Review: Cafe' Fresh

(c) K. Fannon

A couple of weeks ago I had to go into work a little later than usual so I could stay for a business meeting at night. I didn't have anything in the house for lunch (or supper), so I did what any healthy person would do...I pulled up the Yelp app on my iPhone!

I had one particular place in mind but they didn't open until 11:00am. I was hoping to be at the office by then, so I dug around so see what I could find in the area that might open at 10:30. I found Cafe' Fresh and they open at 10:00!

I read the reviews on Yelp for Cafe' Fresh and they were all very positive; seven out of eight reviewers gave it 5 stars and they were all very excited about the food and service there.

So I decided to give it a try. (Really, what choice did I have if I didn't want to starve?) But I was excited about the menu with fresh veggies on the variety of sandwiches and salads. They also use real fruit for smoothies and the soup is homemade!

See the Cafe' Fresh menu here.

I ordered the Red Veggie Wrap to have for lunch. It had a sundried tomato & basil tortilla with hummus, lettuce, tomato, red onion, green & red peppers, cucumbers and carrots. Oh man, it was SO good!

(c) K. Fannon

I ordered the Cobb Salad to have for supper. It was massive! I put about half of it in a bowl to eat and my husband ate the other half later for his supper. They were kind enough to give me oil and red wine vinegar for dressing. Very good salad!

(c) K. Fannon

This past Thursday after work I met a friend in that same area for coffee. Cafe' Fresh closes at 4:00, so I told my friend I'd be a few minutes late for our date...I wanted dinner to bring home!

After a week of craving the Red Veggie wrap, I got that for me. I ordered the daily special for my husband (which I forgot to take a picture of) and it was fabulous! It was a "Smokey 3 Cheese Turkey Club" with hardwood smoked turkey, jalapeño cream cheese, cheddar and swiss cheese, bacon, aioli mayo, lettuce and tomato on English muffin bread. Wow! Incredibly good! (Yes, I was jealous!)

(I did find this picture of it from their website:)

(c) Cafe' Fresh

I asked the woman behind the counter if she was the owner and she said that yes, she and her husband are the owners. I told her I found them on Yelp and the reason why. She immediately remembered me from the week before and what I had ordered! (That impressed me!)

While I love that Cafe' Fresh opens at 10:00, I am disappointed it closes at 4:00. I suppose their fare is more thought of as lunch-type, but for the nights I work a little later, I'd love to be able to stop there on my way home, but the early closing hour prevents that. They are only open 10:00 - 2:00 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays, so likewise, I won't be able to take my husband there. But for sure, when I can get there, I will!

Cafe' Fresh opened in 2011 and I love that it's a local place. I feel the prices are extremely fair for what you get, and they have a gluten-free bread option. They also deliver and cater. (I made a mental note of the catering part!)

Cafe' Fresh is at Knapp's Corner (Knapp and the Beltline in Grand Rapids) in the strip mall just south of Meijer. And definitely worth the trip!

Read my previous post: Updated: Basement Potato Soup
Read my next post: Rosemary Brown Rice

Review: Reds on the River

(c) January 2013, Kathy Fannon | Inside Reds

My parents' 49th wedding anniversary was last month and in celebration we went to Reds on the River in Rockford.

I've heard that Reds is a great place but none of us had ever been there, so we were excited to have a special occasion to go.

Reds is in downtown Rockford, MI, at 8 E. Bridge Street.

Reds offers reservations for their indoor dining room only. There is an outdoor deck, which runs along the Rogue River, that is open in the summer months. What a great view!

(c) August 2009, Kathy Fannon | Outdoor Bar & Seating

(c) August 2009, Kathy Fannon | Outdoor Bar & Seating

(c) August 2009, Kathy Fannon | Rogue River at Reds

We went on a mid-Saturday afternoon so they weren't very busy, which was nice. We were able to look around without feeling nosey, talk without feeling like we had to yell (I'm not saying it's that way when they're busy), and relax to eat without feeling rushed.

The lunch menu was reasonably priced (remembering they are on the "upscale" side) and offered items like salads, burgers, soups, entrees and sandwiches. Prices range from $6 (French Onion Soup) to $22 (Full-Sandwich Lobster Grilled Cheese with Tomato Basil Soup). Most items averaged around the $10 range.

Chef Glenn Forgie has "designed" and prepares each "item from scratch daily".

My mom and dad split a french dip and shoe string fries, which Reds so kindly put on separate plates to bring to the table. $11

Shaved top round, Gruyere cheese, au jus, French baguette

My husband had the Reds Steak Burger with shoe string fries. $10

House made from ground steak trimmings, white cheddar, mushrooms

I had the Chicken Quesadilla. $10

Chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, black bean and corn salsa, guacamole, sour cream

BEST quesadilla I've ever had! Fabulous!

My husband and parents enjoyed what they ordered as well, and we decided this was definitely a place to keep in mind for our next special occasion.

Reds also offers a children's menu, dinner menu, dessert menu, and an extensive wine list.

Check out some of the local awards they have won!

And lots of cool pictures in their photo gallery!

I can't wait to go back in the summer months so we can eat outside along the river!

Fun Note! If you look close, you'll see the same stones as the ones in my profile picture. Reds is technically in a strip-mall where the stone-theme is carried through the whole area. My profile picture was taken near the coffee shop, which has since closed its doors. Sadness.

Read my previous post: Review: Crock-Pot Lunch Crock
Read my next post: UPDATED: Basement Potato Soup

Review: Kitchen 67: A Sizzling Grille

Kitchen 67

This past Saturday was "Small Business Saturday", promoting the support of local businesses. My husband and I love to support our local businesses and do so whenever we can. The majority of the time we eat out, it's at a local place, and I shop the local-owned stores as much as possible.

So while discussing where to eat Saturday afternoon I remembered a friend suggested a local place that just opened, so off we went.

Kitchen 67 just opened on the East Beltline at Knapp's Corners in Grand Rapids. Their website describes Kitchen 67 like this: 

• Kitchen 67 Brann's Café is an innovative flex casual concept that will challenge the restaurant industry with high flavored food in a unique tech-forward design that will give a new meaning to dining out.

Anybody who lives in the Grand Rapids area is familiar with Brann's Steakhouse, started by John Brann, Senior. Kitchen 67 is a concept created by his grandson, Johnny Brann, Junior. The 67 in the name comes from 1967 when John Brann, Senior opened Brann's Steakhouse in Grand Rapids.

Part of that concept is the change of service style throughout the day. How cool is that? Why didn't somebody think of this before?

(Click images to enlarge.)

There are iPads at some booths, big-screen TVs (the Michigan/Ohio game was on when we were there, but not sure if they always broadcast sports), iTunes digital jukeboxes on iPods, free WIFI, and more. (Check out all the amazing technology and floor-plan here. Really...check it out, there's lots of cool stuff to discover!)

We arrived during lunch hours and were greeted by a hostess who handed us menus. She said we could order at the counter whenever we were ready, but could be seated first if we wanted to. We decided to find a place (wherever we wanted that time of day) and take our time looking over the menu.

I tried not to be creepy with my picture taking and there were people at tables around us, so I was only able to get this picture of seating. Not all tables had these leather chairs, but aren't they fun?

There are lots of tables for two, tables for 6, and booths. There are a couple of different sections, walled off from each other which made it very cozy. (And hard to take pictures.) It would be a great place to work or study as the atmosphere is warm and casual. 

When we were ready we went to the counter to order.

Hostess Stand and Ordering Counter

There are separate menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free, 550 calories and under, and catering. 

Beverages included Pepsi products, Jones Soda, beer and wine, much of it from Michigan.

They also use as many local or Michigan products as they can. I'm always a fan of that!

My husband ordered the Jalapeño Pepper Jack Burger: pepper jack cheese, jalapeño bottle caps, sweet habanero sauce, chipotle mayo and lettuce.

I had a bite and it was very good. A nice combination of sweet and hot. The fries were also very delicious.

I had the Traverse City Salad: grilled chicken breast, dried cranberries, walnuts, onions, bleu cheese, tomatoes and a cherry vinaigrette dressing.

With the Brann's famous yeast roll!

It was good, but there was just a tad too much dressing for me, and it was very sweet. (I had sticky lips!) I would ask for it on the side next time so I have better control over the amount, or maybe even ask for the balsamic vinaigrette. I was also a bit disappointed there weren't more mixed greens, as it was mostly romaine and iceberg lettuce. Overall I liked it and would get it again. 

The lunch menu had a nice selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, skewers & bowls, and entrees like the 6 oz sirloin and mac and cheese. Prices for everything seem to be in the $7 to $8 range.

The dinner menu includes the same as well as a larger selection of pasta, sides, appetizers and "small plates" (meatballs, wings, etc.). Prices range from about $6 to $16 (for the salmon), although most items fall around $11 or $12.

With all of the technology used, it's a good thing Kitchen 67 is connected with the Verizon store! (Which was a bonus, because I needed to go there too!)

Entering from the Verizon store, headed toward the entrance of Kitchen 67.

I've never been much of a Brann's fan, but we enjoyed our experience at Kitchen 67 and will definitely go back. The people were friendly and attentive, the food was good, and the atmosphere peaceful and enjoyable. It's a great place for a quick lunch, a coffee date, working or studying, and I imagine a nice casual dinner!

Kitchen 67 on the Interwebs:

Facebook

@Kitchen67

You may also enjoy:

Review: The Green Well

Noodles & Company

Review: 84 East in Downtown Holland

Review: Classic Kelly's Family Restaurant in Cedar Springs

Read my previous post: Blueberry Almond Coconut Oatmeal

Apple Cucumber Mango Salad

So now that I'm sitting down to write this post I realized I don't know what this dish is called, so I'm making up the name: Apple, Cucumber, Mango Salad. Sound good?

On Monday nights we go to Jazz at the Zoo at our local zoo. It's a free concert and we go with a group of people, some we know, some we get to know. The attendees always change, but there are the basic few who are always there.

Once a month we have a potluck while we listen to the concert and visit with each other.

Last night was Latin Jazz with Grupo Aye, so a few brought dishes with a Latin theme. One of those dishes was this fabulous salad from Kelli Hull.

Kelli saw this being made at a Latin Festival in town and decided she could easily whip this up herself. It was SO good! Very cool, crisp, refreshing and light...perfect for a hot summer night at the jazz concert. I never would have thought to put this combination together, but it works perfectly!

And with Kelli's permission I just HAD to share it with you. Thank you, Kelli!

(Click to enlarge)

• Granny Smith Apple
• Cucumber
• Mango
• Lime Juice
• Sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper (which Kelli didn't use since not everybody would like it)

And there it is! 

I will be attending a cookout this weekend...guess what I'll be bringing!

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, don't miss Jazz at the Zoo on Monday nights at John Ball Park, 6:30 - 8:30. It's lots of fun!

Photos (c) 6/18/12, Kathy Fannon

What is your favorite refreshing summer salad? And what is your favorite summer activity?

Read my previous post: Rosemary Lemon Quinoa
Read my next post: Blueberry Almond Coconut Oatmeal

Free Noodles & Company

I mentioned in a previous post that I won free noodles at Noodles & Company for me and a few friends. This past week I took my parents and my son to cash in!

My dad had Japanese Pan Noodles. They had just a little kick to 'em and were really good. [Caramelized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce, broccoli, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, Asian sprouts, black sesame, cilantro]

(Click to enlarge)

My mom had the Wisconsin Macaroni and Cheese with Meatballs. The meatballs looked dry, but she said they were delicious. (And she's a picky eater, so if she liked 'em, I know they were good!) [Cheddar and Jack cheeses, cream, elbow macaroni]

My son had Bangkok Curry with Shrimp. Of course it was good...it's my favorite dish at Noodles & Company! [Sweet coconut curry, broccoli, carrots, red pepper, onion, mushrooms, rice noodles, cabbage, black sesame]

And while I was going to try something new, I went with Bangkok Curry (no shrimp) because I love it so much! [Sweet coconut curry, broccoli, carrots, red pepper, onion, mushrooms, rice noodles, cabbage, black sesame]

It was the first time my parents and son have been to Noodles & Company and all agreed it's a winner!

Since our meal was free and I needed something for dinner, we ordered some noodles to go. Here's what we had for supper that night.

For my son, Pad Thai with Shrimp. Delicious! [Rice noodle stir-fry with scrambled egg, carrots, cabbage, sweet chile, citrus, peanuts, Asian sprouts, cilantro]

For my husband, Whole Grain Tuscan Linguine with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken. Very good! (I took these pictures when we got home, so it may not look as good as when it was fresh and hot.) [Whole grain linguine, broccoli, red pepper, onion, mushrooms, garlic, white wine, cream, Parmesan]

Want to guess what I had? Yep, Bangkok Curry. I'm so original, but it's so good! [Sweet coconut curry, broccoli, carrots, red pepper, onion, mushrooms, rice noodles, cabbage, black sesame]


Noodles & Company will bring your order to your table when it's ready. They also bus the table, so no clean up for you! And they don't take tips either. Really, does eating out get better than that?

As always, the service was fabulous. I'm just sad the manager, Tracy, wasn't in the day we went. I'll have to catch up with her another time and thank her for the great experience we had.

So who's up for Noodles & Company? If you want a date, let me know...I'm always in!

Noodles & Company West Michigan locations are:
2289 East Beltline Grand Rapids (Where we go)
5070 - 28th Street SE Grand Rapids
5363 W. Main Street Kalamazoo
6150 S. Westnedge Avenue Portage

You might also enjoy:
Homemade Noodles and Company
Noodles & Company (Again)
Review: NHBC Artichoke, Chicken & Rosemary Pizza
Review: The Green Well

Read my previous post: Chopped Salad
Read my next post: What Do You See

Noodles & Company (Again!)

It wasn't that long ago that I blogged about our trip to Noodles & Company and how I made my homemade version of their Bangkok Curry. (So good!)

My husband and I went there last week and I wanted to share more of the love with you.

While Noodles & Company isn't exactly a local company, I do love the fresh ingredients they have.

There are lots of fresh vegetables, especially in the Asian section of the menu: cabbage, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes.

The Mediterranean section has tomato, spinach, feta, garlic, and pesto.

The American section is a little less desirable for me since it has the usual Macaroni and Cheese, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Mushroom Stroganoff. While I'm sure these are delicious pasta dishes, they are lacking in the fresh vegetables area. Although, in fairness to Noodles & Company, their menu does say "Add, subtract or substitute veggies, cheese or noodles on any dish". So adding some to the mac and cheese would be a great idea!

Sandwiches come with a variety of fresh vegetables as well, and of course, the salads do to!

(See the Noodles & Company menu here.)

On our most recent visit I again got the Bangkok Curry because I had been craving it since the last time I was there. I think next time I might substitute rice noodles for the whole grain noodles in the Whole Grain Tuscan Linguine, just for something different.

My husband got the Spicy Chicken Caesar Duo with Cucumber Tomato Side Salad. Delicious!

While we were eating, I noticed there was a bowl to drop a business card in for the free lunch drawing. I WON! So I will be getting a group together and making another trip to Noodles & Company. Stay tuned for what we all get!

Noodles & Company West Michigan locations are:
2289 East Beltline Grand Rapids (Where we go)
5070 - 28th Street SE Grand Rapids
5363 W. Main Street Kalamazoo
6150 S. Westnedge Avenue Portage

You might also enjoy:
Homemade Noodles and Company
Review: NHBC Artichoke, Chicken & Rosemary Pizza
Review: The Green Well

Read my previous post: Granola Chicken
Read my next post: Chopped Salad

Note: I am not compensated in any way by Noodles & Company to write these posts. I just really enjoy their food and support fresh ingredients. Just say "no" to beige fried food! 

Granola Chicken

Granola isn't just for breakfast anymore!

All photos (c) 3/8/12, Kathy Fannon (Click to enlarge)

About 5 or 6 years ago I received a monthly cooking magazine from a well-known food company. Of course, many of the ingredients called for their products, but I found some really good recipes that became family favorites. When I changed our way of eating to a whole-foods based diet, many of those recipes were tossed along with the processed ingredients that made them.

One of my son's favorites was chicken coated with Honey Bunches of Oats cereal. He mentioned this the other day when I asked him what he would like for supper. Since I refuse to buy boxed cereals we discussed a way to modify it. Actually, there wasn't much discussion. He suggested the genius idea to use my favorite granola instead. Hmmmm, that could work.

It did!

I put one cup of Good Life Granola in my little food processor and pulsed it a few times to minimize the chunks along with the pecans and almonds in the Original Blend.

I rinsed the chicken (one pound) and patted it dry with paper towel. I dipped the chicken first in the granola, then the egg (beaten) and then back in the granola. No extra seasonings, not even salt.

Line a cookie sheet with tin foil for easy clean up, and spray lightly with cooking oil. (I use Pam Organic Olive Oil.)

I baked it at 425 for 25 minutes.

My son was very happy with how this turned out and we will be having this again, for sure!

I served it with a salad and homemade dressing (equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar) and some quinoa.

Read my previous post: Review: Charley's Famous Fresh Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Review: Charley's Famous Fresh Tortilla Chips and Salsa

When I stopped for my daily Starbucks on Wednesday morning, there was a van parked in "my" spot. The sign plastered on the side said "Charley's Something-or-Other". I didn't read the whole thing since I was trying to park somewhere.

As I was walking into the grocery store, which houses my favorite Starbucks, I saw a man coming out pushing a big wheelie-cart, walking toward the Charley's van. I noticed he loaded some things in, but then didn't pay any more attention, lest I appear creepy by staring as I walked past.

I ordered my drink and made conversation with the lead barista when I heard a voice behind me say something. I turned to see the Charley's man standing with a bag of chips and told me they were free. I thanked him and he moved along.

I told my lead barista friend that he had no idea who he just handed those to! Hah! Right away I had plans to blog about the chips. Between all of my connections on social media, I reach around 1400 people per day, maybe more if others share the love with their connections. (Crazy! JUST as I was typing that, someone re-tweeted one of my tweets to 1902 of his followers!)

So here is my review of Charley's *Famous* Fresh Tortilla Chips!

Most important to me, Charley's is a local product, from Wyoming, MI, and I always love supporting our local businesses. They come from Charley's Pub and Grill on 28th Street, which I didn't even know existed, but the menu looks pretty good. I don't think I would eat there often since I don't see a lot of whole-foods options, but there is a great variety of burgers, appetizers, Mexican, pizza, etc. (And the menu is just fun to read, especially the children's section!)

My son had the morning off from school (bonus of being a senior), so he and I together opened the bag and taste-tested the chips.

When we opened the bag, they smelled wonderful! And definitely restaurant-ish.

We ate one. We loved them!

My son, who is a "Nacho Libre" fan said, "These really are dee Lord's cheeps!" (If you're not a Nacho Libre fan, move along.)

So we ate a bunch more then I put them away before we chowed down the whole bag! (They are not low in calories or fat!)

They are seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic and tasted very good by themselves. Some chips almost had a little too much seasoning on them and there is a garlic aftertaste. (Eating too many will also create little sores in your mouth.)

I like that the ingredient list is small and there are no hydrogenated oils: yellow corn, canola oil, salt, pepper, garlic

I usually have tortilla chips in the house because my men like them and Charley's will be one of the varieties we keep around.

They were $2.95 per bag, but I don't know if that's an "introductory" price or the everyday price. The sign was not clear, so I'm assuming it's an everyday price.

Charley's also makes a salsa that I picked up to try with the chips. The salsa was $3.49 for a 16 ounce container.

Again, I like that the list of ingredients is all pronounceable and additive-free: tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, sugar, salt, spices

There are a few different varieties: Atomic Blaze (guessing that's the hot one?!), Original Mild (the one I tried) and Smoothie (which looked like the mild, only maybe having been through a food processor).

The look and smell of the mild variety that I bought was beautiful. I smelled garlic when I opened the container and look at those gorgeous chunks of veggies.

My only complaint is that it is way too sweet! I know a lot of people use a bit of sugar when they make their own, but this was overloaded, at least for my taste. With 6 grams of sugar, that equates to 1-1/2 teaspoons per half-cup serving! That's too much. Sorry, Charley, you're salsa's not a winner in this house.

What kind of tortilla chips are you a fan of? Are you able to get your hands on something local? (Hey, we're blessed in West Michigan to have a couple of local places to provide us with great tortilla chips!)

Read my previous post: Rosemary Roasted Vegetables
Read my next post: Granola Chicken

Due to a high spam content in the comment section, commenting for this post has been disabled. I apologize. :(

Review: NHBC Artichoke, Chicken & Rosemary Pizza

My mom and dad gave us a gift card at Christmas for New Holland Brewing Company, one of our favorite places to eat in West Michigan. It was a nice day Saturday so we took a ride to gorgeous downtown Holland to cash in.

We took a break from our rut of the Primo Pesto Pizza (my forever favorite) and ordered this fabulous Artichoke Chicken & Rosemary Pizza.

The menu description is

• Smeared artichoke dip with pulled chicken, fresh rosemary, sweet & spicy peppers and a five-cheese blend

I'm not a huge fan of chicken and this pizza had just the right amount.

The peppers had a little kick to 'em, like maybe they were marinated with jalapenos, but not an overly strong heat. We weren't sure, we couldn't quite figure it out.

Lately I've also been enjoying fresh rosemary, and it complimented the other flavors just right.

(Click to enlarge. YUM!)

We ordered a small to split ($8.99), which was the perfect size for the two of us to share. (Large is also available for $16.99.)

We each had water, so the total bill, including the tip, was only $12! (And there is enough left on the gift card to do it again.)

When we left New Holland Brewing Company, we walked across the street to JP's Coffee and Espresso Bar to get a cup of coffee for the ride home. That place is always hoppin'! And they have some of the best coffee and desserts around. (And they have a really cute logo!)

You might also enjoy:
My Happy Place
Review: 84 East in Downtown Holland

Read my previous post: Strawberry Yogurt
Read my next post: Rosemary Roasted Vegetables

Homemade Noodles and Company

Last November my husband and I traveled to Indianapolis for our son's final year of Grand National Marching Band Competition. We had a blast walking everywhere and eating at restaurants we don't have at home.

One of the places we enjoyed was Noodles and Company. They have a huge selection of healthy noodle dishes to choose from and the prices were very reasonable ($4.49/small bowl; $5.59/regular bowl; +$2.50 for protein). The atmosphere was enjoyable, and probably made more fun by all of us crazy band parents who took over downtown Indianapolis!

I had this Indonesian Peanut Saute', which I didn't realize was the spiciest thing on the menu when I ordered it, but it was fabulous!

(Click on pictures to enlarge.)

Last week I wrote a post for my Nostalgic Tour blog, Super Bowl and Indianapolis where I talked a little about our trip. In my usual manner, I linked to other websites wherever I could. When I looked up the website for Noodles and Company, I noticed we have one on the north side of Grand Rapids! Yay!

Saturday I surprised my husband and we went to Noodles and Company, Grand Rapids style. (They don't look busy, but we were there at 2:00, not exactly lunch hour.)

I had Bangkok Curry with broccoli, carrots, red pepper, onion, mushrooms, cabbage and a sweet coconut curry sauce with rice noodles and black sesame seeds. Look at how gorgeously healthy that is! (And a table in the sun wasn't the best idea for taking pictures, but the warmth sure felt good!)

My husband had The Med Duo, a chicken flatbread sandwich with mushrooms, spinach, red pepper, cucumber, onion and a "zippy" dressing, with Tomato Basil Bisque. He loved it!

Monday morning I sat down at the computer to dig through some of my favorite websites to find something new to make for supper. (I tend to get stuck in a rut.) But while I was looking I kept thinking about (and craving) the Bangkok Curry. I even considered driving 25 minutes across town to bring some home for supper. Then I realized that I could make this myself. It wouldn't be hard to chop and saute' a few veggies!

Rats...I forgot to get an onion

I bought an 8 ounce container of mushrooms but didn't use all of it. Next time I will. (I sauteed them separate from the other veggies.)

I got rice noodles at Family Fare for $3.39, but when I stopped at Harvest Health on my way home I found the same brand for $2.99. I used half of a 14 ounce package for the three of us to eat.

I bought coconut milk with the idea that I would make my own coconut curry sauce, but as I searched recipes on the web, I realized I probably didn't have all the right ingredients. As time ran short I went out to see what was on World Market's shelf to bail me out.

I found Patak's Korma Curry, Creamy Coconut & Spices. It wasn't as sweet as the Noodles and Company sauce, but it was very good. ($3.99 at World Market)

Homemade Bangkok Curry! I impressed myself, it was so good!

As you can see, it is a very colorful, healthy dish. The only thing that could make it better is farmers market veggies in season from my local farmers! (And maybe that sweet coconut curry sauce from Noodles and Company!)

The total cost wasn't much more than if I had made the drive across town, and it fed three of us instead of two, and I do have a little bit of the vegetables left over that I can make omelets with!

If you're feeling creative or adventurous, check out the great interactive menu at Noodles and Company and see what you may be able to modify at home. And if you are fortunate enough to have a Noodles and Company in your neighborhood, go check it out!

Read my previous post: Black Bean and Corn Salad
Read my next post about how I used the left over vegetables: Quinoa with Vegetables

All pictures (c) Kathy Fannon, with an iPhone camera (not the best choice); all pictures are untouched (no Photoshop involved...just amazing color! And probably some hideous lighting.) Please do not use them without permission.