Foods News Round-up

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, August 19th, 2011

How to avoid those cereal-aisle tantrums. As a parent, have you ever feared going to the cereal-aisle because of how your kid might react? The first thing they do is run and grab the most colorful box with a large amount of sugar. If you say no, they’ll start freaking out on you. Well studies have shown that this “nag factor” is related to all the commercials that kids see on television. Best way to reduce this nag factor? According to Dr. Nazrat Mirza of the IDEAL Clinic, the most effective strategy is to limit your kid’s exposure to television and commercials. The next effective strategy is give your kid reasoning as to why you will be buying the healthier cereal choice as opposed to their sugar-filled cereal. And the most ineffective strategy is to just let them have their way. The Washingtonian has the full story here.

Restaurants reveal some of their secret recipes. The Washingtonian uncovered some of the unconventional ingredients that local restaurants use. Reston’s Passionfish uses Velveeta in their mac and cheese while Clarendon’s Liberty Tavern uses Pabst Blue Ribbon beer to brew their beer-and-chedder sausages. The Washingtonian has the full story here.

Enjoy a wine-filled September. Now that all of the kids are going back to school, you’ll probably end up having a lot of free time to yourself. Not sure what to do? Luckily Crystal City will be holding six wine events in September. Every Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Crystal City will be hosting Wine in the Water Park. Here The Wine Academy will be serving wine by the glass for $5 and beer for $4. Jaleo will be serving complementary snacks and DJ Adrian Loving will be playing music for guests to enjoy themselves. On September 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Vintage Crystal event will take place in Crystal City. There will be wine tastings, tapas, tequila, and fun. Read more about it on ARL Now here.

And what’s a Friday without a few freebies?

Boston Market – Buy any meal after 5 p.m. and receive a free night movie rental from Blockbuster Express. Promotion ends September 9. Movie rental expires September 30.

Chick-fil-A – Make reservations for breakfast and receive a free breakfast entree! Promotion runs from September 6 to September 10. You can make reservations starting August 29.

Einstein Bros Bagels – Buy one triple decker club sandwich and get one free. Expires August 24.

IHOP - Every day in August from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., kids eat free! Valid only in the month of August.

Happy Friday!

- Mai Nguyen

Tags: food news, Freebies, Gut Check, Mai Nguyen, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA