Curious Parents Places to Go

summer fun

Have Food Will Travel

“Step out of the car please and put the waffle down”

Fast Food Attendant: “May I take your order please?”

Hungry Curious Parents Writer: “Yes, I’ll have a Number Two with a Coke and an order of nuggets… please don’t forget the barbecue sauce this time.”

FFA: “$5.12, second window please.”

HCPW: “Thanks.”

By Craig Whitaker

Typically, I engage in that conversation at least once a week, sometimes two if it’s in between pay periods. As I pull away from the drive-thru, I sometimes balance my drink between my knees, holding the steering wheel with one of the balancing kneecaps so that I can have both hands available to administer some ketchup to my sandwich. What? Both hands on the wheel? That’s so old fashioned. Eating in the car however, is not something new to this generation. My parents have told stories of outdoor restaurants, popular in the late fifties to early sixties, where the waitresses actually served your food while skating around on roller skates! Ah, the stories they can weave. Fifty years later, eating in the car has reached new heights.

When I was a kid, my family took many trips to the shore, compliments of my great-grandparent’s actually living in Wildwood year round. My family’s idea of keeping a drink cold was to hope that the ninety-nine cent Styrofoam cooler we just picked up from Sunoco kept the ice cold until at least exit 10. (C’mon Styrofoam, keep it together…just five more miles) Often this wasn’t the case and it would split open in six different places sending freezing cold water all over the interior of the Whitaker family wagon. Well do not fear 21st century family because Sharper image has you covered. The Mini-Fridge/warmer not only can keep things cold, but also with the flick of a switch can warm food to 149 degrees. The unit has a 12-liter capacity that can hold 12 cans, a 2-liter bottle or a half-gallon of milk. For right around one hundred dollars, you can have a permanent solution to warm drinks and wet seats in the car.

If keeping drinks warm is your dilemma, the “Smart Mug” may be what you are looking for. No longer will a thirty-minute morning commute equate with cold coffee. The mug plugs into your car’s lighter or power outlet and features a readout for beverage temperature. A dishwasher safe lining makes cleaning the mug a breeze. For more information, visit www.mobilegear.com.

Beverages are not the only item being served in today’s “Car Kitchens.” Several items are available to specifically keep your food warm. Similar to the bags used by your local pizza delivery boy, insulated bags are designed to keep food prepared at home, warm throughout your trip. Less expensive bags are available at your local grocery store for around $5, but if you really want to impress your next picnic date, try a bag from the “Gourmet Tote” company. Available online at www.gourmettote.com, these bags start at $79.95 and have many features beyond keeping your food warm. All models are waterproof and have several compartments for storing items such as utensils, napkins, or additional food items. In addition, there is a thirty-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.

Another fun item for food or drink on the go is the MR-158 Digital Wine Cooler and Warmer by ThermoKool. This picnic necessity features a digital readout, which displays the temperature range of 37F-122F. By using the two provided car adapters, bottles can be kept cold during car rides, enabling you to enjoy chilled wine upon your arrival at your destination. Ideal for picnics or dinner parties, the MR-158 is around $90. 

Clearly, enjoying food and drink on the road has come a long way since plastic cup holders and Styrofoam coolers. However your primary concern while driving a car is just that, driving. Keep your eyes on the road, hands at ten and two, and don't let that Quarter Pounder fall into your lap while doing 65 on the highway…it may stain your pants.

Craig Whitaker is a freelance writer and a musical entrepreneur.