Page 8 In Arcadia, however, local chefs are working hard to design Kids Menus that stray from the normal traditions of “kids food,” most notably, avoiding the famous chicken fingers all together. According to the Center for Disease Control, 17 percent of U.S. children are obese. And with these numbers holding steady for nearly 12 years, experts are working hard to find the answers. In 2010, President Barack Obama established the first Task Force on Childhood Obesity, aimed at reducing the rate of obesity to just 5 percent by 2030. Within the seventy recommendations put forth by the Task Force on Childhood Obesity many focus on improving access hicken fingers have been a childhood staple for generations. Low-cost, easy to eat and fun to dip, kids and parents have been turning to this hand-held food since the 1970s. Local favorites such as NoRTH Arcadia, True Food Kitchen, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Beckett’s Table and Pita Jungle have turned the tables on basic items that have become known as ‘kid food” and given both parents and their kids, something to be happy about. As Chris Curtiss, brand chef at NoRTH, said “The first thing that I think about when creating a menu for kids is what will be attractive to the kids. Nothing weird. For example, cheese and red sauce on their pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches and very simple pastas. Most importantly, all made with awesome ingredients that are not processed!” At Beckett’s Table, Chef Justin Beckett thinks of his two young to healthy, affordable foods; increasing physical activity; and empowering parents to make smart nutrition choices. As Americans open their eyes to the preservatives, sugar and fat that are plaguing our children, many restaurants and families are choosing to change their eating habits in hopes of dramatically altering their future and health. sons when developing the menu. “Having two boys of my own reminds me that sometimes simple mild flavors are the way to go.” “On my menu I use the mentality of, “give them what they want.” I really just try to make it well and use good quality ingredients. I also try to sneak in some items that are good for them like edamame or seasonal organic fruits,” said Chef Beckett. True Food has a motto, “At True Food Kitchen, we want you to feel better, live longer, and make your mouth happy in the process.” With their Kid’s Menu, it’s no different. The first thing you’ll notice when taking a peek at the menus is what it says: Beyond Chicken Fingers: Local Chefs Offer Kids Menus Even Parents Can Love By Lizzie Henson NoRTH Spanish Immersion Preschool little BIG minds 602.910.4417 • 4601 N. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018 We are located on the Biltmore Preparatory Academy Campus Give your kids the gift of early childhood bilingualism. • A Spanish Immersion preschool program for children ages 2 to 5. • High quality early childhood education with low student to teacher ratios. • Center-based curriculum includes language, art, music, science, math and world culture. OPEN ENROLLMENT Learn more about Summer and Fall 2013 Registration littlebigmindspreschool.com Private School of the Arts
Page 9 on another evening hummus replaces the chicken and cucumber slices become the veggie of the moment. Not only do kids relish in options, a design-your-own-menu makes it something they can look forward to and learn from. “Pita Jungle has seen a change in kid’s eating habits in the sense that parents are increasingly choosing the healthy diet track for their children,” said Nicole Sanders, spokesperson for Pita Jungle. Pita Jungle Kids Meals are successful with families because they bring a well- balanced and nutritional meal to the table. “Pita Jungle has tailored the Kids Menu for the parents who are staying on the cutting edge of food trends by the usage of super grains (quinoa, etc.) and seafood incorporated into their children’s diet,” said Nicole. No matter what you choose for dinner tonight, healthier choices and a variety of flavors are sneaking into the diet of children throughout Arcadia. Parents no longer need to feel guilty for an evening out, with chefs throughout the area developing meals that can proudly be placed in front of our kids. Chicken fingers are no longer the only choice for our babes. “Integrating nutritious ingredients into your kid’s favorite foods.” And with items such as a Chicken Teriyaki Bowl or Veggie Sticks and Dip, kids and parents will appreciate the healthy options with great flavor. True Food Kitchen’s executive chef, Michael Stebner admits there are secrets to getting kids to eat healthy. “Kids like things compartmentalized so they can eat their different foods separately. Also, one thing I try to do is hide healthy ingredients in the dishes. For example, mushrooms and vegetables are in the kid’s Sloppy Joe.” Adam Strecker, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Chelsea’s Kitchen (and a dad), admits there’s been a recent change in the items kids are ordering at Chelsea’s Kitchen. “Parents are trying to teach their kids to eat healthier, so we’ve started to see an increase in the fresh fish plate and grilled chicken tacos. We’re working on creating even more healthy kids menu options to meet this demand,” said Adam. Plus, any restaurant with PB&J Sushi Rolls on the menu is worth checking out. Pita Jungle in Arcadia is serving up meals that allow the youngest people at the table to gain a bit of control. Given the four food categories of protein, vegetables, grains and fruit, kids are provided with an assortment of options in all four areas. Maybe tonight they’d like chicken, steamed broccoli, pita and fruit, while True Food: Veggies & Dip Beckett’s Table ome - he he n o Pita Jungle lets kids “Design Their Own Menu” “Math that makes sense to kids” www.mathnasium.com “During the summer, many students lose math skills they learned during the school year. SUMMER AT MATHNASIUM summer programs are all about preventing math skills loss and helping students prepare for what lies ahead. ± One-on-One Instruction ± Homework Help ± Customized Learning Plans ± AIMS & SAT Prep ± Grades 1 - 12 “ Arcadia Math Learning Center 4730 E. Indian School Road, Suite 107 1IPFOJY ";t1IPOF FNBJMBSDBEJB!NBUIOBTJVNDPN