Monday, September 14, 2009

Burgers, French Fries & A Salad

The other day a friend of mine asked me and the toddler to join her and her toddler for an early lunch at The Counter. I usually don't like to go to a restaurant that pretty much only serves burgers, as I'm not a big burger eater and I like to have some healthier options. (I should note that there is a veggie burger on the menu, so that is probably a healthier option, and you can also get your burger without a bun in a bowl.)

Before going, I looked at their menu online and decided pretty much what the toddler and I would get. Since I knew that my friend's toddler would get his own meal, I knew that meant I had to order my toddler his own meal as well. I wanted the toddler to get something he would like, but I also didn't want to waste a lot of food.

The toddler got the mini burgers with french fries from the kids' menu. Tons of french fries, no?!!

He ended up eating quite a few french fries and a few bites of one of the burgers. I ate the other burger. I also had some fries.

I got the side salad with sun dried tomato vinaigrette on the side. The salad was basic but good. The toddler ate one of the tomato slices.

Both the toddler and I drank water. Our total bill came to less than $10 before tax and tip. While our meal wasn't the healthiest, I think it was okay. I think it's important to show kids that it's okay to eat at a burger place once in a while, but that you don't have to go overboard.

When we told hubby and the teenager that we had gone to The Counter without them, they weren't very happy. They both pointed out that I always say no to burger places... So I see a family outing to The Counter in our future... Not sure how healthy hubby and the teenager will keep it...

Questions: What are your strategies at burger places? Do you get it "all?" Do you split an order? When we were there, we actually saw a group of four girls split an order of sweet potato fries and two hamburgers. The cook had cut the burgers in half and served them on separate plates. I thought splitting fries and a burger was an excellent strategy to keep it healthier. Plus it saves money!

Be well,
Andrea