of how excited you might be, planning a wedding can be stressful to say the least. This doesn’t mean you need to hit the gym for hard weight training every day. You can get great results with things like walking or swimming. These are both enjoyable, relieve stress and can maintain weight or help with weight loss. By following some simple rules and sticking to your plan you will be in your dress walking down the aisle on the big day.

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Everyone loves to hear about oddities. Let’s talk about some of the strangest food known to man. If you live in the United States, you’ll likely be surprised by some of the dishes that are considered highbrow cuisine in other parts of the world.

Italy

- People love to dine on a dish called Cibreo—this is made from the comb of a rooster and sometimes combined with chicken liver.

-Maggot cheese… now doesn’t that just leave you drooling? This cheese, made from sheep’s milk, is fermented thanks to the larvae of the cheese fly. The cheese is eaten while the maggots are still living.

Malaysia

-Sago worms are the gourmet treat in Sarawak, Malaysia. The worms are roasted, fried or simply eaten alive. Rumors abound that the taste of the live Sago worm is relative of creamy caramel.

-Another popular delicacy in Malaysia is chicken feet. The feet can be boiled, fried, barbequed or braised.

France

-Now who wouldn’t want a nice big plate of snails with fermented cheese; if you are visiting France, be sure to try the Escargot with Brie.

-Blood sausage is another delicacy that the French would consider a must have.

China

-Speaking of blood (usually from a pig or duck in this case), the Chinese prefer their blood jellied.

-Rats are not the pest in China that they are in the US, in fact, rats sold as food costs more per pound than beef, chicken or pork. Rat embryos are a really special treat!

While many of these foods may sound pretty gross to the average American, much of the world thinks that Americans are crazy for eating cheese from a can. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.

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Have you ever considered where your food comes from? Next time you visit the grocery store, look at the sticker on your apples. Did it travel thousands of miles to get to your store, or did it travel just a few hundred from the next state over. There has been a lot of discussion lately about wasted resources, carbon footprints, and as always rising costs. Some families are considering eating only food that is available locally in order to reduce the effects of long distance shipping as well as their personal costs.

If your community runs a farmer’s market, hit that up for the freshest vegetables you can get—next to growing your own that is. Talk with your friends or neighbors about the possibility of purchasing your meat and chicken from local farmers. The price per pound is often less that you would spend at the grocery store. If quantity is a concern, go in on the purchase with several families so that there will be no waste.

Another way that families are trying to reduce spent resources is by growing their own gardens and raising their own chickens. Seed packets are cheap, but gardens do take some time. Chickens are inexpensive, easy to take care of, and an average family only needs three to four hens for a perfect supply of eggs. Canning is also making a comeback, which eliminates waste from an overly abundant garden.

If you don’t have a farmers market and have no desire to raise chickens, at lease pay attention to the food labels. Find out where your food is coming from and buy seasonal produce from local sources whenever available. Even baby steps will start to make an impact if everyone works to reduce their carbon footprint and the grocery store is a great place to start.

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As a vegetarian, you have so many delicious meal options available to you. The number one way for you to ensure that your diet is keeping up with your nutritional needs is to vary the fruits and vegetables that you eat. Another way to gauge your nutritional intake is to take a close look at how you feel. If you are eating repetitive foods and feeling under the weather, it is time to ramp up your diet.

Fresh Picks in Every Color

Choose produce in various shades. When you grocery shop, you should plan to have at least six different colors of vegetables and fruits in your cart. A good example would be red peppers, eggplant, spinach, sweet potatoes, bananas, blueberries and other staples that you typically buy. The next week you should attempt to go for six other fruits and veggies in shades of red, orange, purple and blue in addition to deep green and yellow. The brighter the fruit or vegetable, the more vitamins and antioxidants it is prone to have. It is likely that you already buy organic produce, but if you don’t it’s time to start!

Keep the Protein Coming

If you don’t eat eggs or dairy products, you need to be sure that you are getting the appropriate amount of protein through other sources like almond butter, garbanzo beans, and lentils. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, a vegan need only take in 10% of their daily calories in the form of protein. This is easy to do when you are regularly eating a variety of foods. Soy is also a good source of protein, though some people try to avoid soy due to a possible link with the activation of estrogen receptor cells. The study relating to this is ongoing and inconclusive, so as with everything, if you use soy products, be sure to do so in moderation.

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Vegetarians eat vegetables. Simple, right? No so much. There are different grades of vegetarians, if you will:

Pescatarians

Pescatarians simply eat no raw or cooked flesh or meat except for seafood or fish. This is sometimes due to diet restrictions, while other times it is simply a matter of personal choice. A diet of vegetables, fruits, whole foods and lean fish is heart-healthy and provides protein as well as omega acids from an animal source.

Vegetarians

Usually, a person will refer to himself as a vegetarian if he eats no animal flesh or meat what-so-ever, but he will consume eggs and dairy products. Another term commonly used is lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Protein sources come from eggs, cheese and additional dairy products as well as non-animal sources.

Vegans

Vegans eat no products derived from animals. They consume mainly vegetables and fruits as well as barley, oats, brown rice and other whole grains. Legumes are a primary source of protein for many vegans.

A person’s diet is a matter of choice. Everyone should take personal preferences as well as health concerns into mind when deciding what type of diet they should eat. In many cases, a physician’s advice should be sought as well. There has been past controversy about the health value of a vegan diet. In many instances, the controversy came up due to a lack of education. If a person is unaware of the proper balance that the body needs, their lack of information can result in improper diet choices leading to anemia, low-protein levels, or other bodily harm. Followed properly, a vegan diet can be just as healthy, if not more-so, than other meal plans.

No matter which foods a person eats, they can maintain their daily nutritional needs by varying their diet within the foods groups in which they eat. A wholly vegan diet is indefinitely healthier than one consisting of fast-food stops and fried dinners. Even if you choose not to stick to a vegan diet, eating fruits and veggies consistently will feed your body as well as your mind.

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Cooking seems as if it often becomes a monotonous chore. Deciding which meal to serve on which night begins to seem like a chore. When cooking feels like a burden, it is time to mix things up a bit. As with many tasks, cooking the same things over and over puts you in a rut. There are a few things you can do to find your way out:

1)      Start by planning your meals for the next month. Try not to repeat any entrees within that period of time. Some dinner ideas to help you get started:

• -Lasagna, Italian Beans, Garlic Toast Strips
• -Greek Turkey Burgers with Feta and Black Olives, Cucumber Slice and Baby Carrots with Yogurt Dip
• -Baked Tilapia, Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Ginger, Boiled Baby Potatoes
• -Sautéed Veggie Stir-Fry, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Pineapple and Strawberries
• -Mini Cheeseburger Meatloaves, Sweet Potato Fries, Zucchini
• -Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli, Garlic-Wine Sauce, Garbanzo Beans
• -Steak Fajitas, Pinto Beans, Mexican Rice
• -Crepes, Thick Cut Bacon, Mixed Fruit
• -Bruschetta Chicken Breasts, Diced Potatoes with Garlic, Beet Soup (served cold)

2)      When you make meals that can be frozen, double the recipe. These frozen extras will come in very handy when your son’s soccer game runs late. Most frozen foods will keep very well if they are tightly wrapped in plastic and then placed in a freezer bag, or wrapped again in foil.

3)      Start a Sunday cooking club. Get together with a group of friends each week and make a new dish together. Everyone brings the main ingredients needed, along with their own carrying dish, while the hostess supplies the basics such as flour, seasonings, and other cupboard items. Everyone brainstorms new meal ideas while the food is cooking and then pitches in to clean up. Alternate houses so it’s never a burden to one person.

Cooking should be pleasurable, not something you dread. Keep the new meals coming and you will be back in the spirit of meal-making in no time!

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Concerns over childhood obesity and unhealthy eating habits, prompted the US Department of Agriculture to revise the Food Pyramid first used in 1992. (above)

The history of the government’s involvement in our food intake started in 1916, when the USDA published the first dietary recommendations for healthy eating habits of children. The guidelines for parents to use when feeding their children featured five food groups, milk and meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits, fats and fatty foods, and sugars and sugary foods. One year later, they added quantities to the food groups they recommended for daily consumption, including adults.

During the depression, the USDA then put out guidelines for families based on four cost levels that would still meet their nutritional needs of the family. From the 1940′s to the 1970′s, the guidelines contained four major food groups, milk, meats, breads, and fruits & vegetables. They added the fifth group; fats, sugars, and alcohol, but advised people to consume this group on a restricted basis though.

In 1994, the USDA introduced the food pyramid with recommended servings, showing breads and cereals at the bottom level, followed by fruits and vegetables, meat and milk, and at the top fats, oils, and sweets with the words Use Sparingly, at the top of the pyramid. Researchers have since concluded that food groups on the pyramid should indicate maximum servings, such as the meat and milk group, while the fruits and vegetables group only represented the minimum.

The new food pyramid includes guidelines for exercising and for maintaining a healthy body weight. Simply put, the new food pyramid represents the mindset of using common sense when it comes to healthy eating, including the idea that moderation is always the key to good health.

The history of soup kitchens in Ireland began with an effort to check starvation, but quickly turned into resentment when people found out the soups contained little or no meat at all. Years later, medical professionals helped to support the idea that a soup can indeed be a complete meal in and of itself.

The famous song Molly Malone, also called Cockles and Mussels, inspired one Irish soup, Cockle and Mussel Chowder. The song tells the tale of an apparent fictional woman, a fishmonger, who worked her trade on the streets of Dublin and died young, from a fever.

One of the most famous foods connected to Dublin is cockles and mussels. Cockle and Mussel Chowder consists of vegetables, fish stock, white wine, and potatoes, to produce a filling, nutritious meal.

Cockle and Mussel Chowder

Melt six tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan

Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, blend well, and cook for 1-2 minutes

Gradually whisk in 6 and 1/2 cups of fish stock

Add:

1/2 of a finely chopped potato

Two stalks of chopped celery

Handful of freshly chopped parsley

1 teaspoon of freshly chopped parsley

1 teaspoon of freshly chopped dill

Cook for 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender, and season with sea salt and ground black pepper. Stir in heavy cream to right consistency and flavor. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, adjusting the flavor by adding milk or wine to either dilute or solidify the broth.

Garnish with cooked cockles and mussels in shells.

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Renowned Scottish Chef Gordon Ramsay, a restaurateur, and one of the most colorful TV personalities, puts a new spin on airline food, with a restaurant located in Unit 29 at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. Opening daily at 5:30 AM, Ramsay’s Plane Food Restaurant remains open until the last flight of the day, usually until 9:30 PM.

If you are taking a flight out of London, after passing through security you can sit down and enjoy anything from a quick breakfast, served until 12 noon, to a full course meal before your flight. If you prefer eating on the plane, without having to subject yourself to airline food, you can get your food to go with a Winter Picnic, packed in a small carry-on bag to enjoy during your flight.

From breakfast pastries to Antipasti of salami and buffalo mozzarella for starters and fruit salad with vanilla yoghurt or pear cheesecake tart with caramel for dessert, you can choose a main course consisting of smoked salmon, roasted rump of Hereford beef, or Cumbrian honey-roast and Parma ham with all the trimmings.

The Plane Food’s aerodynamic lines make it the ideal atmosphere for a sit-down meal, if you would rather eat before you board. The menu includes a wide variety of meat and fish options, including grass-fed steak dishes or pork cutlets. Indulge in your choice of red, white, or sweet wines. The wine menu also features Dom Pérignon and other champagnes.

If you are traveling with children, Plane Food also offers a children’s menu including macaroni and cheese, pan-fried fish and chips, or sausages with mashed potatoes.

Call or email Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food to make a reservation:

T: 020 8897 4545

planefood@gordonramsay.com

The number of new restaurants in recent years has grown tremendously, and along with that there are a variety of specialty stores that provide restaurant supplies. There are some stores that supply a few very specialized products, such as pizza makers or ice machines. Other stores provide the whole range of equipment needed to run a restaurant. It makes more sense to work with one good vendor who carries the whole range of equipment you will need for your new restaurant. That way you save time on processing bills, ordering, and customer service.

One of the things to look for in a company that provides restaurant supplies is the number of years that the company has been in business. If it has been around a long time, you can trust that the company has a strong record of good customer service and ethics in the industry. Newer stores have not proven themselves yet, and you may be taking a risk with them. Another important thing to look for is how easy it is to place orders online or get customer service help quickly from the company.When starting a new business, it is also highly recommended that you keep a handy list of all your new equipment, the name of the manufacturers, and the customer service phone numbers so that you can call for repairs quickly when necessary.

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There is a special occasion for almost anything. The occasion can be as small as a good grade on a report card to as large as a wedding. Any occasion can be special if you want it to be. There is a common thread that make these occasions even more extraordinary and that is the delectable snacks that are created and served to those gracious enough to celebrate the unique moment.

Creating edible treats for a special occasion does not have to be a tedious task. The occasion may run for only a few hours or it may be an all day event. Regardless of the time frame choosing snacks that are nutritious and delicious will make everyone happy.

Bountiful Bruschetta

The bruschetta is a simple snack. By combining chopped tomatoes and onions with a seasoned base of garlic, basil, salt and pepper along with a dash of vinegar (balsamic vinegar is tasty) the vegetable combination can be topped on slices of French bread. Once the toppings have been placed on the sliced bread melt a slice of provolone cheese to add additional flavor.

Delicious deviled eggs

This is a snack that never seems to go out of style. The hardest part of the process is boiling the eggs and separating the yolks. Extra ingredients that are needed include mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and bacon bits. Simply crumble the yolks with a fork and add a tablespoon at a time of mayonnaise and mustard until the yolks have a creamy texture. Sprinkle a dash of vinegar to taste and add the bacon bits. Drop the yolk mixture by spoonfuls into halved egg whites. For a splash of color dust the tops of the filled eggs with paprika.

Perky punch

To quench the thirst of your visitors consider making a tasty drink that looks perfect in a punch bowl. Choose a clear soda and choice of punch (cherry, fruit or raspberry work well) and pick a sherbet flavor. Combine the soda and punch and before guests arrive add the sherbet. This is sure to please a parched palate.

With so many restaurants in Raleigh to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. Here are some tried and true local favorites to help you decide.

East Village Bar & Grill
For a relaxed and casual atmosphere toting the best burgers in Raleigh and other American fare, head to the East Village Bar & Grill. There you can opt for patio seating, as well as order from a full bar with many microbrew choices.

Brigs Great Beginnings
Another good American restaurant is family friendly Brigs Great Beginnings. It has the area’s best breakfast menu, from which you can order all day, as well as great sandwiches and meals for the little ones, too.

Capri Restaurant
Maybe you’re craving something more on the Italian side. If so, Capri Restaurant not only offers great Italian dishes (such as Caprese, Veal Piccata or even Stuffed Eggplant) at reasonable prices, but impressive service too.

Bella Monica
Bella Monica has delicious pizza, Italian favorites, and a variety of delicious specialty flatbreads.

Sawdee
If you want something a little more exotic, check out Sawadee on Capital Boulevard for some excellent Thai cuisine. Don’t let the restaurant’s exterior steer you away from the tasty stir fry recipes, mouth-watering curry or delightful noodle dishes available inside!

No matter what restaurant you choose in Raleigh, you are sure to enjoy something good to eat!

Walk the path of serenity

A great family activity while visiting a national park is taking advantage of the hiking paths and means to take them. Paths made for walking or bicycling spiral throughout parks such as Yellowstone National Park. With Yellowstone supporting at least 1,100 miles of hiking trails available visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery at their own pace, stopping to take in the breathtaking beauty that is compliments of nature. There are trails like those found at Yellowstone available at other national parks. Some trails are designed for horse riding. It is not often that the whole family can take a jaunt through one of America’s national parks while riding a horse. It would make a splendid travel adventure.

View unique attractions

From the historic mining sites of Death Valley National Park located in California and Nevada to Civil War battlefields found at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, national parks provide us with a glimpse in time. From the geological wonders of the majestic sheer cliffs of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon to the mountain and desert landscape of Big Bend National Park, Texas, it can easily be admitted that national parks provide us with a revitalizing breath of air.

Although they share similar qualities and beliefs there is a difference between veganism and vegetarianism. So, what’s the distinguishing factor?

No animals allowed

Meat and products from animals such as milk, eggs and cheese are NOT in the vegan’s diet. Whether it is by choice or tradition vegans have banned animals from the kitchen table. It would seem like there would be a limit to the amounts of food available. On the contrary, vegan’s enjoys a vast menu of delectable dishes made from a combination of grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. The diet of a vegan consists of botanical sources that can be consumed raw or cooked.

Animals allowed

A vegetarian diet encompasses vegetables, fruit, grains, and food rich in protein and fats. Some of the proteins and fats are provided by animals. Unlike a vegan diet that avoids anything relating to animals, vegetarians have the option to choose a diet that includes dairy and eggs. It is not uncommon for a vegetarian to eat fish or poultry but only in moderation. The majority of the diet consists of all natural elements.

Consider location

The perfect spot for a picnic is on a blanket in a shady location. The shade keeps the sun from sizzling sensitive parts of the body and keeps ice from melting too quickly. Placing a blanket that is big enough for two people under a tree or in a large rocky ravine are ideal spots for a picnic. If eye catching scenery is the dish of the day then consider parking a blanket on the beach with an umbrella for shade. A blanket and umbrella in an open field works as well.

Fabulous foods

Considering that a picnic includes items that need not be cooked on sight it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a cooked meal. An easy to pack decent dinner includes fried chicken that has been chilled and raw vegetables with dip. Don’t forget the fruit for dessert. Watermelon and strawberries are sweet additions.

Potato and macaroni salads are a big hit. Served with cold cuts and cheese on bread and a few vegetables this delightful dinner will appease any appetite.

Packing tips

Select a picnic basket that is equipped with handles and a hinged top for easy access. Picnic baskets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Plastic containers are available in different sizes and are ideal for packing items that can be crushed such as chips and cookies Insulated totes are perfect for carrying beverages. Instead of purchasing bags of ice that will melt into a watery mess consider investing in ice packs shaped like ice cubes. Ice packs should be available at any camping supply store.

As described by Martha Stewart’s article “Food is the New Fashion,” the love of food is continuing to grow in popularity, in very similar threads (pardon the pun) to fashion. Some of the most popular TV shows today focus on the culinary arts, such as Hell’s Kitchen, and ads for culinary and online degrees are becoming increasingly popular as well.

For true foodies, lovers of cuisine and the culinary arts, going to school for a culinary degree is not only a solution that meets them on a creative plane, but may be a solid career decision as well. Formerly, a culinary degree may not have been considered very prestigious. However, culinary designers such as David Chang (chef and owner of Momofuko Noodle Bar and Batali) are quickly changing that perception, and rivaling in popularity even the most known fashion designers of today. For those who are inspired by Chang, and other noted chefs, a culinary degree may be just the thing.

Not to mention that there are online degrees for culinary arts, culinary art schools and hospitality schools as well. For the culinary artist, a degree in cuisine is the perfect expression of color, style, taste and texture. Up and coming chefs bring new zest to the industry, and provide tantalizing experiences that were previously unimaginable.

Today, whether they receive a degree from a traditional institution or one of the many online programs available, new chefs are bringing together their cultural heritage, personal experiences and own unique style to create new culinary expressions that continue to revolutionize the industry and delight their guests.

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It should come as no surprise that there are times when adults need to be corrected when they misbehave in a restaurant. We have come to expect children to sit properly at the table, minding their manners and keeping their hands off the salt and pepper shakers, but what expectations are there for adults?  Quite simply, adults are expected to behave like well mannered children.

Don’t ignore company

In other words, stay off the cell phone. Having dinner in a restaurant should be relaxing and stress free. When a cell phone is constantly ringing it is a distraction to other party members and a nuisance to customers. Dinner at a restaurant is to be shared with those who are present at the table not over a phone.

Do go to a manger if there is a problem

Restaurant managers hate to admit that there are times when customers are not happy with their visit. What makes the situation worse is when an adult throws what could be thought of as a baby fit. Maybe the meal took too long to prepare or maybe the service was less than desirable. Whatever the reason you should consider speaking to a manager before throwing a temper tantrum. Nothing rattles management more than an adult screaming and yelling in the dining room.

Don’t forget your manners

Adults sometimes have this superiority complex in believing they no longer have to abide by simple manners. Uncomplicated words like, “Please”, and “Thank you” becomes lost as the years stroll on and the individual ages. If nothing else just remember that the power these words have on servers is amazing. One can never be too nice to the person who brings you your meal and makes certain your drink is full.

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The four to six hours between meals can seem like four to six days. At times it becomes hard to muffle the noises that a stomach makes when it wants to get your attention to feed it. A pleasing remedy to quite the stomach is to give it a tasty snack. Not only can the snack be tasty but who says it can’t be nutritious as well? Eating a snack between meals fuels the body with energy and eating a nutritious snack will benefit the body while taming the belly.

Nuts…not just for squirrels

Nuts such as almonds, pecans, peanuts and walnuts are packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals all of which are essential for proper nutrition. Mix about a 1/2 cup of a few of these nuts and seal them in sandwich bags for a tasty snack anytime of day. Boost up the mix by tossing in a handful of dried fruit such as raisons, dates or prunes.

Portable popcorn

Popcorn is loaded with protein, calcium and minerals. For centuries this nutritious snack has been providing energy to bodies and satisfying the stomach’s need for food. Popcorn that is nutritious has no butter or oils. Add some pizzazz and flare to popcorn by sprinkling a few seasonings such as butter salt for popcorn or dry ranch dressing. Fill a small container with this tasty snack for an on-the-move treat.

Sensational cereal

There is no law that says cereal must be in milk. Cereals that are made with whole grains and are low in sugar make sensational snacks.  Filled with fiber that helps the body stay regular a few handfuls of cereal throughout the day will keep you moving in a healthy direction. Add a punch of taste to the cereal with a few dried bananas or apples.

Create weekly dinner options

After a hectic day the belly is signaling that it wants to be filled. You scan the cupboards and the refrigerator in search of the answer to the infamous question, “What to make for dinner?” An easy remedy for this situation is to sit down once a week, say on Saturday, and consider what to have for dinner for the next seven days. Don’t stress yourself out by figuring what days to make which meal instead place your dinner list on the refrigerator and let the day determine what you want to make.

Shop before cooking

How often have you started to prepare dinner only to find out that you have no potatoes for the potato soup? The soup just wouldn’t be the same. Before beginning any meal check to make sure you have all of the ingredients. A simple solution is to shop once a week for items needed to complete at least seven meals, or the one you were currently making.

A slow cooker is your next best friend

Nothing is simpler than placing a chunk of meat (beef, pork, or poultry) with a little water and some seasonings into a slow cooker. Add a few vegetables, turn a knob and by the time you arrive home from work you will be greeted with dinner. Slow cookers are ideal for days that you know when time will be limited.