The chicken (tender) or the (fertilized) egg...

Which came first?


First of all, I'm not a mommy. Yet. So I need to confess that I have never been on the receiving end of a dinner-hour tantrum. Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, I just wanted to rant a bit about "kids' menus." Is it me or is just about everything on said menus fried and/or beige? The most colorful thing about the options for kids in most restaurants are the crayons. That usually means lots of simple sugars, fat and little nutrition. And applesauce doesn't count in my book... Heck, maybe the crayons wouldn't be such a bad snack when you weigh the limited options. At least those are supposed to be non-toxic...


I have visions of bearing small people who look like me and eat as I do. OK, so perhaps the first part is ridiculous (not to mention vain). But am I wrong to expect to have children that try different cuisines, eat fruit AND vegetables AND grains, and keep the minced/fried chicken snacks to a serious minimum?


I can't imagine that babies are born with a hankering for fries, macaroni and cheese and fried bits of chicken? Not that there is anything wrong with any of those in moderation! Do parents introduce such foods too soon and turn their mini-me's into monsters, making it difficult to not cave in to stop the screams and tears when kids want that stuff at every meal? Maybe it's like an addiction, making chicken nuggets the gateway food to poor nutrition. If these study findings released last year are correct, I'll just put carrot sticks in paper that is covered with arches... Have any of you managed to rear children who eat more than grilled cheese?


It's clear that I have given this too much thought, especially since my two "children" have fur and floppy ears. Matter of fact, here's a picture I took of my "kids," Bailey (left), 10 months and Bree, 11 years old. Yeah, I know, I know. The picture isn't food-related. But, darnit if they aren't the sweetest...

New Asian-fusion restaurant: Apsara in Blue Ash

Check out Polly Campbell's review here, and the video shot and edited by yours truly. I didn't get a chance to sample any of the food, unfortunately, but the Playboy roll smelled pretty amazing.

Mmm...brunch...

One of the pleasant surprises I discovered upon moving to Cincinnati 3 1/2 years ago was the large number of breakfast/brunch/lunch-only restaurants here -- there's nothing I love more than a leisurely weekend brunch. It's a pretty competitive market, as evidenced by this press release I received from First Watch today. (I like First Watch and everything and will probably sign up for this if only to get a free meal, but I think my favorite "daytime-only" eatery is Daybreak in Hyde Park Plaza. What's yours?)

FIRST WATCH GETS CONNECTED WITH NEW WEBSITE AND CUSTOMER E-LOYALTY PROGRAM

Daytime Café Rewards Customers with e-Loyalty on June 18

BRADENTON, FLA. (June 19, 2007) – First Watch, the nation’s fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant, enhances its commitment to serving "You First" with the launch of a new website and customer e-loyalty program on Monday, June 18.

"Our new website is a way to effectively communicate all that First Watch has to offer through a consistent image and brand," said Chris Tomasso, Chief Marketing Officer for First Watch Restaurants, Inc. "We are also pleased to become more connected with our customers through our new e-loyalty program."

First Watch is now expanding its community of customers by launching the First Watch Sun eClub, an e-mail-based customer loyalty program. Sun eClub provides incentives to regular First Watch guests by sending e-mails with the latest company happenings, featured menu items and even personalized greetings on birthdays and anniversaries. Customers can register online or at any First Watch restaurant, and they will receive a free menu item for signing up.

The new website, www.firstwatch.com, is a user-friendly, visually appealing and interactive solution for guests seeking more information about First Watch restaurants. The site now features vivid pictures of First Watch menu items, enhanced printable carry-out menus for each of the more than 70 locations, a search function, and an online newsbureau equipped with a downloadable media kit and an image request section. Reinforcing First Watch’s commitment to freshness and health, the site also features full nutritional information and highlights the menu’s gluten-free options.

First Watch offers a smoke-free, attractive environment and specializes in daytime dining with unique breakfast, brunch and lunch creations freshly prepared to order. The company recently introduced its new Sunrise Select Premium Blend of 100% Columbian coffee, hand-selected for its rich worldly flavors and pleasant aromas. Complimentary WiFi Internet access is also available at all First Watch restaurants.

First Watch Restaurants, Inc. is one of the largest, privately owned, daytime-only restaurant companies in the United States. Headquartered in Bradenton, Fla., First Watch has set the standard for quality daytime dining since its inception in 1983. It is the frequent recipient of "Best Of" accolades in cities where it operates. Currently operating 74 restaurants in 11 states, general expansion plans call for several new locations to open in 2007.