News Taffy

New year, new things to try. Being the food lover that I am, I am happy to recommend two new local restaurants that aren’t big chains. I am not claiming that either are particularly heart healthy, but each does have some healthier choices. Decide before you go out to eat anywhere to skip dessert, avoid cream sauces, fried anything, loads of cheese and to look for plenty of vegetables, fresh fruits and smaller portions. You’ll do yourself a big favor.

I tried the new Italian restaurant, Roma’s, over the holidays and was very pleased with my dinner. An old Italian friend taught me to make my own wonderful sauces so I am pretty picky. The decor is simple but nice and the service that night was quick and friendly, the food was hot and the prices reasonable. The menu includes familiar dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, caesar salad and lasagna. I tried the Chicken Arabiata, which was a chicken breast sautéed in white wine, garlic and chives and served with a spicy marinara. The marinara had a very good taste; not too spicy, just enough heat. My niece ordered the chicken parmigiana and my sister got the spaghetti and meatballs. Both liked their choices but not liking beef, I didn’t like the meatballs at all. The salad greens were fresh and crisp but they do need to exercise a little imagination here; romaine lettuce and tomatoes is a bit boring. If they keep up the quality of the food and service, this restaurant should do nicely. If you are looking for a family friendly place or somewhere to have a good date night meal, give Roma’s a try.

Tuesday, my husband was actually free for lunch so we stopped in Bistro on The Ridge. I had been quite curious about this place so I was eager to give it a try. My first experience did not disappoint and I’m thinking this could become a regular stop for me. They get high points for turning the old Backyard Burgers joint into a much more pleasing atmosphere and once again, the service was fast and friendly. The lunch menu features several salads, wraps, sandwiches and a few entrees if you are really hungry. I understand the dinner menu offers a few more choices. I tried the Strawberry Balsamic salad with grilled Salmon which turned out very well. My piece of salmon was so large that I took half home to eat the next day. I am always impressed if a restaurant doesn’t overcook salmon so they scored more points here. Barry had the Blackened Chicken Caesar wrap with a fresh fruit side. Nothing fancy but it had a nice flavor and the fruit was fresh and sweet. There are several other menu items I’d like to try such as the Deep Fried Avocado or one of the homemade pies but those will have to wait till I’m feeling naughty.

The next time you are going out to eat, support one of these new restaurants; they deserve a chance!

-Lisa