Honor Our Food Workers ALL Year Long

This is definitely a different Labor Day. There aren't the big parties of last year.  No last hours of summer, enjoyed on the boardwalk, eating fries and frozen custard. No festivals featuring favorite treats like zeppolis and pizza. What is also different is the hardship many of our food related workers have gone through since March. We need to honor them not just for one day but all year round now.

Restaurants are the worst hit of the food industry. They're still trying to make a comeback with outdoor dining. Yet it's not enough. Try to order out from them if you're not comfortable with eating among others. Remember to leave more tip than what you'd usually leave in the tip jar. Write good reviews on Facebook and Yelp. It's a small gesture but it helps in guiding future diners to the eatery. Another way to help is getting gift certificates and/or gift cards from these places too.  Make it a habit of trying one new restaurant a month too. It not only expands your palate but also brings in more dollars to whatever place you choose.

As for those essential grocery workers, sadly we can't give them  tips but we can write to the company and sing their praises. They too, work hard , stocking shelves, getting up at all hours to disinfect the entire place. Visit as often as you can under the circumstances and also thank them when you can too. It shouldn't just be on Labor Day but all year round. What they do is tough, made even tougher by this on going pandemic. This also goes for the farms that are just gearing up for the fall season. They too have been hit hard and are trying to maintain customers and produce. Visit them, for some apple cider doughnuts and pumpkins.

Labor Day should not just be celebrated on this one day. We need to celebrate and honor our food workers all year round. They deserve it with all the hard work they've done year round.

Inclusion Dining

As a country we are more divided as ever - unlike how we were eighteen years ago. Tragedy brought us solidarity that was inclusive of everyone.We banded and bonded together, sharing hearts and help. We can still be more together - even if it's in the small act of eating out.

Here's a challenge to anyone out there, but especially here in the States. Eat at a restaurant whose cuisine is new to you. It can be any kind , from Ethiopian to American. It's a way of not only supporting your local businesses but also also expanding your and your family's palates. Nowadays it's easy , thanks to the internet. Should you read the Yelp or any other reviews? That's up to you. One, the site does point out an eatery's best dishes and what you should try. On the other hand, you may find a sour review or two. Ignore those. What some people may find not to their tastes may be fine for another.  The best way to glean info is to visit the restaurant's website, As we all know there will be the menus and some will even have the dishes explained along with the ingredients. It's a good way to show the kids what  they can order and pick out what may appeal to them before going. You can also try a take out before visiting there for a lunch and dinner. Get a sampler so favorites can be established.

Where should you go first?If you live near any big city or town, then you know there will be ethnic neighborhoods with restaurants catering to locals. These are probably the most authentic , with foods and beverages made exactly as they would be back home. I 'm fortunate to live only two towns away from Paterson, New Jersey. It has always been an ethnically diverse town thanks to the silk industry drawing in silk weavers from Piedmonte, Italy, Lyons, France and Damascus, Syria.The last is still a strong influence and thanks to it, discovered my new found love of Middle Eastern food. It's a city that has everything from Turkish and Syrian to South American. There are even a hot dog stands that have been there for almost 100 years and still family owned. What about the suburbs? Strip malls. These have some of the best privately owned cafes and restaurants from Indian to Taiwanese. They often have lunch time buffets where you can sample all their top dishes along with coupons in your local Val Pack. Take advantage of both.

A day our enemies thought would divide us brought us together. We should do the same now, even if it's trivial as trying out a new cuisine. It not only expands our palates but our hearts as well.

Meals On The Road

This is the season for travel- and with that means eating on the road . The question is what is better for you? Do you bring favorites with you? Or nosh in one of those rest stops?. There are plusses and minuses to both that benefit you and your family.

Not many travelers actually eat breakfast on the road.They usually have it at home, with favorite cereals and dishes. However there is the chance of having a very early start and that means eating on the road So , what do you do? If you have kids, then bring those cereal cups and those square boxes of milk like Parmelat.Both are easy to pack and  the little ones will enjoy their particular faves. Another idea is making toast sandwiches with butter and jam or croissants stuffed with jelly.For a healthier spin buy breakfast bars but read their ingredients before you buy them. Many are loaded with refined white sugar along with chocolate and even crumbled cookies. Go for the all natural, sweetened with honey or molasses.  Some vacationers like  hitting the  local diner before hitting the highway.You can get a heartier fare like French toast and sausages without leaving a mess in the kitchen. What about those roadside stands ? Drive on if it's a greasy spoon and just find a grocery to buy rolls and fruit. Some supermarkets  like Stop & Shop and smaller privately owned marts  have cafes where you can get coffee and tea too.

Lunch and supper are another matter. You've probably been traveling three or four hours when lunchtime rolls around. Everyone need some kind of break after sitting so long.  A multi restaurant rest stop like what  New Jersey has on our Parkway and Turnpike is salways the best choice. There's usually a food court featuring fast food chains however be judicious. Try to get the healthiest dishes such as salad or even spaghetti. Keep kids away from the ultra fried or  ultra  sweet. This is also a good time to stock up on  water  and unsweetened drinks like tea.Yelp is   going to be a big help when you veer off the main arteries. Look at reviews of local restaurants and diners and pick out the most suitable for your family and their needs.Another idea is gong to the local grocery store for cold cuts, rolls and drinks along with fresh fruit . This makes a nice, light dinner. It's also a good way to get the lay of the land, especially if you're renting a house in the area.You'll know in advance where to pick up groceries or get a slice of pizza.If you're still starveling by  supper time, then stop at destination's local mart for not only food but essentials like toilet  paper, dish and laundry soaps.

Travel means eating on the road.Try to eat decent balanced meals that are both taste and good for you.It makes for a comfortable trip that leaves everyone happy but not hungry!