Ask Lauren: Craving for cozy, a working lunch, and healthier options

Whether your New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, reconnect with your friends, or tackle the next big project at work, Lauren’s got you covered.

January 3, 2014; 6:49 AM • by Ross Catrow

Now, through the magic of the internet, you too can ask Lauren your myriad food-related questions. Well, technically, you can leave your questions in the comments below, I’ll ask Lauren, and then I’ll let you know what she says. It’s like the three-legged stool of restaurant recommendations.

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I realize it’s only January, but I’m already over this whole winter weather thing. Where can my girlfriends and I go to grab a drink together and maybe cozy up by a nice, warm fire?

Cafe Caturra has a great atmosphere annnnnnd…a wonderful fireplace! They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so whenever that craving for cozy hits, they’ve got you covered. Bring the family (or leave ’em at home) and enjoy a nice cup of coffee, a glass of wine from their thoughtful wine list, or a cup of soup.

I frequently need to do a working lunch with a colleague, and we’ve had a hard time finding a restaurant with wifi and big enough tables for us to spread out our laptops, papers, etc. Any suggestions?

Mellow Mushroom in Carytown has large booths so you can spread out all of your crap to your heart’s content, and they’ve got free wifi! Plus nothing says “working lunch” like some pizza and a few brews to get the creative juices flowing.

It’s 2014! I’m trying to lose a few pounds in the new year! What are some good restaurants with healthy options, like big salads, that won’t leave me feeling famished.

First: great goal and good luck! Second: there are a ton of different options around town for you to healthily nosh your way to a skinnier jeans. The Ellwood Thompson’s salad bar is a personal favorite of ours and a good place to start. But if you’d like something a little more sit-down, check out Fresca, The Daily, or Baker’s Crust. You can find something healthy, delicious, and filling at each. But be forewarned! You can easily rack up the calories almost anywhere, these places included—it’s up to you to make good decisions.

January 3, 2014 6:49 AM 1