bites of bull city
THE AUTHOR IS
THE CREATOR AND
WRITER OF THE LOCAL DURHAM FOOD AND RESTAURANT NEWS
BLOG, BITES OF BULL CITY (BITESOFBULLCITY.COM).
Palate Pleasers B Y A M B ER WAT S ON
B
EING A PARENT AND A FOODIE can sometimes be a challenge. Let’s face it, the term “foodie” is definitely not synonymous with what you find on a standard kids’ menu. For my husband and me, it’s especially complicated because we’re foster parents and have had kids of different ages and varying tastes stay with us over the past two years. Throughout this time, we’ve had to figure out creative ways to please both our desire for good local food and some of our kids’ more limited preferences. Luckily, we’ve discovered some strategies that make everyone happy.
THE FUN OF BUILD-YOUR-OWN
The fast-casual trend of build-your-own bowl or meal isn’t only great for young professionals and students on the go. It’s also fun for kids who want to control exactly what’s on their plate. Customizable options are also a great solution for groups of friends who may have conflicting preferences. Our family likes creating our own arepas at Guasaca. Picky eaters can go basic with grilled chicken, rice, cheese and sour cream, and then 40
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durhammag.com
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august 2018
work their way up to one of my favorite combinations: shredded beef, black-eyed peas, caramelized onions, plantains and mustard sauce (and a side of chips with guasaca dip, of course). If you love sushi, but your kids (or less adventurous adult friends/family) don’t, you can compromise at ZenFish. There’s the option to create a beautiful vegetarian bowl or to get cooked shrimp as the protein. Our 10-year-old prefers the flavorful cooked crawfish paired with fruits and veggies like mangos, carrots and edamame, while we opt for the raw salmon and tuna. We’re all big fans of mixing in the housemade eel sauce to give it a sweet note. And now that there is a kid-sized bowl on the menu for $5, it’s become a favorite stop for all of us. If you have a more adventurous eater, consider Iteawon Grill on Erwin Road: Build-your-own Korean barbecue bowl and add your preferred spice level and toppings. Or check out the Indian lunch buffet nearby at Naan Stop. After digging into her favorites like paneer and aloo (potato) masala during the lunch buffet, we literally need to pry our daughter away from the gulab jamun (fried drops of milk powder dunked in sugar syrup).
PLACES TO EAT & PLAY
Dining outside in Durham is a treat for the whole family. That’s the appeal of spots like Bull McCabes in the Five Points district, which has plenty of picnic tables outside and a fenced-in grassy area to roam. It’s relaxing at the same time as being very social. With pub food that ranges from loaded French fries for little snackers to a tall Reuben sandwich for hungry adults, there’s something for everyone. County Fare offers a similar setup in the Lakewood area. A fenced-in lawn with outdoor games like bocce and cornhole provides space for kids