Stock up on these bulk products to shave time off your lunch-packing routine

Heading back to school is an exciting time for parents but the novelty of packing school lunches wears off pretty quickly. Between navigating picky palettes and keeping the pantry stocked for kids who love an after-school snack sesh, a Costco strategy is in order. The next time you hit up the warehouse, take our list of the best Costco products for school lunches to make packing mid-day meals easier than ever.

 

Soft & Chewy Granola Bars

Tossing in a granola bar is pretty much a must when it comes to rounding out a school lunch. This bulk option from Costco is free of artificial flavors or colors and is great for either a snack at recess or a dessert thanks to the real chocolate chips.

Price: $11.99 for 64 bars

 

Sabra Smart Snackers

Pack some extra protein with these smart snacks that come with ample hummus and pretzels. If your kiddos can’t eat the entire thing, it’s easy to split up a pack by scooping out half the hummus to save for the next day. You can also mix it up by sending it with pita chips or baby carrots to keep your lunches fresh and exciting.

Price: $8.99 for 6

 

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

When it comes to the best Costco groceries for easy school lunches, you don’t want to miss these Pure Organic bars on your next trip. Amazingly priced in bulk, these delicious snacks pack tons of real fruit and are easy to eat without getting your hands all sticky.

Price: $15.99 for 28

 

Variety Snack Box

Variety is the spice of life when you’re packing lunches all week. That’s why this box packed with bars, dried fruit, trail mix, and nuts will keep your kids on their toes. Just be sure your school is safe with the nut options!

Price: $32.99 for 51

 

ZBars

There are granola bars and there are ZBars—and kids know the difference. These organic snacks come in three flavors that are half the price of buying them at the grocery store or even Target, which makes them a must on your next Costco run.

Price: $24.99 for 36

 

Busseto California Snackin’ Bite Size Salami & Provolone Cheese

These California Snackin’ packs work just as great for a main dish as they do a snack for school lunches. They come packed with pre-sliced cheese and salami and pair great with a veggie and some dip. Lunch is served!

Price: $11.99 for 8

 

Taylor Farms Carrot Chips, Broccoli & Celery Snack Pack

Parents don’t love chopping veggies, especially if their kids don’t end up eating them! That’s why these snack packs, that come with a big side of Ranch dressing, are a sure thing! They include carrot chips, broccoli, and celery and can easily be split into smaller portions to last even longer.

Price: $9.98 for 6

 

Pacific Gold Original Beef Jerky Snack Packs

Meat eaters will love these pre-portioned packs of beef jerky. Each pack is gluten-free and smoked with real wood. They are great for young athletes who need a little extra protein and work wonders for kids who love a lunch with lots of sides instead of a large main dish.

Price: $21.99 for 12

 

Nutella & Go with Breadsticks

Admittedly, these are a treat that may not make it into your cart every Costco run. They made our list because they come in at $1 a piece (which is much cheaper than a grocery store) and are just a nice way to add something fun to surprise your hard-working kids!

Price: $19.99 for 16

 

Kiwi Chips

Kids tired of boring banana chips? Try these Kiwi chips! They are gluten- and nut-free and pack a fun sour punch that will mix up lunchtime in a big way.

Price: $9.99 for 5.29 ounces/Equal to 12 Kiwi per bag

 

Balanced Breaks

Are these glorified versions of Lunchables that adults love? Yes. Are they perfect for packing for any kids, but especially your older ones? Also yes. The pack of 12 comes in at less than $1 each thanks to the bulk pricing and is great for taking the work out of slicing and dicing.

Price: $10.99 for 12

 

Kirkland Lunch Meat Variety Pack

Deli meat is one of the grocery items that has skyrocketed in price these days, and that’s why this three-pack will save parents money and time from having to make multiple trips. Deli meat freezes beautifully and works great for sandwiches, pitas, and rollups.

Price: $14.49 for 3 varieties

 

Bel Gioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese

Tired of string cheese? These delicious mozzarella snackers are individually packaged (and easy to open) and make a great serving of dairy for lunch.

Price: $9.99 for 24

 

Fresh Additions Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites

Costco school lunch ideas have never made more sense than these fully-cooked chicken bites.  They are great for tossing on a salad, adding to precooked pasta, or just serving alone. They also work perfectly for parent lunches and last-minute dinners!

Price: $14.89 for 8 packs

 

Spirella Minis Artisanal Meat & Mozzarella Cheese Rolls

Great for kids who love charcuterie boards, this pack of meat and cheese rolls comes with two types of meat and creamy mozzarella. Toss a few into your kid’s lunches alongside some crackers, veggies, and fruit and you have a well-rounded meal that does not involve hours spent rolling prosciutto.

Price: $15.79 for 30

 

Three Bridges Cheese Bacon Egg Bites

Forget brinner, these egg bites work great for packed brunches! Fully cooked, these can be heated up in the morning and then stored in a thermos or foil to keep warm for lunch. Pack a little salsa on the side and your kids have a great meal!

Price: $11.99 for 4

 

Big Roll Wrapped Grilled Seaweed Roll Snacks

For the kids who just can’t get enough seaweed snacks, we introduce you to grilled seaweed rolls! This huge box comes with 54 of them and three flavors that include BBQ sauce and spicy in addition to classic. These are perfect for mixing up lunchtime as you know it.

Price: $12.99 for 54

 

 

 

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All images courtesy of retailers.

You’ll actually be excited to start making school lunches again

Whether you don’t want summer to end or you’re ready to get back into a routine, everyone is heading back to school. Once the school supply shopping is done, it’s time to focus on the next dreaded task: school lunches. After the initial creativity has worn off, rely on these easy-to-grab items from Trader Joe’s. From pre-packaged salami and cheese packs to tiny cucumbers that require no slicing and dicing, you can count on some of the best Trader Joe’s items for school lunches to keep your game going strong.

Note: Be sure to follow your school’s rules regarding whether nuts can be included in school lunches as we want to keep all kids safe! 

 

Cinnamon Schoolhouse Cookies

What better way to get back in the academic spirit than these fun alphabet cookies? Crunchy and cinnamon-y, they make a great option for snack time during the school day, or as a way to finish off lunch. Better yet, you can spell out a fun message that your kiddos can figure out at school!

 

Genoa Salame & Provolone Cheese Packs

Gluten free and perfectly portioned, these Genoa Salame and Provolone Cheese packs are great for packing protein. We like them especially for kids who tend to eat charcuterie style or as a late afternoon snack for athletes heading to practice.

 

Hummus & Pita Chips

Trader Joe’s

No need to scoop out hummus and bag up pita chips with this ready-made package. Grab some baby carrots to round out this snack (there’s a LOT of hummus in each one) and toss in an ice pack to keep cold and you’re halfway to a healthy lunch with minimal effort.

 

PB&J Snack Duo

Kids tired of boring PB&J? These lunchbox snack packs are one of the best Trader Joe’s items for school lunches. Each one comes with tons of raspberry jam and thanks to the rolled wafer sticks, this is a relatively mess-less lunch option. Be sure to check if peanut butter is ok at your school’s lunch tables before you send it in your child’s lunch!

 

Mozzarella Cheese Snackers

Trader Joe's mozzarella cheese snackers

Move over, string cheese. These mozzarella cheese snackers are the perfect way to up your lunch box game and bring a fresh twist. They are individually packaged and are great for on-the-go.

 

Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

If you’re lucky enough to find a box of these crackers, buy 2! But seriously, these Mini (almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich crackers are a snacker’s delight. They are filled with a cream cheese filling and the perfect mix of savory and sweet.

Yogurt Squishers

Trader Joe's yogurt squishers

Skip the spoon and toss in a yogurt squisher in your lunch boxes this year. Sure, this product has been around for years, but there’s no denying the convenience of indulging in yogurt straight from the tube. Plus, it’s just a darn good fun way to get your kids to get their daily dose of dairy. We like to freeze these so they are perfectly thawed by the time lunch rolls around.

 

Cereal Bars

Every parent needs a go-to snack and Trader Joe’s cereal bars are it. The grocer’s cereal bars are made with organic grains and are free from hydrogenated oils. They come in fun flavors like Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Fig, and even seasonal options like Pumpkin. They are great for just tossing in the lunchbox for either snack or lunchtime.

 

Salame Sticks

Trader Joe's salami sticks

These salame sticks are great for adding extra protein. The chewable snack is somewhere between a piece of beef jerky and a salami slice and tastes great all on its own or dunked in a tasty dip.

 

Dried Fruit Bars

Trader Joe's dried fruit bars

Let’s be honest, sometimes the only way to get kids to eat fruit is in the form of a bar, and that’s ok. If you’re trying to get in the daily dose of fruit, these fruit bars are a great option. They are shelf-stable and come in flavors that include Apple Raspberry, Apple Mango, Apple Apricot, and Apple Strawberry. Oh, and they’re gluten-free, too!

 

Plantain Chips

We all need a little treat for lunch now and then! Despite being drizzled with chocolate, these chips are actually made from plantains so are a tad bit healthier than a potato version. Your kids will love the salty and sweet combo!

 

Teeny Tiny Cukes

Trader Joe's qukes

When it comes to one of the best Trader Joe’s items for school lunches, these Qukes are a winner. The teeny, tiny cucumbers make for a great dipper and require no cutting before your kids can enjoy.

 

Many Things Snack Mix

Trader Joe's many things snack crackers

When everyone gets tired of the same chip and pretzels, check out TJ’s Many Things snack mix! It’s made with lots of savory, crunchy treats like bread chips, corn stickers, spicy and honey butter cereal squares, and more. It’s a great way to add variety without having to pack 10 different chip options.

 

Freeze Dried Fruit

Trader Joe's
Trader Joe’s

Don’t sleep on this sweet option that’s fun to include in your Bento box lunch. You’ll find tons of different freeze-dried fruits available like strawberries, mangoes, raspberries, and bananas.

 

This no-brainer crock pot recipe is as easy as it can get

For an easy dinner, nothing beats relying on your crock pot. This crock pot chicken recipe—from Phyllis Good’s new book, Stock the Crock—is truly a slice of heaven. Convenient, delicious, and adaptable to Paleo diets, we’re betting this recipe will soon become a part of your nightly rotation. Read on for the crock pot recipe below, and then check out her book by clicking here.

You’ll need a 6 qt. oval slow cooker
Serves 4 to 5
Prep: 10 to 15 minutes
Cook: 4 to 5 hours.

Chicken Crock Pot Recipe Ingredients:

1 lemon, sliced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4- to 5-pound whole chicken
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1⁄2 to 2 cups chicken broth (make your own, page 256) or dry white wine, or a combination of the two
3⁄4 to 1 pound gluten-free noodles, cooked, optional
1⁄2 pound peeled baby carrots, cooked, optional
1 1⁄2 cups peas, cooked, optional
fresh toppers: fresh rosemary and lemon slices

Method:

1. Grease the interior of the slow cooker crock with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place the lemon slices and rosemary sprigs into the cavity of the chicken.

3. Holding the chicken over the crock, sprinkle salt and pepper all over the bird. Place it in the prepared crock.

4. Pour the chicken broth and/or white wine down along the sides of the crock so you don’t wash the seasoning off the chicken.

5. Cover. Cook on Low 4 to 5 hours, or until the legs move freely and an instant-read meat thermometer stuck into the breast (but not against the bone) registers 160°F or stuck into the thickest part of a thigh (but not against the bone) registers 175°F.

6. Remove and discard the lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Cut up the chicken, and serve with noodles, carrots, and peas, if desired. Add fresh rosemary and lemon slices, if desired. Reserve the broth for gravy or as a soup base for another meal.

Good to Know: Simple Swaps

Add 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder in addition to salt and pepper in Step 3. After seasoning, put the chicken in the crock, breast down, and sprinkle in a pinch of saffron just before cooking. Saffron isn’t cheap, but it really boosts the wonderful flavor of this chicken!

For more broth, add 3 to 4 cups of water in Step 4.

Place half of an onion into the cavity of the chicken in Step 2 for additional flavor. Remove it in Step 6 before cutting up the chicken.

How to Make It Paleo-Friendly

Use sea salt instead of iodized salt.

Eat the chicken with vegetables (remember, no legumes, potatoes, or grains) for one main meal and with fresh salad ingredients for another (steering clear of commercial salad dressings, of course).

 

Phyllis Good is the most trusted name for slow-cooker recipes. According to the New York Times, her books have sold more copies in the US than the combined works of popular Food Network hosts Ina Garten, Giada De Laurentiis, and Jamie Oliver. With her new cookbook Stock the Crock (Oxmoor House, September 2017, $21.99), Good has compiled 100 delicious must-have recipes as well as 200 easy-to-follow variations for any dietary preference (gluten-free, paleo, vegan, etc.). Crowd-sourced from Good’s massive fan base and tried-and-tested by Good herself, the recipes in this book promise to be made time and again.

Excerpted from Stock the Crock by Phyllis Good. Copyright © 2017 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Time Inc. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

 

What do moms really want on Mother’s Day? In addition to spending time with family, kicking up her feet and avoiding the kitchen is probably high on that list! Celebrate mom by giving her day off with these local restaurants that are offering dining, delivery and special take out options for Mother’s Day brunch. Support our local restaurants and mom at the same time!

San Francisco

Bluestem Restaurant & Market has introduced a new make-at-home mix version of their legendary Brown Butter Cornbread with Honey Butter providing a fun-activity for budding new chefs to make with Mom for brunch on her special day. 
$15 for mix online order or pick-up in market Tues-Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
 
Amoura | San Francisco
Popular family-owned Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in South San Francisco will be open for Mother’s Day brunch to celebrate with mezze, kebabs and their entire a la carte menu. A number of Mother’s Day specials will also be on offer including: classic Eggs Benedict, Salmon & Prawns with Garlic Lemon Sauce or Grilled Lamb Chops.
 
International Smoke | San Francisco
Michael Mina & Ayesha Curry turn Mother’s Day into a weekend-long celebration, featuring two holiday specials alongside its a la carte dinner menu from May 6 – May 8. Specials include a Chicken & Waffle dish with crispy croquette, buttermilk waffle, pea tendrils and Sambal-maple syrup ($24) and an indulgent Maine Lobster Udon Carbonara with smoked pork belly, hen egg and parmesan ($42).

A mom and her two daughters enjoy afternoon tea at the St Francis Westin
Christine Lai

Mother's Day Tea at the Westin St. Francis | San Francisco

Both decadent and delectable, afternoon tea at the Westin St. Francis is an experience Mom won't forget any time soon! Artisan teas, sandwiches and scones are on the menu and she also takes home a beautiful bouquet of flowers. May 7 & 8, 12-2 p.m. 

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The Vault Garden | San Francisco

Enjoy seasonal appetizers, a choice of entrees, and delicious desserts for the table with options like Bay Shrimp Salad, Soft Scrambled Eggs & Caviar Company Trout Roe, Pineapple Cupcake, and, for the kids, a “Mini” Vault Burger.

555 California St

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Canela | San Francisco

Canela is offering moms the choice of being spoiled at home with offerings like its Savory Raclette Kit ($74) to delight mom throughout her special day and even a Mom's Night Off Dinner Meal kit ($195). Lunch and dinner are available for indoor and outdoor dining. Reservations can be made here.

2272 Market Street

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LA MAR | San Francisco

La Mar Cebichería Peruana is a tribute to one of the cornerstones of Peruvian cuisine, cebiche, and the environment created to enjoy it in, the cebichería. Mother’s Day buffet this year ($109 per person) includes shared plates of Bandeja La Mar and Bandeja Caliente; main courses such as Camarones Picantes: jumbo shrimp and squid ink spaghetti stewed in turmeric-aji Amarillo sauce. For dessert, there's Bandeja de Postres: dulce de leche, chocolate mousse with caramelized quinoa and a purple corn pudding. The kid's menu is $29 and includes a panko crusted chicken with fried potatoes and Peruvian Chocolate Cake stuffed with dulce de leche, and vanilla ice cream.

Or purchase a La Mar at Home kit to cook at home! For $249, you can spoil mom with Cebiche Clasico, Empanada de Pollo, and Asado de Tira (bone-in short ribs slowly cooked in purple corn juice, aji panca and pineapple juice, accompanied with quinoa polenta, sautéed cabbage in olive oil and fried garlic).

Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero

East Bay

Woman holds a chocolate brioche
Lydia Daniller

Pomella | Oakland
Pomella is creating special a la carte brunch dishes for Mother’s Day, including Babka French Toast, Beef Hash, Granola parfait, and zucchini pancakes. Babka & a Bouquet will also be available for preorder, featuring Mica’s homemade Chocolate Babka and festive bouquets from a local florist.

3770 Piedmont Ave., Unit B
Oakland, CA

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Alley & Vine | Alameda
For Mother’s Day brunch (11:00am-2:30pm) on Sunday, May 8th, Alley & vine will offer a three-course menu with multiple options including a special kids menu to satisfy all the young ones in tow. Look for celebratory standouts like Dungeness Crab Cake served with a caper remoulade and frisee salad and Manjari Chocolate Pot de Creme. You can find the Mother’s Day brunch menu here ($55 per person) and kids Mother’s Day menu here ($25 per child).

1332 Park Street, Suite D
Alameda, CA

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alaMar | Oakland, CA

Celebrate mom with a crab or lobster feed from alaMar, paired perfectly with complimentary roses and a mini bottle of champagne.

100 Grand Ave #111
Oakland, CA

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Sobre Mesa | Oakland
Indoor dining & outdoor dining 

Chef Nelson German is cooking up unique dishes for mom, including a Braised Game Bird (similar to the dish he prepared on the first episode Top Chef Season 18), a specialty cocktail, and Mother’s Day macarons.

1618 Franklin St.
Oakland, CA

South Bay/Peninsula

A waiter pours soup into a bowl
Christine Lai

iChina | Santa Clara
East meets West in this new opulent, Great Gatsby-like restaurant (be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind downstairs bathroom) and there are plenty of ways here to celebrate the special mom in your life! Moms can enjoy a time honored luxurious tea ceremony, relax in Juiba for a craft cocktail, take in a decadent prix fixe meal or, for the ultimate experience, be immersed in Silicon Valley's only virtual reality dining room where all the senses are indulged. A special lunch service offered only on Mother's Day by talented executive chef Eddie Lam includes iChina Sheng Jian Bao, Sizzled Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Crab Benedict, Seared Dayboat Scallops, Taiwanese Braised Beef Short Rib Pappardelle, Wagyu steak and Eggs and more. 

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Aurum | Los Altos
Executive Chef Manish Tyagihas created a delicious four-course meal for Mother’s Day, which includes a Dahi Poor Mousse amuse bouche, Tandoori Duck Seekh Kebab, Fish Pollichathu, Roasted Lamb Loin, and Apple Jalebi Rabdi Parfait. The menu will be available at the restaurant for safe, onsite dining as well as for pickup and delivery. Moms dining at the restaurant will be welcomed with their choice of a mimosa or glass of bubbles. Reservations can be made here.

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 Celebrate mom over Wild Onion’s new brunch menu, featuring all of her favorite dishes like Fresh Berry Pancakes, Challah French Toast with Bailey Irish Creme Anglaise and Wild Onion’s Eggs Benedict.All of Chef Ray Garrow’s brunch entrees include a choice of Mimosas or Michelada - a treat not just for mom! 

A mother and daughter enjoy afternoon tea on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Christine Lai

Napa

Napa Valley Wine Train
Treat mom to a scenic train ride filled with all the delights of a traditional tea service but with a wine country twist. Savor fine sips, delicious bites and glorious vineyard views on this elegant experience. Check out our review here

Healdsburg

Spoonbar

h2hotel's signature restaurant is offering a special Mother's Day brunch menu complete with Dungeness crab benedict, wild Alaskan halibut, herb roasted scallops and more. Be sure to check out the whimsical water sculpture "Spoonfall" featuring 3,500 spoons! 

—Christine Lai & Kate Loweth

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Add a little (bunny) bounce to your Easter weekend activities at a restaurant serving Easter brunch. Whether you and your little “peeps” want to sit down to a three course meal of find a buffet bursting with the flavors of the season, these restaurants are serving up traditional (and not-so-traditional) meals so you can enjoy the day. Don’t forget to pack an Easter activity in your diaper bag. Read on to make your plans.

Goldfinch Tavern

Seattle easter brunch
Goldfinch Tavern

You can always count on the restaurants at finer hotels to provide an Easter feast. And this year, Goldfinch Tavern inside the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, will be serving a delish Easter Day brunch. The three-course meal will start with an appetizer buffet, featuring fresh seafood, yogurt parfaits and salads. Entrees will include Lemon Ricotta Ravioli, Lobster Frittata, Alaskan King or Dungeness Crab and prime rib. Choosing is the hard part here. A dessert trio buffet finishes off your meal, and will surely leave everyone happy.

Insider tip: Kids will love the Candy Bar they can use to fill their Easter baskets.

Hours: April 17, 2022; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $99/Adult; $35/Kid, 12 & under; $25 for bottomless mimosas

99 Union St.
Seattle, WA
206-749-7070
Online: goldfinchtavern.com

Ray's Boathouse

easter brunch seattle
via yelp

Whether you're looking to dine indoors or outdoor on the heated patio with a view, Easter with Ray's is a tradition for many Seattle families. And this year you can choose to graze at the grand holiday buffet that will be served at the Cafe upstairs, or sit down for a three-course, spring-inspired meal at the at the first floor Boathouse. Reservations are recommended no matter how you plan to spend your Easter morning, but if you've got antsy kids, we recommend the holiday buffet. It's where you'll find your favorite buffet fixings (think: appetizers, salads, desserts) plus the carving and seafood action stations. Families with older kiddos can try the three-course meals that's just as delicious, with a little less up and down. And you can always order from the children's menu in the Boathouse, if the Easter feast is a little too egg-citing.

Date: Apr. 17, 2022
Hours: Cafe: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Boathouse brunch: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Boathouse dinner: 3-8 p.m.
Cost: $70/person; $35/Kid (5-11) in the Cafe only

6049 Seaview Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-789-3770
Online: rays.com

Elliott's Oyster House

easter brunch seattle
Catherine Tonner / Elliott’s Oyster House

Take a break from preparing bunch for your bunny bunch when you sit down for a casual meal at Elliott's Oyster House at Pier 56. The views are second only to the creative cuisine they'll be serving that morning. The Alder Smoked Alaskan Salmon Scramble and the Crab Rosti will satisfy those looking for seafood. While the Sweet Cream French Toast or Biscuits and Gravy make great choices for kids. But if you've got an Elliott's favorite you totally craving, not to worry, their regular menu will be available too. Parent perk of this brunch? It's gotta be the pricing. Every dish is under $25.

Hours: Apr. 17, 2022; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

1201 Alaskan Way
Pier 56
Seattle, WA 98101
Online: elliottsoysterhouse.com

Eques – Hyatt Regency Bellevue

easter brunch seattle
Eques

From Tiramisu pancakes, to grits with Beecher’s cheese, to waffles with sundae toppings, Eques is known for serving up some seriously good eats seven days a week. And for Easter brunch, you can expect high-quality, locally sourced ingredients featuring classic comfort dishes with exciting Northwest flavors. Classic and festive dishes from the hot table and cold top will include Sweet Potato and Cashew Gratin, Seared Salmon with Beetroot Chimichurri, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breasts, alongside an array of sweet Easter treats and usual breakfast fare. For the little ones, there will be a special kid's menu with mac and cheese and chicken strips Reservations are required by calling 425-698-4100.

Hours: Apr. 17, 2022; 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $74/Adult; $40/Kid (5-12); Free, Kids 4 & under

900 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, WA
425-698-4100
Online: hyatt.com

Copperleaf Restaurant

easter brunch seattle
Copperleaf Restaurant

When you make a reservation for Easter brunch at the Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge, you can expect to enjoy a peaceful meal on a serene patio with your brunch bunch. Fresh and seasonal is what you'll find on this menu that's a definite crowd-pleaser. Served buffet style, you can start your feast with chef-prepared omelets that are made-to-order before wandering over to the carving station and grand seafood and shellfish buffet. The grazing table will make your charcuterie heart happy and the kids will flip for the donut wall that is part of the sweet tooth endings. Reservations are recommended at this hot spot.

Hours: Apr. 17, 2022; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $80/Adult; $30/Kid (6-12)

Cedarbrook Lodge
18525 36th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA
206-214-4282 or on Opentable
Online: cedarbrooklodge.com

The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa

easter brunch seattle
Kristina Moy

With outstanding views of the Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie River, The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa provides a first-of-the-season experience. The brunch menu will feature Pacific Northwest cuisine paired with local, homegrown flavors and the best ingredients and refined cooking techniques. Start your meal with freshly baked pastries and assorted fruits, before moving onto the first course of Spring Carrot Soup, Smoked Duck Salad or Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes. Then, indulge in your choice of main courses: Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin, Vegetarian Croque Madame and Smoked Ham Shank Eggs Benedict are a few of the creative options. Psst...be sure to save room for dessert! This year it will be a Carrot Cake we're sure every bunny will love.

Good to know: The Dining Room will be closed for reservations from April 3-7.

Hours: Apr. 17, 2022; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $95/Adult; $35/Kid (5-10)

The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa
6501 Railroad Ave. S.E.
Snoqualmie, WA
800-272-5474
Online: salishlodge.com

Metropolitan Grill

Catherine Tonner / Metropolitan Grill

Celebrate Easter at home with Metropolitan Grill's oven-ready, at-home meals. Each pre-packaged meal comes with everything you need to feed two people, including roasted rosemary fingerling and sweet potatoes, harrrisa and maple-glazed baby carrots, baby spinach salad with braised pork belly, sourdough bread with butter and a baked apple crisp for a sweet finish to your meal. The mains are where Metropolitan Grill really shines. Expect expertly prepared mains like Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish, Hazelnut Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Kurobuta Ham with Orange Ginger Glaze to be the highlight of your at-home feast. Meals start at $165.

Good to know: Order by April 13, 2022 for pick-up on April 16, between noon and 4 p.m.

820 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA
206-624-3287
Online: themetropolitangrill.com/easter-celebration

The Restaurant at Alderbrook

Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Make memories with your kids this Easter while enjoying a casual brunch on the Hood Canal. Although The Restaurant at Alderbrook is currently undergoing a facelift, the Terrace has been transformed into a scenic spot for families to enjoy this seasonal favorite. The restaurant is known for showcasing local seafood harvested from Puget Sound and Hood Canal with savory creations, so you know Easter brunch is going to be fantastic! This year it will be the traditional brunch classics with a few seasonal dishes to make it extra special.

Good to know: Plan to stay at the resort over Easter weekend to make your celebration egg-stra special. They'll have eggs hidden around the property for families who are staying on-property to find.

7101 Washington 106
Union, WA 
306-898-5500
Online: alderbrookresort.com

Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grills

easter brunch seattle
Salty's on Alki via Yelp

Seattle families can enjoy their annual Easter brunch at Salty's on Alki at the restaurant or at home this year. The Easter brunch menu features an array of Northwest local seafoods (think: Dungeness crab legs, Black Tiger prawns and Puget Sound clams and mussels) and iconic faves like Belgian waffles, pancakes and French toast, alongside creative drinks and decadent desserts that will leave tummies full and happy for the day. Hop over to Salty’s online menu to see even more tantalizing dishes planned for this year’s feast. Reservations are encouraged for in-house dining. 

2022 Update: Salty's is still in the planning stages for Easter Brunch.

Alki
1936 Harbor Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-937-1600
Online: saltys.com

Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge

easter brunch seattle
Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge via yelp

Eat with a view at this 16th floor restaurant atop the Lotte Hotel downtown. Brunch here is full of culinary surprises that parents will love, and kids will find many of their go-to favorites on the kid's menu (think: buttered noodles and PB&J). Make your mouth happy with the amuse before diving into the prix-fix, four course meal that features PNW cuisine. Poached Chilean Sea Bass and Anderson Ranch Lamb are a couple of the enticing entrees you'll find on the menu. Don't forget to pair it with spritzers ($25) for the perfect balance.  

2022 Update: Easter brunch plans are still being made here.

Lotte Hotel
809 5th Ave.
Seattle WA
206-800-8110 or at Resy
Online: lottehotel.com/seattle-hotel/

Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing & Ivar’s Acres of Clams

easter brunch seattle
Warren Y. via Yelp

2022 update: Ivar's is still in the planning stages for Easter brunch.

For an Easter brunch that is uniquely Northwest, Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing and Ivar’s Acres of Clams, on the downtown Seattle waterfront, are offering a robust Easter brunch buffet. Indulge in Alaskan salmon, mussels, clams, crab legs, crepes, prime rib and all the other usual breakfast suspects at Ivar's Acres of Clams and Ivar's Salmon House. For those who prefer a sit down-style meal, the Mukilteo Landing will be serving a plated version of their brunch. Psst! Keep an eye out for Ivar’s famous Easter Clam (yep, we told you this was a uniquely Northwest Easter brunch).

Ivar’s Salmon House
401 N.E. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98105
Reservations: 206-632-0767 or online

Mukilteo Landing (next to Mukilteo Ferry Dock)
710 Front St.
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Reservations: 425-742-6180 or online

Ivar’s Acres of Clams
1001 Alaskan Way–Pier 54
Seattle, WA 98104
206-624-6852 or online

Online: ivars.com

—Allison Sutcliffe, Kristina Moy & Katie Kavulla

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Want to be more productive? You might want to consider becoming a morning person. We asked a handful of entrepreneurial San Francisco Bay Area mothers to share what they do to launch into a successful day (or week), and yup, getting up early was on the list for these organized moms. Here are 10 tasks these boss mamas check off their to-do list before 10 a.m.

iStock

Get the kids on board.

When Erin Wallace's children were 7 and 9, she started teaching them to pack their own lunches each morning, so she had time to prepare for work. "I made sure there were some easy-to-grab basics like baby carrots, chips and fruit, but otherwise left them to pack what they wanted," says Wallace, brand director at thredUP. "Instead of micromanaging their efforts, I let them know there were occasional surprise inspections, and that I needed their lunches to be reasonably healthy and well-balanced. If they passed inspections, they were eligible for 'nutrition-free Friday,' when I promised to look the other way, and they packed themselves whatever they wanted." Wallace said she was surprised how motivated her kids were by this task and found their Friday lunches were funnier than they were unhealthy: dry cereal to Nutella sandwiches and stale Halloween candy.

Workout a window

"Once a week on Fridays, my husband takes my daughter to school, and I do a quick at-home workout in the time that it normally takes me to drop her off at school," says Connie Wong, president and founder of Moderne Press public relations. "This lets me get a cardio workout—albeit short—in at least once a week."

iStock

Make the most of every moment.

Stylist and editor Cat Dash is used to being on the go. So, when she's tied down nursing her newborn daughter Coco each morning, she makes the most of her downtime by listening to an audiobook. "So I feel like I'm doing something productive," says Dash. Having an electric kettle on hand also makes it easier for her to heat a quick cup of tea, which always feels like an indulgence in those early baby stages.

Set an alarm for me time.

Lisa Jackson, co-owner of Morningtide shop in Albany wakes up 15 minutes before her boys are out of bed. "I can wash my face, get dressed and take care of myself before taking care of the kids," says Jackson.

Megan Small Photography

Eat, drink and be a better mommy

Jackson's morning self-care routine also includes drinking a big glass of water. "It's always been a habit of mine since I was a kid—my mom made me do this every morning—and I feel like it wakes my body and mind up." Jackson also makes breakfast a priority. "I like to make a giant green or fruit smoothie. Many times I will make extra French toast, pancakes, or waffles and freeze them so it's super easy to heat up on a school morning," she says. "Sometimes I'll have the kids add fruit or something so they feel like they helped make their own breakfast."

Skip the guilt trip

Kelsey Schmidt, director of marketing and partnerships for Elise Green, starts her morning routine every night before she goes to bed. "After the baby goes to sleep, I make his bottles and get anything he needs to be organized for the next day," she says. But she also accepts help, without feeling guilty. "Our daycare opens at 6:30 a.m. and most days I'm waiting there at 6:20 to drop him off. That way I can get the rest of my morning sorted out without the distractions of a little human."

Unsplash

Up your list game.

Catherine Weis, founder of the gifting company Bestowe makes a list with three columns every Monday morning. "Column one has the easy-to-do tasks that I know I need to do. Column two has the bigger tasks. Column three is the day of the week," she says. "In column three, I take one big task and place it there and fill in the smaller tasks everywhere else. It's like taking big stones and putting them in a jar and filling up the rest with pebbles."

An organized kid equals an organized mom.

But Weis isn't the only list maker in the household. On Monday mornings once her weekly list is set, she sits down with her son to help him create one of his own. "We make a list for things that he can do to help out the family, house, himself," says Weis. "This is usually daily and tends to coincide with what he has to do that day: if it's school, we talk about when he wants to shower, read, etc. so that we can all manage expectations."

Michael King Photography

Take time to meditate

Etienne Fang is a researcher, and creator of Having It All, a project that shares the beautiful diversity of what "having it all" means to women around the world. "After I wake up, I do a 10-minute meditation before the day gets started," she says. "I have a whole ritual around it. I bring out my meditation cushion into the living room, light a giant Le Labo candle, and turn on meditation on Headspace. When I am done, I feel less anxious about the day ahead. And my home smells lovely from the candle."

Get to ground zero

What's next on Fang's morning checklist? The dishwasher. "The simple act of putting clean dishes away in their place is my equivalent of starting with a blank canvas for the day," she says. "If I have to come home after work to a full dishwasher and a sink full of dishes, I would not be able to quickly prepare dinner and shield the onslaught of hangry kids coming home from a long day at school."

 

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Photo: Little Dish

Feeding toddlers is not for the faint of heart. As parents, most of us have experienced the anxiety and frustration that often comes at meal time. Whether it’s a busy schedule or a toddler who refuses to eat, meals can be downright stressful. Yet, at the same time, we feel pressure to provide our kids with the important nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This means a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods.

The biggest struggle often comes with two v-words: vegetables and variety. In fact, eight out of ten toddlers don’t eat enough vegetables. And the vegetables our toddlers eat typically lack variety. How many of us regularly throw a few raw baby carrots on our child’s plate because we know they’ll be eaten? In our busy world, it’s easy to fall into a feeding rut.

So, how do we support variety and vegetable consumption during the important toddler years? The key is having a few different tricks up our sleeves because toddlers are notorious for changing preferences overnight. One day they love broccoli, the next day they hate it. Here are some tried-and-true techniques designed to make veggie variety simple and give parents some peace of mind during those challenging phases.

Make Old Favorites in New Ways

One great way to increase the variety of vegetables in your family’s diet is by introducing favorite veggies in new ways. For example, if your child loves mashed potatoes, give mashed squash a try. If that goes well, try squash ravioli and then finally, roasted squash. Similarly, when introducing new vegetables, prepare them in a variety of textures—for example, roasted broccoli, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli & cheese scrambled eggs. This introduces the flavors in several ways and gives children a chance to develop their palettes and acceptance of the new taste.

Make Veggies Easy

Vegetables can be a logistical challenge at times—they’re perishable and require washing, chopping, and cooking. Make them a little easier by finding some shortcuts that work for your family. For example, wash and chop some vegetables on Sunday to keep on-hand for snacks throughout the week. Keep frozen vegetables in your freezer for quick use. Identify some healthy, veggie-rich short-cuts for busy nights. One great example is Little Dish. These fresh, all-natural, refrigerated heat-and-serve toddler meals offer a full serving of veggies in each bowl. Little Dish is now available locally through Fresh Direct.

When All Else Fails, Hide Those Veggies

During those difficult times when your child is downright refusing new foods or eating only a few different foods—don’t stress! This is a phase and will pass. That said, sneaking in extra veggies during times like this will often give mom and dad some peace of mind. Some of my family’s favorite ideas include: 

  • Adding canned pureed pumpkin to our favorite chicken noodle soup recipe. It blends right in and adds a great kick of nutrients and fiber. 
  • Finely dice mushrooms and add them to chili or tacos. Their savory “umami” flavor is often completely masked by the spices. 
  • Add shredded zucchini into your meatloaf or meatball recipes! This trick also keeps the meat tender and moist because zucchini has a high water content.

Finally, remember it takes time for children to learn to love new foods. Just keep offering them and eventually, they’ll likely stop playing with their veggies and start eating them!

A research neuroscientist and expert in nutrition, diet and addiction. Dr. Avena is an Asst. Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC. She is the author of several books, including Why Diets Fail, What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, and What to Feed Your Baby & Toddler.

Each season, Starbucks rolls out new menu items. As stores begin reopening, the coffee brand is introducing a new summer-inspired food and drink menu. Along with some new options, they are bringing back the seasonal favorite S’mores Frappuccino Blended Beverage.

New Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink

Iced Guava

This past March, Starbucks introduced two new iced coconut milk-based drinks. Joining this collection for summer is the new Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink. This drink combines flavors of guava, passionfruit, pineapple and ginger, hand-shaken with coconut milk and ice for a smooth and creamy beverage to uplift your day. This drink joins the growing number of non-dairy and customizable beverages on the permanent menu.

S’mores Frappuccino Blended Beverage

S'mores Frappuccino

Back for a limited time, the S’mores Frappuccino layers marshmallow-infused whipped cream, milk chocolate sauce, a creamy blend of vanilla, coffee, milk and ice, even more marshmallow whipped cream and is finished off with a graham cracker crumble.

New Unicorn Cake Pop

Available for a limited time, the Unicorn Cake Pop is a creamy vanilla cake with confetti sprinkles shaped into a unicorn, dipped in a white chocolaty icing, and finished with a magical design.

Lunch is also covered with the new Grilled Chicken & Hummus Protein Box featuring a tender and juicy sous vide grilled chicken breast paired with roasted red pepper hummus and naan bread, baby carrots and snap peas. This item is now a part of the permanent menu alongside a variety of protein options.

Using the Starbucks App, customers can locate a store, order, and pay ahead for their favorite menu items. In most cases, customers who use the App can pick up their order from a barista at the door (without entering the café), at the drive-thru, or (in cases where social distancing can be accommodated) at a counter in a store.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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How to Break Up with Bad Spring Break Food Habits

Photo: Rebecca Bloom via Website

Nothing says eating on the run quite like Spring Break: trains, planes and automobiles, hotel rooms and vacations rentals. Isn’t it amazing (and irritating) the way everybody’s hungry all the time when they’re out of their regular routine? Unless you’re one of the lucky few who is poolside sipping something cold and grazing on something that somebody made for you while the kids play “Marco Polo” or weave with banana leaves, you’re probably in snack production mode all day.

Even if you have a kitchen on the road, you’re not going to buy a kitchen full of food for a short stay. So, what are you going to do to make sure all that off-schedule munching isn’t just about sugar, carbs and processed foods?

Without further ado, we present 18 food items that are key to snacking responsibly on the road. If you’re in a hotel, call ahead and ask for a fridge and microwave in your room. And gather up a few knives and spoons for slicing and eating.

  1. Tortillas
  2. Shredded Cheese
  3. Yogurt
  4. Baby carrots
  5. Hummus
  6. Cucumbers
  7. Instant oatmeal
  8. Almonds or walnuts or pecans or pine nuts
  9. Rice cakes
  10. Nut butter
  11. Jam or jelly
  12. Granola
  13. Couscous
  14. Chocolate chips
  15. Raisins or dried cranberries
  16. Raspberries, blueberries or grapes
  17. Bagged, pre-washed salad greens
  18. Box of cereal

If you’ve stocked up on these babies, you can make some healthy magic happen. Here are just a few combinations that work:

  1. Yogurt with granola, chocolate chips and berries.
  2. Rice cakes with peanut/almond butter and chocolate chips.
  3. Couscous with raisins and nuts.
  4. Cheese quesadilla.
  5. Hummus with carrots and cucumber.
  6. Snack mix with nuts, dried cranberries, cereal and chocolate chips.
  7. Oatmeal with dried fruit, nuts, grapes and berries.
  8. Hummus and salad roll-up.

Get the picture? Mix, match and avoid bad pizza. Kids…back away from the vending machine!

The Anti-Cookbook Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're Shelley Onderdonk and Rebecca Bloom. A veterinarian and a lawyer-turned-writer walk into a kitchen… We aren’t chefs and that’s exactly the point. We have a lot to share about food-smart living with our own young-adult children and other people and their children, too. Together, we wrote The Anti-Cookbook: Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living.

Twice a year, Seattle Restaurant Week offers diners a serious deal: three-course dinners for $30 and two-course lunches for $15. You’ve likely waited for date night to enjoy such a leisurely meal, but if you tack on the cost of a sitter, your dinner just went from a discount to a premium. Bring the whole family to these participating Restaurant Week eateries for a meal foodies of all ages will love. Click through the gallery and get ready to indulge April 12-16 and 19-23.

Purple – Bellevue

All four Purple locations (Kirkland, Bellevue, Woodinville and Seattle) are participating in Restaurant Week, but Bellevue’s is the only location that offers a milk flight for kids—caramel, chocolate, strawberry, and regular—so why not? Each location has a generous amount of space and a well-rounded kids’ menu, so you can’t go wrong with what’s closest to you.

SRW deal: Lunch and dinner selections vary: for lunch, try the wild boar bruschetta and pea ravioli. For dinner, choose from appetizers like a kale Caesar or mini baked brie; entrée options include chicken breast stuffed with spinach and ricotta or grilled flatiron. Don’t miss the stunning pistachio opera cake for dessert. (Lunch and dinner).

For the kids: This is a picky eater’s paradise, as buttered noodles and grilled cheese both grace the menu; there’s grilled salmon and a turkey/bacon/Havarti sandwich for more adventurous little eaters. Don’t miss that milk flight!

430 106th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-502-6292
Online: thepurplecafe.com

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m.

photo: Purple - Bellevue

To view the complete list of restaurants participating in Seattle Restaurant Week, click here.

Where are you planning on dining out for Seattle Restaurant Week? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Chelsea Lin