Summer Fun for a Foodie

Time to savor the flavor of summer. Literally! It’s that time of year when many people center their social events on food – cookouts, family reunions, graduation grilling and poolside parties. You name the food-filled event and people gather. And for most folks, food makes us feel better. So it only seems like good sense to try as many different foods as possible, right? Here are some fun food-related ideas to add to your summer bucket list and complete before Labor Day.

Stop The Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck

You hear the jingle coming down the street. You know you want a treat. Find that inner kid in you, and stop the ice cream truck. You’ll be glad you did.

Try a New Recipe or Two or Three

I’ve got your first recipe covered. How about an Avocado, Black Bean and Mango Salad? You need one can of black beans drained, one mango chopped, one avocado chopped, one Granny Smith apple chopped, one lime squeezed and peel grated. Mix all together in your favorite bowl. Add as much chopped cilantro as you like and serve. Simple to make, tastes great and spells summer.

Eat at a Food Truck

They’re everywhere! Remember the day when food truck restrictions abound? Not anymore. Go to any food truck park or festival. Once you find a truck, it’ll all be worth it. Even The Carolina Inn has added food trucks to everyone’s favorite Friday after five tradition, Fridays on the Front Porch.

Eat Fondue

Bored with your regular dinner routine? Have a fondue night. Who can resist a delicious melted pot of heavenly goodness (commonly in the form of cheese or chocolate)? Add some fruit & veggies plus bread & pretzels for dipping. Start with cheese and end with chocolate. Or live life on the edge, and eat dessert first! Last resort…hit The Melting Pot restaurant near Southpoint Mall.

Go Fruit Picking

You’ll never eat better fruit than the sun-warmed pieces you pick yourself. Grab some large shallow containers and head for a pick-your-own farm, a strawberry patch or a friend’s blackberry bush to gather some of the best fruit of the summer.

Eat Lunch from the Samples at Costco or Sam’s Club

You know the samples are the main reason you go. It’s my guilty pleasure too. That’s how my last Friday afternoon played out. And the samples were aplenty! Find a friend with a membership and get to sampling. Because who really needs 20 rolls of paper towels at one time?!

Eat at a Movie Theater

It’s a movie theater and restaurant rolled into one. Silverspot Cinema in Chapel Hill, anyone?

Take a Road Trip to Experience Southern BBQ

North Carolina is the perfect state for it. Or venture across the border. If you’re on a staycation, Crook’s Corner brings the ‘cue to you with Carolina ‘Cue Wednesdays featuring barbecue from around the state. Or taste some of the best BBQ around at Allen & Son Barbeque in Chapel Hill or Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Durham. (Yes, barbecue is spelled or abbreviated a myriad of ways and all seem to be correct!)

Eat Raw Oysters

On your next trip to the coast try raw oysters. Trust me, they’re actually quite tasty. But if you don’t want to commit, settle for some fried or charbroiled oysters. Or stay local and dine on oysters in the Triangle. Just remember – the world is your oyster!

Share your fun foodie ideas with Chapelboro Insiders.

On Air Now: 97.9 FM