Tasty Travels

Hello Blogosphere, it's your old friend Kristin! Remember me?
I know it seems like I've abandoned you and I am incredibly sorry. I promise I had a good reason.
(A really good reason...Exciting news to come in my next post!)

Part of my absence was due to job-related travel, which whisks me away each autumn on a series of travel adventures. Although I miss the kitchen at times like these, I sure do enjoy the opportunities it provides to discover tasty eating establishments across the country.

Last year I documented my Top Travel Meals of 2012. I now bring you, the delicious discoveries of 2013.

3. Which Wich

http://www.whichwich.com  

Multiple locations

 Remember when Mom used to send you to school with a made-with-love turkey sammie in a brown paper bag? This place brings you back to those carefree days, except you call the shots. This build-your-own sandwich shop was my favorite lunch shop when I was on the road. When you enter the restaurant, you grab a paper bag and select the meats, toppings, breads, etc. that you want. Next, you hand the bag to the wonderful sandwich-creators and they build your hoagie (with love) right before your eyes. I've been craving this place ever since I got home. Delish.

2. Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups

http://www.justins.com 

This is definitely not a meal, but it was my favorite late-night snack on the road. It was included in a thank-you basket that I received at a meeting and I found it at the bottom of my purse one evening, just a chocolate craving struck. It was so incredible that I couldn't resist sharing.

3. Beaujo's Pizza

Denver, CO

http://www.beaujos.com

 

This place focusses on deep-dish pizza, but I was delighted by the wonderful alternative options that this little gem offers! I met up with an old family friend one afternoon while in Denver, and she suggested that we meet at Beaujo's. I was thrilled to see both gluten-free and dairy-free options on the menu! I built my own pizza with gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese, topped with grilled chicken and spinach. It was delicious!

Where have I been?

It may appear that I've dropped off the face of the earth for the past month and that's because I have (or at least I feel like it). The past month has consisted of nonstop travel for my job and has taken me away from the kitchen turned me into a take-out or table-for-one eat-in type of gal. As I wrap up travel season 2012, I reenter the blog world with a list of my top travel meals.

Top Travel Meals of 2012

7. Snacks, snacks, snacks. 

Okay, so it's not technically a meal but I would be lost without these treats. Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Luna Bars, Smucker's Peanut Butter mini packets, and apples. 

6. Hampton Inn's Hot and Ready Breakfast

Free for guests and always ready when you are. Yum. 

5. Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich

This is the best fast-food option out there. The service is great, the food is tasty, and the restaurants are always clean. They also have free wi-fi.  Chick-fil-A may not be the most ideal spot to answer emails, but it's a great option when you need it!

4. Caribou Coffee Breakfast

When I was in Denver, someone recommended that I try out Caribou Coffee. (It is a large chain but hasn't made it's way to my neck of the woods.) My flight out of Denver left at 8:00am, which meant that I had to get to the airport extra early to return my rental car, check in, and find my gate. By the time I found my gate I was hungry for breakfast and saw a Caribou Coffee. I wandered inside and was delighted to find a variety of oatmeal on the menu (my favorite). Oatmeal with almonds to warm my belly while the airline staff de-iced my plane...yes please!

3. Panera Bread's You-Pick-Two Combos

I always stand in front of the counter for a few minutes, staring at the menu with a dazed look on my face because everything always looks so good. You can pick any two of Panera's soups, salads, or half sandwiches, combined with a side of chips, bread, or an apple. I always opt for the soup and the apple, but the second option always stumps me. Free wi-fi, coffee, tea...Panera is a good place to go to lunch, get some work done, but feel cozy and relaxed the entire time.

2. The Brigantine, Coronado, CA

A few weeks ago I found myself with a free afternoon in San Diego and I knew I'd be stupid not to search out some seafood. With the help of the sweet little lady at the guest information center, I enjoyed a fresh catch and a wonderful seaside afternoon. 

1. Subway's Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich

Sure it may not be the fanciest of fare, but this trusty entree has been my main go-to meal when I'm in a rush. It's fresh, it's filling, it can be thrown into an oversized purse and nibbled on when a spare moment arises. It seems that you can spot a Subway on every corner from LA to NYC.

June 12-Food Truck Frenzy

I've noticed the ever-growing popularity of the food truck frenzy in movies and on television, but I had yet to try one of these tasty eateries-on-wheels myself until this past week. When my husband and I heard that about 35 food trucks would be rolling by, we decided that an afternoon downtown was a must.  

When I saw the varieties of unique establishments, I was like a kid at a carnival. There were so many tempting trucks to choose from, we decided to walk by each one before we made any decisions (Otherwise, we may have sampled everything...seriously).  

    Stop #1: The Green Truck                                              My husband and I both dubbed The Green Truck our favorite truck of the 35 truck lineup. This little establishment serves only organic food, and the entire kitchen is solar powered. Besides caring for the planet, The Green Truck also offered delicious food!

 Stop # 2: The Hungry Nomad                    One of our signature date nights as a couple is searching for the best Middle-Eastern restaurants that we can find. We've even been known to drive an hour away just to try a new spot that someone suggested. Naturally, we had to stop for a little something from The Hungry Nomad.                                                                                           

Stop #3: The Rolling Sushi Van                At first I was a little leery about sushi from a truck. My love for sushi and my hunger for adventure convinced me to try it out. I'm glad I did...Yum. I love sushi. 

Stop #4: The Mighty Boba Truck                  And finally, to end the adventure, we stopped for boba tea. The Mighty Boba Truck had a lot of great flavors to choose from. We opted for PinaColada and Passion Green Tea. A very refreshing way to battle the 95 degree heat.