I find airplane posts so boring!! Same old backdrop. Some old mediocre eats (most of the time!)
I did score a Vita-Coco at the airport – good for pregnant hydration!
And shortly after we took off, we opened up our sandwiches for lunch.
Mine was swiss cheese, avocado and veggie on the most boring dry wheat bread you could imagine. The cheese was weirdly stacked on one side too, and I didn’t want to dirty my hands spreading it around. I hate to complain, but this sandwich was mediocre at best. Still glad I got it though – our terminal options were limited to Pizza Hut and generic airport restaurant.
I had half a bag of good-tasting Sun Chips on the side and gave the rest to Karen 2 rows up.
Dessert was the best part – a min bag of M&Ms I got at a convention booth. I ate them one at a time, one every minute for a good 20 minutes or so. Savory the sweet!
I’m nearing the end of Mockingjay. I haven’t liked this third Hunger Games book that much. Too much melodrama and not enough suspense and twists. I pretty much agree with the rest of the world that book 1 was great, book 2 good and book 3 average. I’d still recommend the series though, and maybe the ending will blow me away. Excited for the movies though!! Hillary and I already have tickets!
I took a snooze after some reading – not sure how long I was out – am going to type up some posts in the meantime! We’re in Chicago now and will be back home in the 11 O’Clock hour. Long day!!
For dinner, which is more like snack time West Coast time, we browsed our options. I really wanted: McDonald’s fries, Dunkin’ Donuts, ice cream and Chinese food. Not foods I’ve craved since I was a kid!!! [Well except for the ice cream
]
Mediocre meal #3 of the day: We ended up at Frontera by Rick Bayless, which had a really gourmet menu. Matt and I decided to share a flatbread and a salad.
This mini flatbread pizza, advertised as peppers and cheese, and was filled with onions – not on the menu.
[If they’d been on the menu, I would have accepted the mistake and ate around them]. But the folks were nice enough to trade it back in for the 3 cheese, which was super garlicky. I only had two bites and Matt ate the rest.
We also shared a big salad – romaine, arugula, avocado, poblano peppers, and a lime dressing topped with smoked pork.
This salad had a lot of potential, but when you see smoked pork on a menu, don’t you think of a shredded, cooked pork? Like BBQ? I was surprised to find it covered in deli ham, which is not recommended for pregnant women! I decided to just eat around it and avoided it as best I could since I’d already taken back one dish. I also didn’t find a single smoked poblano pepper in my salad! The dressing, however, was awesome!
Sorry to sound like such a complainer today, but I just had to be honest about a disappointing day of meals! One truth though: they could have been a lot worse. I’ve been in airports before with only soggy sandwiches and iceberg salads, so I’d give this day a 4/10.
We’re headed to the gate and might grab a TCBY to finish filling me up for dessert.
Hopefully see you for a healthy breakfast!
****
Edited to add: TCBY is the best thing I’ve had all day!!! Vanilla with Heath Bar 🙂 10/10.
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
Wow, bummer eating day. Here I thought it was going to turn around after breakfast… :S
Caitlin says
tcby white chocolate soft serve is so yummy–maybe if you get that, it will cheer up your day (foodwise). 🙂
Sana says
Oh god, I try not to be too picky with food because some people don’t have any options. But sometimes a few dishes don’t live up to what we were expecting.
Kelly Michele says
the cheese on your lunch sandwich is cracking me up – why would anyone make a sandwich that way?! safe travels home momma! 🙂
Nikole says
Did your doctor warn you not to have the sliced ham? Mine said that it was an urban myth about eating lunch meat. He said to avoid the salamis and such but that lean ham and turkey were good sources of protein. Just curious if you had heard something different. He made a good point of saying if eating lunch meat were really that hazardous for pregnant women then every Subway in the country would have a sign that said “consult your doctor before eating”.
I hate onions too and it always bugs me when they do not list it on the menu!
KathEats says
No, but I’ve read it in all the sites. Since I don’t eat deli meat much anyways, it hasn’t been an issue. That’s interesting what your doctor said. I’ve heard it’s fine if you microwave it.
Erin says
I wouldn’t eat it when I first got pregnant and then we asked my OB and he said it was fine. I just made sure I got it from reputable sources (like not at Walmart).
Alicia says
It is not an Urban legend. Raw cheeses and lunch meats can carry listeria. I know someone personally who miscarried because she contracted listeria while she was on vacation in Europe (most likely from cheese). When I was preggers, my OB told me as long as you microwaved your deli meat, or heated it in a grilled cheese or something like that it was fine, just not to eat it cold. Of course there is always the issue of nitrates…but I digress.
Dominique says
Considering that pretty much 90% of the time, I look forward to my lunches at work the most, I understand how you feel. Hopefully you’ll have all kinds of yummy stuff (including GH bread!) when you get back home.
Also, I work at a company that does microbiological testing and yes, there is a potential for listeria in all deli meats, as well as E.coli. I think there’s nothing wrong with being safe rather than sorry. I would go with the microwave route too.
JessicaE says
The cold deli meats are to be avoided due to a bacteria called Listeria that is found in them.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I would have complained too! I’ve always had such issues with airport food, especially places that you think are going to be nicer, but then turn out to use crappy ingredients, haha like your “pork”
Amy Kaye says
I just ate at the Rick Bayless place at O’Hare a week ago! I love him and his food… but this place was a disappointing and not quite up to his standards 🙁 but I agree the salad dressing was delcious! maybe as a Chicago chef he’ll check on the restaurant and make them do a better job….
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
What a long day and no matter what, airport or airplane food is not generally that great…sometimes downright awful. Just think, you’ll be home soon..and can get back into your own kitchen and make your own food. I love being away and traveling, but being back in my own kitchen is always nice 🙂
Katie @ Raisins&Apples says
Well I sure hope you DID get that TCBY to end the day on a sweet and not-so-mediocre note 🙂
KathEats says
I did!! check the edit at the bottom 🙂
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
I’m always very excited to find good finds in airports but lately they have been a big let down! I think my standards have just gone up. >.< Get some amazing white chocolate mouse!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Airport food is the worst. You may have been better of at McD’s with one of their salads!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i had some raspberry m and m’s today. i did NOT eat them quite as slowly!
Christine @ BookishlyB says
I agree- I was not terribly impressed with the third Hunger Games book. There’s such a push for multiple books in YA lit- I think having just Hunger Games as a stand alone book would have been much better!
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
After you get used to eating really well (with mostly home-cooked meals) it can be such a disappointment to eat ‘fast food’ at airports or any drive-by. There’s so little love in that food..
Nina says
If the worst things that happened today were haphazardly made sandwiches and absentee peppers, it was a good day. Don’t let something silly like a day of mediocre food ruin a week spent in one of the most beautiful cities in America! Chin up, buttercup.
Tess says
Good point! Besides, this all looks pretty decent for airport food! Which is sadly pretty much the best you can expect.
Molly @ RDexposed says
Sorry Chicago was a disappointment! Should have snagged some Garett’s popcorn! Mmmmm!!
Jennifer says
You mean San Diego, right Molly?
Molly@RDexposed says
Oh I was referring to the Chicago layover.
mel says
I know food isn’t a big deal as the commenter above mentioned, but I do agree that it is frustrating when you spend alot of money on a meal (or 3) and it sucks! I love home cooked food so much better but it’s just impossible to always have that option!! Glad dessert was great though…it always is!
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Sorry your eats were so mediocre today 🙁 That’s too bad. I was hoping the sandwich would make up for Bruegger’s! My dad LOVES Rick Bayless’ cooking show, which is funny because he barely ever cooks (eggs once in awhile and throws some things on the grill, haha). I love your airport food cravings. Glad you at least got to top off your mediocre meals with some good TCBY. I don’t think I’ve ever had TCBY, but I’m a huge fan of self-serve fro-yo places – so fun! PS Those Sun Chips look sooo good, I think they’re my all-time favorite chips – I especially love the Harvest Cheddar flavor!
kristen @ verbs and vignettes says
wow, maybe this wednesday is just a crappy one all around… glad TCBY made you day more delicious, anyway!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
Oh my gosh thank you – I also did not like the 3rd Hunger Games book very much! I actually haven’t even finished it because I got too bored. The first was great, the second good, and this one….I don’t know… I’m glad someone agrees!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I hate disappointing food days – they’re the worst. I know that food doesn’t matter for some people, but it sure does for me!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I often get disappointed when eating out. I eat a lot of home cooked meals that I get spoiled with good food and have high expectations. At least you know you’ll be home tomorrow and can start your day out right with one of your yummy breakfasts!
Jen says
I’m not surprised it was deli meat, it’s typical for airport food to just include processed foods/meats for the sake of convenience and less cooking needs.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I hate travel food from airports. I’m so limited since I can’t have dairy, soy or wheat…so frustrating. I hope the last leg of the trip goes well and you guys get a good night rest!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I love that water!!! Mmmmm! It just feels so amazing and tastes wonderful- if only I were made of money, I would drink that allllll t he time!
I <3 TCBY!
Kate says
HUNGER GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM OBSESSED!!!!!
Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
I try to avoid airport food if I can.
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
Eating in airports is a challenge. I find it really hard to find good food while in the airport.
Maria Makes Muffins says
Sorry about the mediocre day of food – epecially now that you are starting to feel better!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
I love me some TCBY. We had one within walking distance of our college house and we would walk there, “treat ourselves,” and then walk back. They make the best shivers (you pick what candy you want mixed in) and if you order the kid size it is the perfect portion (way too much for a kid to finish off imo).
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says
Airport food can be so disappointing. One can only dream that someday such meals will be more delicious/affordable…
Jessica says
Crappy food sucks. Spending money on food I didn’t enjoy is at the top of my list of irritations. I haven’t had TCBY is years (there isn’t one close to me), THAT sounds DELICIOUS (and not-likely to turn out crappy)
katie @KatieDid says
oh man what a day of disappointing meals. I always hate wasting a meal time on something not worth my chew haha. But other times its just about getting some fuel in you and moving on. Glad the ice cream stole the show!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Thank goodness for that TCBY to save the day! 😉
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
I agree with the Hunger Games trilogy review – I’m so excited for the movie because the first book is amazing!
Catalina @ Cake with Love says
Too bad the sandwich was so bland I know you had high hopes for it in the previous post! I hate it when items are not on the menu but appear inn your food somehow, and also when what the menu says and the items looks totally different like that smoked pork that turned out to be ham!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Love TCBY!! I want some now!
bitt says
We usually got to Whole Foods before flights. I bring food on the plane all the time, two meals worth even. Airport food is SO gross!
Laura says
It’s a shame that Frontera Tortas didn’t agree with you-that’s my bf and I’s #1 stop when flying to Chicago to visit his family there-and then we go to the full Frontera too. Those meals have changed how I see Mexican food! I can’t speak for the salad, but I have had an amazing 3 mushroom torta sandwich there, which I still dream about. It’s worth trying again during your next layover.
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Travel food can really be a huge flop…I totally understand being disappointed!! It’s especially tough to accept the disappointment when food comes to you LOOKING good, and then tastes awful or isn’t at all what you expected – that’s the WORST!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
It could have been worse but disappointing meals are the WORST!! Thank goodness for frozen yogurt!
Khushboo Thadani says
There’s nothing worse than super garlicky food- that taste will linger in your mouth FOREVER!
Laura @ She Eats Well says
Airport selections can be frustrating. Even in SF, the United terminal, for example has horrible options…there is a new terminal with super healthy and posh options which I have yet to fly out of though! Also, good to know about The Hunger Games series. I recently plowed through the first, read the 2nd and am debating reading the third. I just want closure!
Erin says
Read the third. It’s still an enjoyable book. I’m not sure how she could have come up with anything to top the first one so we probably should have all expected to be a little bit let down.
Elle says
This comment is not just for Kath, but for everyone having a whinge at airport food. While I understand the frustration of crappy airport food, I truly believe:
1) Well, what do you expect? “Airport offers lacklustre food ” isn’t exactly a headline that’s going to sell papers. Either bring your own food from home/Whole Foods/wherever the hell you get delicious, healthy food from OR stop your whining, suck it up and don’t expect the best from the food you DO find at the airport.
2) Be grateful you have the opportunity and means to actually go to an airport, get on a plane and experience travelling to a new place, or that you’re perhaps getting on a plane to come home to people that love you. Plenty of people in the country, and the world, will never get the opportunity. If cruddy airport food is the biggest problem you face today? Damn, count yourself lucky.
danielle says
Agreed. Wholeheartedly.
Amanda says
Thank you for saying this! Holy negativity people. Be grateful for what you have. There are plenty of people in the world who are dealing with much more serious problems.
Erin says
Also agreed! These comments are crazy. You will live, people. Be grateful you get to travel!
Wendy says
The Austin, TX airport features its local restaurants so you can get an awesome meal there. Maybe if enough people do “whine” more airports would try doing this and showcase some local flavor (and healthier options) among the national fast-food options that are a comfort to some people, but really are pretty gross to others.
On your second point, of course there are always bigger problems. Why can’t people who aren’t poor talk about their daily lives?
Katie says
I just wanted to say..I agree that people should not expect ‘good’ food at airports and maybe people who are lucky enough to travel shouldn’t be complaining but I think Kath was just commenting on her lackluster food experience. As someone who travels constantly for work, I don’t always have the time to go and get another meal from somewhere else before I leave–just because of the amount of time I do spend in airports it isn’t always feasible. I think the quality of airport food is what it is because at some point that is what the demand was for (fast food, etc). Yes, life goes on and it isn’t the end of the world, but I agree with Wendy that if people ‘complain’, maybe airports will start to feature healthier foods and more options. I’m always surprised at the lack of healthy food and hope that will start to change soon. I’m sure the 80% price-up isn’t going to change anytime soon though 🙂
Angel7 says
At least you had one amazing thing to eat, even though it was TCBY 🙂 You can make up for the day of not-so-good food when you get home.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Dinahsoar says
When I see smoked pork I don’t think of shredded cooked pork like BBQ…I think of ham, because ham IS smoked pork. The first time I had smoked pork chops–eons ago– I was disappointed because they tasted like ham. I expected them to taste like a pork loin roast that had been smoked.
Back then I didn’t realize that ham is smoked pork. So, we all live and learn.
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Getting healthy, tasty food when you’re traveling can be tough. We’re taking a cross country road trip in August and I’m already working on ideas for good food to take with us. For one reason to be thrifty and the second reason to eat good things that will help me stay on track. It’s not easy to do, that’s why I’m starting early!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That’s such a bummer about your meals today! It can be so hard to find good food at airports. Especially my local one – the only thing it has is a Tim Horton’s! I didn’t realize that the first time I went there, so I had to settle for one of their sub par sandwiches. 😛 At least you had that fro yo to turn your day around!
Michaela says
I hate when that happens. Buying crappy food is just horrible. Especially if they do not advertise certain ingredients on the menu- a no-go for sure!!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
It’s frustrating when you spend a decent amount of money on food and it doesn’t live up to your expectations. TCBY is delicious! 🙂 Perfect ending to a day.
Sneakers2Sandals says
Tcby is always reliable! And I think the fact that you can get something semi healthy makes it way higher than 4/10!
Gillian says
Airport food is the worst! Except Heathrow in London – I was blown away by the selection of healthy food on my way to Berlin – and loved my Pret a Manger salad!
Jessica says
Kath, I think you should get one of those subway signs that says BE NICE and put it in your header or make it so people can see it when they are writing a comment. All you do it comment that your food was disappointing today and people rag on you? OMG, I don’t know how you put up with people constantly berating you for having an opinion.
BE NICE, people!
Cait's Plate says
I’d MUCH rather hear an honest review of how things are than hearing rave reviews that aren’t really true! When I’m traveling in areas that I remember other bloggers have been I always consult those posts so that I know what’s good and whats not – so don’t feel like you were complaining at all! It’s good you were honest!
Cait's Plate says
PS – I usually stay out of the craziness but I have to say I agree with Jessica up there /\. It amazes me how well you handle everything Kath.
KathEats says
Exactly. This is yet another one of those damned if I do, damned if I don’t situations that seem to happen so often around here..
Katy says
Any kind of public figure (no matter how big or small) is open to criticism and has to take the good with the bad. In your case, it’s overwhelmingly positive. I think that’s what you should focus on.
Leah says
I agree with this comment honest reviews, but I think its equally important that the comments are honest, and ofcourse stated in a polite manner. Feedback of all forms is valuable.
Paige @ Healthy Hits the Spot says
Wow, I thought your post was funny, and didn’t bother me at all- we all know how yucky airport food can be! It would have been weird if you would have said all of that food was delicious- then we would know you were fibbing ;)! Your post was fine, Kath. To be honest, I look up to you because you always mention things like being nice, your appreciate things, you savor your candies ;), and you just have a great attitude. Anyone who is mad at this one post with a few little/no-big-deal complaints probably does NOT read your blog everyday like we all do. You’re great!
Katie@PopCultureCuisine says
I completely agree about the Hunger Games series…I actually started Mockingjay when I was in my last few weeks of pregnancy and just finished it this week, our little girl is 5 months! In my defense those first few months of motherhood were all consuming and I was reading a lot of other things, but I also just wasn’t super into it. I would love to tell you it ended amazing, but I was a bit disappointed. Glad I read the whole series, but I agree that the first was by far the best of the whole series, but I feel that way about Twilight too!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I have to say- the best airport food I ever had was out of Sea-Tac (Seattle) airport. I had to get lunch (to eat there) and dinner (to take on the plane back to BWI) last summer and had two amazing meals- like not just good by airport standards, but good by restaurant standards, period! I was able to find healthy, fresh, yummy stuff with local ingredients!
My husband and I both agree also that airport beers are the BEST.
In regards to your post, I’d complain too. There’s not that bums me out much more than a bad meal.
Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise says
Haha good to know that about Sea-Tac ( never been ). I have 2 layovers there ( one is 9 hrs ! ) in April when we fly from Maui to Florida and the back top Maui. Do you remember where you ate? Honestly, we’re thinking of heading downtown to Seattle to check out the bar scene. It will be a Saturday night afterall and who knows if I’ll ever be in WA again. Always, nice to have options though. Especially on our return flight ( only a 3 hr layover ) Aloha!
Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise says
Good lord….it’s late. I meant to say, “in April when we fly from Maui to FL and then back to Maui.” Duh….
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I know we were in concourse B, and I looked at the map and didn’t recognize the name. I know that there were several great choices though! Have a great trip- and man- enjoy your short time in Seattle too. That city is AWESOME (I wish I spent more time there!)
Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise says
Mahalo!
Nescett @ bananaoats.wordpress.com says
You got it right on the Hunger Games! Getting through book three was painful for me. But I’m super excited for the movie. Calendar is marked!
🙂
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
I read your blog because I want to hear your opinions and I appreciate your feedback! If you weren’t honest with your readers, you wouldn’t be as successful as you are! Thank you for your blog Kath 🙂 Everyone needs to take your advice and Be Nice!
Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise says
Totally agree with you on the Hunger Games trilogy. Book 1: Amazing! Book 2: Okay. Book 3: Read about 75 pages last week but it’s still sitting on my coffee table untouched. Bummer…Need to head to the beach tomorrow and just crank it out!!
Zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
We have that exact same coconut water here. In fact I stocked up as our local supermarket was selling them cheaply. I am so pleased that for once at least, I can enjoy something you all have too 🙂
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
1. I totally agree about the Hunger Games books. Loved the first, thought the second was just meh, and was very disappointed with the third one.
2. Nothing worse than having disappointing food when you’re pregnant.