Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Best chocolate in Washington, DC for Valentine’s Day

This is one of my favorite posts to write! Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before while giving extra tight snuggles. It also means the quality of the chocolate is definitely better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me-up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists any longer. There are plenty of delicious places for you to shop this Valentine’s Day for yourself, your love or your Bambinos that don’t include the heart shaped milk chocolate box from the drug store. These are worth the trip, guaranteed. 

(Photo: Artisan Confections via Stay Arlington)

Fleurir Chocolates: 724 Jefferson Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Hand made artisan chocolates that are works of art made of high-quality, natural ingredients in small batches.

Artisan Confections: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, Va. 22201 and 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031
Jason Andelman’s recipes creatively blend high-quality ingredients that subtly enhance the star of the show – Valrhona chocolate – considered the best in the industry. The result is a collection of smooth and creamy confections that look as stunning as they taste. These are my absolute favorite and must-have each Valentine’s Day!!!

June B. Sweet: 3807 McKinley St NW, Washington, DC 20015
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: 1904 18 St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Chocolate House is a tasting room and boutique store where you can experience over 300 unique chocolate bars and confections from artisan chocolate makers and chocolatiers from all corners of the world.

Harper Macaw: 835 Water St SW, Washington DC, 20024
Harper Macaw is a fine chocolate venture founded by a Brazilian chocolate maker and a U.S. Marine Veteran with an ambitious yet tangible objective: To turn chocolate into a force for tropical reforestation. They also give factory tours on select days.

SPAGnVOLA: 360 Main St #100, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Crisoire Reid is an award winning Chocolatier and co-owner of SPAGnVOLA.  Having been raised in her ancestral hacienda in Hato Del Rey, Dominican Republic. With her passion in land cultivation and agriculture, she began to focus her interest in improving the quality of their crops. They offer gift boxes, hot chocolate, caramels and more. 

Café Chocolat: 1423 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005
A chocolate boutique with a coffee bar in it. The hot chocolate has been featured in Washington City Paper as a “must-have”. They specialize in small bean-to-bar chocolates from around the world and the US. The latest feature is the only chocolate-maker from Haiti, Askanya Chocolates.

(Photo: June B. Sweet)

Chocolate Chocolate: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Periwinkle: 3815 Livingston St NW, Washington DC  20015
In the back of this fabulous boutique shop you’ll find a display case full of fine local chocolates. Many are from Chocolaterie Wanders and Zoe’s.

Godiva: 1143 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 and many other locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order. You can become a Rewards member for free and receive a free truffle each month.

Balduccis: Locations in Bethesda, Alexandria and McLean
This is a premiere destination for many things such as meats and cheeses, the section of chocolates and confections is very impressive too.

Holiday Gift Guide for Families and Children + 5 Days of Giveaways!

Below are our holiday favorites in case you need some inspiration or ideas. Some ideas specific to Washington, DC while others are products or companies you may not be familiar with. There are also plenty of ways to incorporate giving into your holiday which doesn’t include actually giving a gift. Be sure to read through to the end where we explain our 5 days of GIVEAWAYS! 

Books (this is one category I could go on and on and on with, so if you want more suggestions, ask!):

Music

  • Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme
    From out of the DC metro area comes unanimous praise for the Parents’ Choice Award® winning kindie band Mr. Jon & Friends, powered for nearly a decade by the husband-and-wife duo of Jon and Carrie Lewis. Now kids and families across the country can tune into the energy, fun, and sweetness of Mr. Jon & Friends’ brand of Raffi-inspired good sounds with the band’s third album, Rock & Rhyme.
  • Marsha & the Positrons CD, Positronic
    Catchy songs about science and how the world works with subtle themes of friendship.
  • Alphabet Rockers debuted a collection of T-shirts which give young change-makers and their parents a chance to wear what they believe. These vibrant shirts were designed by original AlphabetRockersmember Stefanie Liang Chung, and feature song lyrics from their GRAMMY-nominated album, Rise Shine #Woke. 

Sports

Healthy snacks for stocking stuffers

Games

Toys

Class Drop-in Pass

  • Pearachute–Their mission is to inspire children’s curiosity and passion by empowering parents and caregivers through convenience and choice. Making the best kids’ classes and activities available to you at the touch of a button, allowing you to drop-in and explore during times that fit your schedule with the flexibility to accommodate late naps, stuffy noses, and unplanned visits from grandparents. Click link above for a discounted code when signing up.

Subscription Boxes

  • Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, create something hands-on and have an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep.

Memberships

  • Smithsonian National Zoo–Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) helps the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute save species through educational and fun experiences, the power of our members, and funding for critical work. Membership levels vary, but most come with free parking (a $23 value!) as well as carousel ride vouchers.
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum— The premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic and a place that values learning through play. Not enough space to say how great this museum is; lucky to live so close to it.
  • National Building Museum— Inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. Building Zone & Play, Work Build are permanent while the museum has rotating exhibits and events throughout the year.
  • Politics & Prose— Support one of our local and amazing bookstores!
  • Sign your Bambino and self (or nanny, grandparent) up for a session with Tinkergarten

Theatre tickets

Experiences 

  • Holiday tree lighting and fireworks began on Nov. 10, 2018 and take place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance. Use code: SNOW18 for $4 off ICE tickets valid Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 20. 
  • Tidal Basin pedal boating and swan boat tickets
  • Ice skate at various rinks in DC
  • Take your Bambinos and experience holiday tea

Gift of Creativity

Functional 

Giveaway Rules: The giveaways will be posted each day on Instagram and/or Facebook depending on that day’s giveaway- so be sure to check both! You can enter as many giveaways as you want. Directions on how to enter will be on each individual post.

Giveaway Day 1: One copy of Laurie Berkner’s new book, Pillowland

Giveaway Day 2: “Lucky’s Happy Home” Playmobil

Giveaway Day 3: 8 boxes of fruit punch from ReThink Water

Giveaway Day 4: The newest Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme

Giveaway Day 5:  4 tickets to ride the Capital Wheel 

There are no affiliate links associated with the Amazon links that are included above. 

31 ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC with kids

Most of us dread that date in Fall that creeps up and turns our strict routine into havoc; Daylight Savings. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening (that used to be so sunny) with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime. Let’s be honest, you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this Fall & Winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for even more options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools.

2. Bloombars has evening classes, events and performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! (Try not to buy everything).

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Location in Georgetown & Bethesda.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends. DC Library is open until 9pm Mon-Thur.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms and heat.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Red Panda Art Studio, District Dabble Lab, Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play and Politics and Prose can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Speaking of dinner, there are so many restaurants that offer KIDS EAT FREE throughout the week and weekend.

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

15. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

16. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it, explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

17. Lace up those skates and go ice skate!

18. Enroll in a winter class or playgroup.

19. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my kids love making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart (Giant grocery stores are all I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn.

21. Drop into a Pearachute class

22. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see $12)

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape-

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

3. Put on a play, get out that old camcorder and record them– your iPhone will suffice too.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities

Related Posts: 
Winter camps & classes

Birthday Party ideas for older Bambinos

Birthday Party ideas, venues & entertainers

Holiday tea for families in Washington, DC

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas; my favorites was at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos or go without kids here’s a list of some places in our area that you can enjoy tea and crumpets, most with a holiday theme.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(Photo: Minitime.com)

Attached to Tysons II with lots of festive décor. Served Friday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the regularly served Afternoon $38 per person. Enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Tea experience with your young ones with a menu especially designed for our guests ages 12 and under.

$16 per person. Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day, Hot Chocolate. To make an Afternoon Tea reservation please call (703) 412-2762.

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events like O’Kids Playdates.

Join in December for Holiday Afternoon Tea, one of The Willard’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the live harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., excluding December 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $65 per adult, $30 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead.

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged. $28.50 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. All tea sandwiches and pastries are served family-style. 

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up for. Including but not limited to Little Ladies Afternoon Fairy Tea, Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events.

Situated within Tyson Corner I mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! Great value for the price! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

 

Related Posts:
Ice Skating, Holiday Lights and Outdoor Winter Fun

Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

Beefsteak’s Little Sprouts event with a q+a from Bennett Haynes

Chef José Andrés’ invites you to Beefsteak’s Little Sprouts event, a seasonal friendly veggie celebration taking place at Beefsteak Tenleytown from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, September 22, 2018. 

Little Sprouts is an seasonal  program that takes place across Beefsteak locations, designed to prove to children that veggies are both delicious and fun. The complimentary event on Saturday, September 22 will feature kid-friendly entertainment with coloring books, raffles and a plant potting activity with ThinkFoodGroup’s Chief of Produce Bennett Haynes. Beefsteak will offer small bites to sample from the menu, and children 10 & under will receive a free JV Bowl with purchase of any full-size bowl, salad or burger (this same deal applies every Wednesday at Beefsteak as part of their “Kids Eat Free” promotion).

We had the opportunity to pick the brain of ThinkFoodGroup’s Chief of Produce, Bennett Haynes’ a bit and asked him for a few tips when it comes to Bambinos + healthy eating–

BB: What are some ways to get children interested and knowledgeable about farm-to-table?

BH: Start with the vegetables your kids like to eat and do a little research. How does this vegetable grow? What is its season here in DC? Teach your kids a little of what you learned and maybe you’ll find it’s something you can grow in your home garden or a planter on the front steps. I loved sweet corn growing up and remember growing my first row of plants, it helped me appreciate it in a whole new way. Otherwise, get out to a U-Pick farm this fall – Butler’s Orchard has a great list of fall crops to harvest yourself.

BB: What vegetables can we secretly add to our children’s meals without them knowing it’s been mixed in? 

BH: Peas! Boil them with some salt and then add a little butter or olive oil and smash with a potato masher or something similar. Smashed shelling peas are a great addition to mac and cheese or spread inside a turkey sandwich.

BB: What are some out of the box ways to introduce new vegetables to picky children?

BH: Transform the ingredients. Blend up broccoli or cauliflower with vegetable stock into a soup, or mince up pieces for homemade pizza toppings.

BB: Is it important for parents to continue to put dreaded vegetables on our children’s plates night after night and watch them get throw away or can we throw in the towel and wait a few years? 

BH: I didn’t think much of vegetables until middle school. But, I do know kids who grew up coming to my farm for CSA pick ups and they now understand more about produce than I could have dreamed. I think exposure to where and how your food is grown at an early age could help!

BB: Organic, non-GMO, local, natural…..what advice do you give parents when they are in the produce section? 

BH: Before going to the produce section, stop by your local farmers market. Even if you don’t do a ton of shopping there, the market will give you a sense of what is in season, locally. Wherever you shop, let the season guide the produce you use. I prefer to use organic produce but the best way to know your food is to know your farmer.

Best ice cream in Washington, DC

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream in Washington, DC! It doesn’t have to be summer for me to grab a scoop (or two). But with the weather we are having, all of us need a place to head to for a quick cool off which also involves a treat. There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle.

But first let me introduce you to FrutaPOP. They are a small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Think Mimosa and Sangria Poptails and Fruit & Juice pops (non-alcoholic) for your next pool party! Use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order; perfect for a summer bbq or sitting poolside. 

Did you know Maryland has nine dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

THE. BEST. (#notanad) Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, report back. 

The Baked Bear

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day. Baked Bear craft ice cream is made with the highest quality ingredients around and is a step above the traditional, using an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers. 

Trickling Springs Creamery

An old-fashioned dairy store serving ice cream, milk shakes, milk and cookies at Eastern Market. Do you want to take some ice cream home with you after hanging out at Union Market?  No problem. They have 3 full freezer doors stocked with Trickling Springs FarmFriend ice creams, Trickling Springs Organic ice creams, and Little Baby’s ice cream.

Ice Cream Jubilee

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients.  They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC.  and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time – allows to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside, Jetties, etc. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops.

Class 520

The very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh.

Broad Branch Market

A market that has most everything you need at a higher price but you feel like you live in Mayfield when you walk in. They have a freezer of about 8 flavors to get a scoop and a freezer of novelties. 

Nicecream Factory

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start our process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using a freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, then freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get.

Larry’s Ice Cream

This family business, open since 1985, is well-known for the owner’s surly demeanor and delicious, homemade ice cream. With classic flavors like cookie dough and unique flavors like Key West chocolate, there’s something for everyone here.  

Thomas Sweet

This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates, freshly baked pastries and paninis—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee Oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering Exotic Ice Pops this summer along with Frozen Custard Cake and Puppy Pops—a treat for your dog!

Moorenko’s Ice Cream

This ice cream brand, which is sold around the NE corridor, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Guinness, Rice Pudding and Cotton Candy Gummy Bear.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can see schedule locations here. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there is an actual location. They also deliver!

Jetties

Serving Gifford’s ice cream, Jetties is not just an ice cream shop, but also well-known for delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch and a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed Oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina 

Italian Soft Serve Gelato: Your Choice of Tahitian Vanilla & or Strawberry Sorbetto. Sounds boring but I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Oldies but Goodies:

Dolcezza Gelato

Dolci Gelati

Pitango Gelato

Godiva

Ben & Jerry’s

YogiBerry

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(Photo: Pleasant Pops)

And for those who enjoy a nice, cold popsicle we didn’t forget you–

Pleasant Pops

All original recipes made with fresh ingredients. Flavors rotate constantly as they run out. To name a few; Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks, check site.

Whim Pop

Whim Pop integrates flavors of the world on a healthy, fresh and cool environment by creating unique delicacies in a variety of exotic flavors and presentations. Whim Pop is your answer for that unexplained desired of something unique and guilt free! Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets, check site.

FrutaPop

A small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Order online and use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order!!!

Choosing a healthy food delivery service that’s right for you

I am the shopper of all groceries and planner of all meals in our house. And yes, I’m also the preparer — lucky me! Sometimes I’d love some input as to what my vegetable-hating children would like for dinner, and actually follow through and eat.  Some weeks I enjoy meal planning while most other times I loathe it. So I took to the internet and found all of us home cooking Mamas (and Daddies) some resources that help make meals a little easier and depending on your audience, perhaps more delicious. We’ve tried them all and loved each service (the ones we didn’t love aren’t included) so you don’t have to– just choose whichever selection(s) work best for your needs and lifestyle and don’t forget to use those discount codes I’ve included. All of these companies also serve as great gift ideas for friends who had a new baby or are recovering in any way. All of them will will deliver already-made meals to your doorstep (with the exception of the Six O’Clock Scramble), by choosing the meal(s) you want!

Salmon Brussels

Galley:

Delivering fresh, chef-made meals prepared from scratch to DC and suburbs within 50 miles of the district. You can download the app (which I love as it makes ordering simple) or go online and choose a healthy dinner to be delivered to you. You can order up to a week in advance or same-day depending on your neighborhood. It’s healthy, delicious and is plenty of food. Dinner menus will always have either a pescatarian or vegetarian option. Individual meals range from $12-$18 or order a family meal for 4 ranging from $38-$54, you can also purchase a bottle of wine to go with your meal if you live in DC. Delivery is available Sunday-Friday. Click here to get $10 off your first order, you’ll be hooked! 

We love that you can quickly use the app and order the same day or order for an upcoming night you know you won’t be able to cook dinner. There is enough variety to find something for everyone in your family without having to make each member of the family eat the same thing. You can also order a family meal if the featured meal looks great for all or if you have a large group over for dinner. You can also choose a few breakfast and lunch items.

The Six O’Clock Scramble:

The Six O’Clock Scramble (owned and operated by a local mom) is an online meal planning service that is committed to helping busy families get dinner on the table every night. Each week members receive a meal plan that consists of eight dinner ideas with side dish suggestions, a make-ahead breakfast option, and a grocery list — all of which can be customized to fit a family’s dietary needs. In addition, members have access to thousands of additional recipes and hundreds of archived meals plans! 

We found this option to be the most demanding in comparison to the others because you still have to cook your meal. However, they took most of the work out of it for you- they email you recipes, a grocery list, tips and you can even watch Jessica (the owner) make one of the week’s recipe on a Facebook video post. The weekly menu consisted of nine recipes, varying from soups and sandwiches to entrees and desserts. Another super helpful thing they include is how long it will take to prep and make the meal so you can plan accordingly.

Chef Jess:

As a Personal Chef Service Chef Jess focuses on getting to know you, your specific likes and dislikes and tailors each meal to your taste. Chef Jess operates like your own Personal Chef. You fill out a short survey and tell Chef Jess the types of foods you & your family typically eat, along with any allergy, dietary restrictions or goals and we prepare meals to suit your taste. Chef Jess is not only a Classically Trained Chef but she’s a Registered Dietitian so she is able to accommodate specific dietary preferences and restrictions without losing the delicious taste. All of the meals are made up of fresh, local and organic. They deliver 3 days per week: Sunday, Monday & Wednesday and have several delivery times per day. The delivery area includes all of DC; Maryland: Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Potomac; Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Great Falls, Reston area. They offer both individual and family packages  The smallest package is a 3 day meals and the largest is 7 day meals. Options include breakfast, lunch & dinner. Chef Jess allows you to order a 1 week, 2 week or month trial or you can sign up for a monthly subscription service. Packages start as low as $45/week (smallest package). Get 20% off your first order with code: BAMBINOS

We love that you fill out a survey at the start of working with Chef Jess. It allows her to fully understand your needs, restrictions and desires and she truly tailors the meals to you. You can communicate very easily with someone to let them know if you have any suggestions or requests.

Healthy Fresh Meals:

Healthy Fresh Meals is a local meal prep and delivery service that was founded in 2016.  Healthy Fresh, aims to provide the DMV with healthy meals that are conveniently delivered to your front door! Eating clean is not always easy, so they’ve made it simple enough to fit every individual’s needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, live a clean and healthy lifestyle, or build lean muscle mass through a natural diet, Healthy Fresh Meal service has a line of meals to fit your lifestyle. All meals are prepared weekly from scratch using only fresh ingredients. The meals are cooked, sealed, and delivered to you within 24 hours, being delivered on Sunday and because of their packaging can last up to one week. Each meal is a single serving portion. Meal prices range from $10-$13.95 per meal. There is no minimum order however there is a $10 delivery fee for each order. Use the code Bambinos10 and get 10% off your order

This was one of our favorites! The meals came individually seal wrapped and lasted for a week in our refrigerator. My husband and I ate them for both lunch and dinner and were completely satisfied. The food was fresh and delicious and all very healthy but didn’t taste bland. We will be ordering from here on a regular basis.

kitchkat

Kitch Kat:

Kat came up with the idea that she could cook better than takeout for her friends and soon– the healthy and well-balanced meal service took off. KitchKat offers a monthly meal delivery service where you can stock up on fresh already-prepared meals that you can eat/reheat for the week or store the meals in your freezer for later. Currently KitchKat is delivering to NW DC; Chevy Chase, MD; Bethesda, MD, Silver Spring, MD (20901, 20910), Kensington and Takoma Park (20912). Meals range from $7-11 with a $25 minimum. The meals go into 16oz and 24 oz microwavable, freezable and recyclable containers. Just reheat the prepared meals and voila you’ve got a healthy dinner. Looking for a more personalized menu for you or your family? KitchKat does private cooking in your home with customizable meals to fit your needs. Tell her you heard about KitchKat from Beltway Bambinos- she offers a referral program 

Another one of our favorites that we found a few years ago! Kat sends out a weekly email (once you subscribe) or you can check out her website for the menu and you can choose what you want to be delivered. There is always something available that my children will eat and sometimes she offers a tasty treat. The portions are the largest of any mentioned above and have always been absolutely delicious as well as a great variety to choose from.

thAs you’ve probably seen ads on Facebook, mailers come to your home and friends sending you discount codes, there are several delivery services that will ship you a box of fresh, pre-portioned ingredients along with recipe cards for you to prepare the meal at home. I like these because you don’t need to grocery shop or meal plan but you still have the experience of cooking your own meal. You can log in to your account and customize your delivery depending on whether you like the meals they offer that week, choosing to skip a week whenever you’d like, change the number of meals that arrive  and choose the day it is delivered. Most have options to purchase a 2, 3 (and more)day meal box to serve two or four people. Blue Apron, Martha & Marley Spoon and Plated are three popular delivery services.

Where kids eat free in and around Washington, DC

You can go out to dinner every night (to a good restaurant!) in our area and your Bambino can eat free! We’d love to hear from you, comment with your favorite establishments that offer kids deals. This guide to kids eating free in and around Washington, DC is sponsored by Modern Market: Fresh, Farm, Eateries.

                                                                                                                                                                   (Photo: Modern Market)

Modern Market–
(4930 Elm St. Bethesda, MD.20814)
(1010 Vermont Ave NW Suit 102 Washington, DC 20005)
(1627 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD. 20852)
(Coming soon to Columbia, MD)

Sunday & Monday after 5:00pm-close, with the purchase of an adult entree. Modern Market cooks using simple, whole ingredients that come from farms, not factories. Making most things from scratch, even down to our salad dressings and pizza dough. This has led to a menu that satisfies virtually any dietary requirement – vegan, celiac, paleo, raw, south beach, high carb, low carb, and also low GCI. They also have a loyalty program and app that will send you deals.

Hard Times Cafe–
(1404 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314)

Every Sunday and Monday kids eat free with an adult entree.

Surfside–
(2444 Wisconsin Ave NW)
(1800 N St NW)

Monday from 5:00pm-9:00pm, buy a regular adult entree and get a kids entree free. Fresh fare inspired by the beach.

The Daily Dish–
(8301 Grubb Rd.  Silver Spring, MD)

On Monday’s kids 12 and under get one meal from the Kids Menu with the purchase of an adult meal $12 and above, not available on select holidays). The menu is inspired by the bounty of the seasons and focuses on comfort food that is seasonally inspired, sustainable and locally sourced.

Brookland Pint–
(716 Monroe Street, NE Washington, DC 20017)

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Meridian Pint–
(3400 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010)

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Lebanese Taverna Cafe-
(See image below for various locations)

Kids eat free for lunch and dinner with the purchase of an entree, sandwich platter or mezza platter at Cafe locations. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, see image below.

Whitlow’s on Wilson:
(2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201)

Tuesday – Sunday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm for kids 10 years old and younger. One kids meal per full priced entrée, sandwich , burger, or dinner salad that each adult orders. In short, one kids meal for one adult meal.

Roofer’s Union–
(2446 18th St NW)

Family Night is Thursday 5:00pm-close. Kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. A summer perk;  they boast to be one of the best rooftops in the city!

Toro Toro–
(1300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005)

Modern Pan-Latin choice serving skewers of grilled meats plus small plates & barrel-aged cocktails. Kids (ages 10 and under) eat free every day! They limit to two kids typically. Bonus, they offer $19 bottomless express lunch (unlimited dishes, served quickly so you can get back to work!) and $49 bottomless dinner featuring specials like ceviche and signature La Bomba experience.

Tastee Diner–
(Bethesda, Silver Spring & Laurel locations)

Monday-Friday, kids eat free off the kids menu with a paid adult meal. Visit the Tastee Diner for pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and soups. Silver Spring and Laurel locations serve beer and wine.

Chains with some sort of Kids Eat Free, depending on location:
Denny’s
IHop
TGIFridays
Applebees
Bob Evans
Fuddruckers
Moes Southwest Grill

American City Diner
(5532 Connecticut Ave NW)

Kids eat free with a paying adult after 5:00pm everyday.

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