One Savvy Mom ™ | NYC Area Mom Blog: Dining

Showing posts with label Dining. Show all posts

62 Restaurants Where Kids Eat FREE

While heading out to eat with smaller children in tow can definitely present it's challenges, these 62 family friendly restaurants across the nation help to make it worth your while -with specially designated "kids eat free" days, every week!

So, if your heading out to eat with the kiddo's be sure to scout out one of these 62 restaurants where kids eat FREE, in your neck of the woods!

Food. It's a passion in our home.

So many of my cherished memories have occurred while cooking, baking and gathering around the table for a meal with my family. So, when my daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, it was a definite learning curve for us all. We have literally spent hours pouring over information on Celiac's, Gluten, and GMO's (which can also present issues for those with Celiac's). It's a complicated disease, with a very long list of dietary no-no's and there's a TON to learn.

Because Celiac's is so complicated, when my daughter was first diagnosed, baked potato's became her "safe zone" when dining out, if other gluten-free options weren't available. However, we soon learned that "trace" gluten from the preparation around other foods containing gluten could make even her "safe" food choice an issue as well.

I won't even pretend that it's been easy. Chicken fingers, cupcakes, pasta .... all of her favorite foods were suddenly off limits [unless prepared specially with gluten-free ingredients] which was A HUGE lifestyle adjustment to try to explain to a 7 year old (and implement immediately).

A Little Bit About Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a family of more than 750 local restaurants committed to providing every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience. It’s what we like to call Hospitaliano!: our passion for 100% guest delight.
As part of that commitment, we’re proud to serve fresh, delicious Italian food served in a comfortable, home-like setting where everyone is welcomed as a member of our family.

(Click Above To Explore The Options Of Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta Bowl)

A Little Bit About Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta Bowl Event

Olive Garden’s spirit of abundance is on full display for our guests who love pasta. The annual much-anticipated Never Ending Pasta Bowl offer kicked off Monday, August 15. Priced at just $8.95 per guest, Never Ending Pasta Bowl offers unlimited servings of pasta served with your choice of unlimited soup or salad and Olive Garden's famous breadsticks! This year, Olive Garden has upped the ante on choice and variety with 42 pasta-sauce combinations including two new sauces, Pizzaiola Meat Sauce and Roasted Mushroom Parmesan with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Never Ending Pasta Bowl is available through October 9; build your combination at http://www.neverendingpastabowl.com/.

Choose your Pasta:

Spaghetti
Whole Wheat Linguine
Linguine
Fettuccine
Penne
Angel Hair
Orecchiette

Choose Your Sauce:

Pizzaiola Meat Sauce (NEW)
Roasted Mushroom Parmesan (NEW)
Alfredo
Meat Sauce
Marinara
Five Cheese Marinara

Our Experience

This past weekend was interesting, to put in mildly. After day's of watching the predictions on where Hurricane Irene would make land fall, it finally arrived. The damage was minimal within the first few hours which induced premature optimism....because the following day (Sunday) the storm produced impressive wind's that eventually took down power lines, trees, and flooded area roads and homes. Though we occupied ourselves easily with games, a battery operated portable DVD player, and two fully charged Kindle's....we were all longing for a hot meal and a break from being home bound by Sunday night!

Mt. Olympus Burger (Available through November 7, 2010)

An oregano-seasoned burger with artichoke and spinach dip, crumbled Feta cheese, crisp bacon, Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic mayo, served on a crisp ciabatta bun!

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

(Available through November 7, 2010)

Romaine lettuce, tossed with lemon dill ranch. Topped with an oregano-grilled chicken breast, black olives, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and Feta cheese!

Our Experience

Have you ever had the pleasure of dining at a Red Robin with your family? We visit the Red Robin in our area frequently with B and the Princess; it's our absolute favorite place to hang out and get a great meal with the kids. The atmosphere is so much fun, and most importantly it's family friendly!

We had the opportunity to try out the new Mt. Olympus Burger and Mediterranean Chicken Salad ( both specials available for a limited time only) at our favorite area Red Robin location recently; what a great experience we all had! The Mt. Olympus Burger is absolutely delicious, served with Red Robin's "Never Ending" Steak Fries...my husband clearly enjoyed it; leaving not a morsel behind....YUM! The Chicken Salad was also equally delicious, I LOVED the dressing! If they bottled it, I would buy definitely buy it!

The kids really enjoyed coloring and looking around at all of the colorful and eclectic decor. We all left with a smile and the kiddo's with a balloon in hand, asked when we could come back again before we had even made it out the door!

I would absolutely recommend checking out these two great specials! Available at participating Red Robin locations for a limited time only (Available through November 7, 2010)!

BUY IT:

The Mt. Olympus Burger & Mediterranean Chicken salad are available for a limited time only through November 7, 2010 for the special price of $6.99! You can view the menu and find a Red Robin near you at http://www.redrobin.com/

WIN IT:

Great Food & Fun! One Lucky Reader will receive a $25 Gift Card to Red Robin!

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment~ Visit http://www.redrobin.com/ and let me know which dish you'd love to try the next time you visit Red Robin. The comment is considered your entry.

NOTE: You must first be a PUBLIC FOLLOWER of my blog through Google Friend Connect to enter any of the Giveaway's offered on One Savvy Mom

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL ENTRIES:

1)Follow me ( or if you follow ) on Twitter http://twitter.com/savvycouponmom (Additional 5 Entries- 5 comments )

2) Tweet ~ #WIN $25 Gift Card to Red Robin Restaurants! @savvycouponmom http://bit.ly/as3woL #GIVEAWAY (can be repeated twice daily for additional entries~ copy and paste please~cut and paste- the bit link must be posted in the tweet - I will check) (Additional 5 Entries - 5 Comments)

3)Grab my button ( don't forget to grab the new button if you have an old one) and let me know where it's at.( Additional 5 Entries - 5comments)

4) Grab a Mommy Approved button and let me know where it's at (Additional 5Entries - 5Comments)

5) Blog about this giveaway with a link and leave a link to the post in a comment ( Additional 10 Entries- 10 Comments )

6) Enter in any of the other active giveaways ( Additional 5 Entries for each- 5comments )

7)Subscribe to One Savvy Mom via RSS FEED ( below the follower button) (Additional 5 Entries-5Comments)

8) Subscribe to our Newsletter (5 Entries-5 Comments)

9)"Like" Red Robin on FACEBOOK ( 5 Entries-5 Comments)

10) Follow Red Robin on TWITTER (5 Entries-5 Comments)

11) Grab my Holiday Gift Guide Button ( Leave a link letting me know where you've placed it)
(10 Entries-10 comments)

Entry to this giveaway ends at 12pm PST November 21, 2010. Winner's are chosen randomly through random.org. The winner will be announced in a post within 7 days of the giveaway ending, and contacted through email. The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond or another winner will be chosen.

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Hershey Park Review

A Little Bit About Hershey Park

So that his employees would have a pleasant environment for picnicking and boating, Milton S. Hershey built

Hershey Park in 1907. From simple beginnings has emerged a wonderful amusement attraction that has maintained it's history with grace, by preserving much of the nature in and around the park. Hershey has evolved over the years, however has maintained it's original purpose; a place for gathering and fun. With a large mass of rides (that is constantly growing), games, and dining experiences throughout the park; Hershey Park is a family entertainment experience that is sure to be remembered for a lifetime. Create sweet memories with your family this summer in Hershey...The Sweetest Place on Earth!

Our Experience at Hershey Park

(The "Intersection" of Cocoa Ave. & Chocolate Ave. in Hershey Park)

We had the privilege of experiencing Hershey Park this past weekend....and WOW what a sweet treat! With an abundance of rides, the boardwalk water park, and games galore there was not a dull moment to be had all day! B & the princess started by riding some of the smaller " Hershey miniatures" rides, as we gradually wound our way through the park to the Boardwalk. On our way we had the pleasure of catching a strolling performance from the Cocoa Rhythm Factory Traveling Percussion Band(pictured below)

Saturday was a little warm so the kid's happily cooled down on the Boardwalk (pictured below). On hot day's, there are plenty of shaded area's around the rides to stay cool, and for an extra cool treat, there is Dip n' Dot's, and Lemonade stands throughout the park. For a bit of history, fun, and a cool breeze, we rode the Hershey monorail which wound us through Hershey, and Zoo America.

We finished the day off with a visit to Chocolate World where we learned how Hershey's chocolate is made, and got a chance to taste some of the yummy treat's that Hershey makes at the end (Reese's are a FAVORITE in our house)!

There are so many thing's to experience in Hershey it really can be made into a weekly vacation. With an array of lodging options with the Hershey Hotel, Hershey Lodge, and Hershey Campgrounds - overnight & weekly adventures are just the ticket for unwinding and relaxing with your family.

With Old World charm and modern accommodations, Hershey offers something for everyone.

We had a wonderful time and made great family memories!Hershey really is.....The Sweetest Place on Earth!

Want to make sweet memories with your family this summer? For more information, tickets, and reservations; Visit http://www.hersheypark.com/

SUMMER FUN & SUN EVENT JUNE-AUGUST PRESENTED BY ONE SAVVY

MOM!

My Thanks to Hershey Park for allowing access for this review.

DISCLOSURE: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Crayola Factory Review & Giveaway (Ends 6/26)

A Little Bit About The Crayola Factory

(Information below credited to the Crayola Factory)

At The Crayola FACTORY, you’ll be immersed in color and creativity – a place where there's no limitation to creativity and imagination. You can color, draw, paint and create with the latest Crayola products without the worry of cleanup afterwards. Each creative space invites you to play and explore while learning and having lots and lots of fun. See how Crayola Crayons and Markers are made. Learn about the history of the Crayola brand. Explore dozens of interactive projects and activities. This is not the real manufacturing plant, but instead a visitor center that allows the child inside each person to unleash its creative spirit. Each quarter, themes and projects change, giving visitors a variety of projects to create throughout the year.

(Pictured Above:Crayon Making Demonstration at the Crayola Factory)

Our Experience at The Crayola Factory

When you arrive at the Crayola Factory at Two River's Landing in the Center of Easton Pennsylvania, the magic and creativity that is "Crayola", is in the air. Our visit started with the Crayola Crayon making demonstration. As we sat and watched the gentleman behind the glass make 1200 red crayons, my son remarked "WOW, it's just like Sesame Street" referring to the popular episode in which the Crayola Factory was featured. The awe inspiring fun didn't stop there! We continued on through the various hands on exhibits where we had the chance to experience a variety of Crayola products, while creating different art projects at each station. We sat as a family around the Crayola Color Carousel; The World's Largest Crayon Caddy (pictured below), where even my husband and myself joined in on the coloring fun. The projects were imaginative & inspiring for the kids - they loved all of the activities, and that they got to bring their creations home ( they are special souvenirs to remember their day by). B & L's favorite activity involved drawing a underwater scene ( glitter crayons were involved, and the princess can never get enough glitter), and finishing the picture off with bubble wrap paint "stamps" which created a beautiful water effect. We then got to send their creations through a drying machine which dried the paintings in about 2 minutes ( B was impressed with the drying machine:) All in all? FABULOUS DAY OUT WITH THE KIDS! I would highly recommend a trip to the Crayola Factory this summer! While inspiring your children's creativity..... wonderful family memories are sure to be made.

(Pictured Above: World's Largest Crayon Caddy at The Crayola Factory in Easton, PA)

Want to experience all the fun that the Crayola Factory has to offer?

You can plan your trip at http://www.crayola.com/factory

My Thanks to the Crayola Factory.

WIN IT!!!

The Crayola Factory has been very kind to offer 2 lucky reader's each a Family 4 pack of tickets to The Crayola Factory!

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment~ Which Crayola product is your child's favorite?

The comment is considered your entry.

ADDTIONAL OPTIONAL ENTRIES

1)Follow me ( or if you follow ) on Twitter http://twitter.com/savvycouponmom (Additional 5 Entries- 5 comments )

2) Tweet ~ I'm Trying to WIN a FAMILY PACK OF Tickets~THE CRAYOLA FACTORY@ http://bit.ly/bLQSsl ( Additional 5 Entries for each Tweet - this can be repeated twice daily for additional entries~ copy and paste please~cut and paste- the bit link must be posted in the tweet - I will check)

3)Grab my button and let me know where it's at ( Additional 10 Entries - 10 comments )

4) Blog about this giveaway with a link and leave a link to the post in a comment ( Additional 15 Entries- 15 Comments )

5) Enter in any of the other active giveaways between now and the time of the drawing ( Additional 4 Entries for each- 4 comments )

6)Subscribe to One Savvy Mom via RSS FEED ( below the follower button) (Additional 5 Entries-5Comments)
Entry to this giveaway ends at 12pm PST JUNE 22, 2010. Winner's are chosen randomly through random.org. The winner will be announced on the top of this post, and contacted through email. The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond or another winner will be chosen.
DISCLOSURE: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

SUMMER FUN & SUN EVENT JUNE-AUGUST PRESENTED BY ONE SAVVY MOM!

OVO~Cirque Du Soleil Review

Alittle Bit About OVO-Cirque Du Soleil

(Credit Cirque Du Soleil:Following Show Overview)

"OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.
OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew."

Our Experience

We had the privilege to attend OVO by Cirque Du Soleil in Manhattan on Tuesday. The Cirque Du Soleil experience is certainly like no other! The show was presented Under their signature "Big Top".

(pictured below).

The lights dimmed....and the show began! The night was filled with awe inspiring (at times jaw dropping) acrobatics, set to beautiful music that was delivered via live orchestra. OVO is a bustling demonstration of the Eco system; the amazing world that exists beneath our feet, and all around us!

What we witnessed was beyond what your imagination could conjure! A man (bug) balanced on a curved pole(for an extended period of time), in a one hand, hand stand! Wait, theres MORE.... he then began to rotate (complete 360) on the pole (yes, still balanced on one hand)! OVO was the perfect blend of comedy, acrobatics, great music, and the costumes are absolutely gorgeous! We will difinitely look at the insect life around us a little differently now! What a great way to start the summer season off! Cirque Du Soleil has gone all out with this show! Family entertainment at it's FINEST!

OVO will be playing through June 6, 2010 at Randall's Island in NYC.
The Tour Will Continue! For Tickets & Information / Dates when OVO will be in a city near you go to
www.cirquedusoleil.com

My Thanks to Cirque Du Soleil for allowing access to this event.

The 2010 Taylor Swift Fearless Tour Review

Taylor Swift is the top-selling digital artist in music history, has had singles top both the Country and Pop radio charts, and had the #1 best-selling album in any genre of music in both 2009 and 2008. This year, at the age of 20, she became the youngest artist in history, and the first female solo country artist ever, to win the music industry’s highest honor, the GRAMMY Award for Album of the Year. Also at the 2010 GRAMMYs, she took home the awards for Country Album of the Year, Best Country Song, and Best Country Female Vocal Performance.

Taylor’s sophomore release, Fearless, reached double-platinum in just four weeks and was voted 2009’s Album of the Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.Taylor Swift has surpassed quadruple-platinum status and spent more than 20 weeks in the #1 position atop Billboard's Country CD Sales Chart. Taylor is the first female solo artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling debut CD.

(Above Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Anthony Baker & the Taylor Swift Tour)

We had the incredible privilege of attending the Taylor Swift Fearless concert in Uniondale New York, at the Nassau Coliseum last night! The night began with the very talented acts; Gloriana & Kelly Pickler.

Then the curtain lifted!

To the sound of thousands of screaming fans in a sold out stadium, Taylor Swift took to the stage!

She serenaded her starstruck audience with the well known tracks from her Fearless CD. Presented with a refreshing dialogue in between songs. Taylor spoke to the audience about her relationships, life experiences, and her first guitar teacher. Taylor then explained that when she inquired about learning to play the 12 string Guitar, her teacher told her that her hands would always be too small to play the rare instrument. She spoke as she strummed her beautiful 12 string guitar for the audience, with grace and precision. The lesson? Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't, as she displayed so well, you can do anything when you set your mind to it! While we were very close to the stage, you didn't have to be to get an up close view of Taylor. She performed songs in varying locations in the stadium throughout the night. After one song, the lights dimmed, and while we waiting for the next song screams of delight erupted in a upper level seating area. Spotlights soon revealed Taylor standing amongst her fans; there to perform a song for them up close and personal! After the song she walked through the crowd, hugging and thanking everyone for attending along the way, to another location also amidst fans and performed yet another song among the crowd.

My son and daughter had an amazing night, and so did I. My son left talking of his plans to learn how to play the 12 string guitar (he already has a 6 string) and to marry Taylor Swift one day, and my daughter was singing all the way to the car!

With a genuine love for her fans that shines through in her performance, Taylor Swift is a choice role model, teaching our children to aim for their highest goals and be FEARLESS!

Taylor Swift's Fearless Tour Rolls on! Find out when she will be performing in your area:

http://www.taylorswift.com/

Disclosure: Our thanks to the tour for allowing us access to this event.

Taylor Swift Fearless Concert May 15, 2010

Nassau Colisium, Uniondale, New York

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