Written By Lisa Breslin
Fifteen local restaurants that are smoke free and offer healthy foods earned an Award of Excellence and coveted placement in The Healthy Dining Guide, which was released in April by The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County.
Funded mainly by The Carroll County Cigarette Restitution Fund, The Healthy Dining Partner Award of Excellence and the dining guide are the culmination of a yearlong project that was geared toward recognizing restaurants that offer such healthy food options as whole grain foods, four choices of fruits and/or vegetable, at least one meat, fish, poultry or meatless entre prepared using a lower fat cooking methods, at least one low-fat dessert and sauces, gravies, butter, etc. served on the side.
“Each of these restaurants filled out detailed surveys which were reviewed by nutritionists to ensure that they met 80 percent of the criteria outlined,” said Kim Spangler, Director of Health Education at Carroll County Health Department and Prevention and Wellness chair.
The restaurants also offer several other healthy options including half size portions on regular menu items, sharing of entrees, milk or 100 percent juice as a beverage for children’s meals and, at no extra cost, a substitute for French fries if served as part of an entre.
Restaurants recognized include: Brick Ridge Restaurant, Mt. Airy; The Buttersburg Inn, Union Bridge; Dutch Corner Restaurant, Manchester; Forbidden City Chinese, Westminster; A Gourmet Affair, Westminster; Gypsy’s Tearoom, Westminster; Kountry Kafe and Katering, Westminster; Marina Cuisina Caf & Creative Catering, Sykesville; McDonalds, Mt. Airy; Olde Town Restaurant, Mt. Airy; Pug in a Mug, Eldersburg; Ruby Tuesday, Westminster; Subway, Westminster; Subway/TCBY, Mt. Airy; Zipani Breads and Caf, Eldersburg.
Each of the 15 restaurants recognized received a plaque and a window decal. For copies of the guide, or to apply for an Award of Excellence contact: www.healthycarroll.org, or www.carrollhealthdepartment.dhmh.md.gov – L.M.B.
