Amazing Burgers and Lots of Smiles

Friends have been telling me about Five Guys Burgers and Fries for some time. I've thought about going but have never wanted to drive to Beaverton "just for a burger". I mean, how good can their burgers really be, right? I can go to Burger King and get a burger for a buck - now that's a bargain.

But my kids and I were out in Beaverton this weekend and I figured "what the heck, let's give this burger place a try." The restaurant itself was nothing to write home about. It was basic. You go up to the counter and order. You find your own seat and when they call your number, you walk up and pick up your food. Nothing too impressive so far. Heck, if I wanted to walk and do everything myself I would eat at home, right?

The menu is pretty simple. I ordered the "little" burger because as much as I love to eat, I can't eat a ton. It comes plain but then you can order whichever toppings you want on it (for FREE!) I liked this part because normally I don't get a lot of extras on my burgers. It ends up costing more for the toppings than the whole darn burger costs. But not this time. I looked over the "extras" menu and had at it. I added bacon, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo and ketchup. I was starting to like this place already.

The kids wanted to sit up at the counter that lines the outside windows. They like looking out the windows and people watching (hmmm... where did they get that???) My daughter asked what all the garbage on the floor was. It was peanut shells. Hmmm. I investigated. There were big boxes of peanuts around with paper boats in them. Free peanuts - yeah! And everyone was cracking them and throwing the shells on the floor. My kids eyes got huge when I brought over two "boats" filled and said "have at it, kids." The look on their faces was priceless. I could see their little brains working - "did I just hear Mom say we can throw trash on the floor?"



This picture says it all! My kids loved smashing the peanut shells (and throwing them on the floor.) Heck, they even ate some of the peanuts too.


(Here's Ellie's mess that she was so proud of!)

My friends were all right. The food was amazingly delicious. Good thing I didn't order the regular sized burger. My "little" burger was huge with all the delicious toppings on it. And the fries... oh my. My kids love fries so I ordered two larges, thinking we all could share. Seriously, I have about 10 pounds of left over french fries in my fridge. The large was a bucket, I'm not kidding.

So... was it worth the drive? Absolutely! Was it worth the $15 we spend to sit and eat (and smash peanuts) for almost 2 hours? Absolutely! Like I said earlier - this picture says it all!

Pietros Pizza - More Than Just Pizza

We were down in Salem over spring break and I saw a sign for Pietros Pizza. I haven't seen a Pietros Pizza in ages so I thought my kids and I would check it out. Wow! I was amazed at how cool it was inside. This particular Pietros is called The Pirate Adventure and has a pirate theme going on inside.

My goofy son loves going on "adventures" to new places.

There is miniature golf that we didn't have time to play. My son was sad about this. The course looks like it's all done in neon and black lights and you can wear 3-D glasses. How fun would that be?! They also have laser tag for the older kids. On a side note - I went with all of the 6th graders at my work to go and play laser tag. It was an absolute blast! If you have older kids and want to do something fun with them, laser tag is it. It's a little pricey but well worth it.

My kids love all the video games. These aren't the "shoot 'em up" games. These are kid friendly games that give you tickets for playing. The tickets are then redeemed for prizes. I don't know about your kids but my kids LOVE the redeeming part. They oohhh and aahhh over everything and take forever to decide what they want. It's half the fun for them.


Cody turning in his tickets to get counted.

The menu there is more than just pizza. They have a great salad bar and pasta and sandwiches as well. I was delighted to see a kid's menu that wasn't $6.00 a meal. A kid's meal costs $3.30 and comes with a drink and either a mini pizza, spaghetti or salad bar. We ordered one meal with pizza and one with the salad bar and my kids split both of them. It was perfect (and reasonably cheap!)

So if you are down in Salem, check it out for yourself. Definitely a fun place to go and the pizza was delicious!

1637 HAWTHORNE NE
SALEM, OR 97301
Phone: 503-364-0128

Sweet Addition to Newberg

A new shop opened in Newberg that quickly caught my eye. It's called Sweetest Thing Cupcake and let me tell you... they are delicious! I'm not afraid to say that I love my sweets. But I have been cursed. Not with a sweet tooth or even a salt tooth. I have a fat tooth! I love fatty foods. (Okay, maybe I'm a little afraid to say that.) I crave cookies and cupcakes and donuts (don't get me started with donuts!) So when I found this shop I was delighted.


The menu changes daily, which I like. And each month they change up the choices as well to keep everyone coming back. Today we chose to buy an assortment for my Grandparents. We can't go for a visit without bringing a treat for them. So we picked four of the mini cupcakes and had them put into a nice box. It was a great treat without it being too big (my Grandparents are little) and costing too much.


My kids had to have a treat as well. But theirs didn't quite make it to the car. They also got the mini cupcakes this visit. They aren't too big (which I like) but big enough so they feel like they are eating a special treat.


They have a large dining/entertaining area where you can have private parties. I thought the princess tea party sounded fun for my daughter and her friends. This particular party includes dress-up with their princess accessories, tiara and wand for the birthday girl or hostess, princess music and dance, craft, tea lunch menu, gourmet princess cupcakes and choice of milk or juice all in a tea party setting. Gift bags are even provided for each child. And the party is hosted by their Private Party Hostess so I can be busy doing other things (like taking pictures and eating cupcakes!)

It's definitely a must if you are going through Newberg. What child doesn't love cupcakes???

It IS a Monkey Business!

Alf's Ice Cream and Burgers in McMinnville has been around for years. Locals all know about the delicious burgers and homemade ice cream and "mascot" Elvis. Elvis lives at Alf's and I wish I knew exactly what kind of monkey he was but yes, Elvis is a monkey.



The outside of the restaurant looks like an old burger joint from the 50's. It has lots of outside tables, which is great in the summer time. The inside is small, maybe 7 tables, and is filled with Betty Boop and "drive in" type decor. I wasn't able to take a picture of the inside because it was so crowded. We went on the weekend and it was packed! The line to order was consistently long and people were waiting outside just to get in to order. We usually go during the week and don't have this problem at all.

The menu is pretty diverse for a burger joint. They have burgers, of course. And not just a couple of different kinds of burgers. They have a huge burger menu. One of their burgers is called the "All Day Burger". A co-worker of mine got it once and I was amazed that he could eat the whole thing. It was HUGE! and costs almost $10.



In addition to burgers there are chicken sandwiches, fried clams and shrimp (that's what my kids always get), sweet potato fries, tator tots, onion rings, chili cheese fries and much, much more. The menu is too big to list!



And for dessert - the ice cream is wonderful. They have lots of flavors, all made right there.

So where does the monkey fit in??? In the restaurant is a glassed off cage. Elvis lives in the cage and plays around (or sleeps) and actually interacts with the people. He comes right up to the glass and watches you. The kids love it! That and the fact that he is dressed in a diaper and pants. They think that's pretty funny too.

Alf's is located at:
1250 Southwest Baker Street
McMinnville, OR 97128-6902
(503) 472-7314

Truly Out Of This World

If you haven't been to Out of this World Pizza and Play you are truly missing out. I took my kids for Valentine's Day figuring it would be pretty busy (a Holiday AND a Sunday). I was amazed when we walked in and there were plenty of empty tables and not many kids running around.

My kids love this place! It's a huge warehouse that has been converted into a big play area with a pizza restaurant. It's perfect for kids and parents. The kids play (and play and play) and the parents can sit and watch (or read or surf the internet with their free wireless.) Parents can certainly play with their kids on all the structures. It's fun but believe me when I say It's EXHAUSTING!



There are lots of different things for kids to play on and with. The "main" play structure, pictured on the top, is huge! It's a climbing area with lots of slides and ropes and tubes. There's also a big bouncy slide (also pictured above) with an obstacle course and slide. There's even a climbing wall.



My kids LOVE the gliders. There is a small track painted on the ground and kids race in these kid powered cars.



The menu is simple - there is pizza (which is actually pretty tasty) and delicious salads and breadsticks and, of course, ice cream for dessert.


It's definitely a place to visit. Oh yeah... and during the summer time if it reaches 100 degrees outside - ice cream is free! You can't beat that!

Kids Eat Free at IHOP

I love anything free, whether it's a free pen or a free sample. But a free meal?! Bring it on!

At IHOP (International House of Pancakes) kids eat free everyday from 4:00pm - 10:00pm.

Here's the details:

Receive a FREE Kids Meal w/ each adult entree purchased. Free meal valid from the "Just for Kids" menu and drink is not included unless specified otherwise on the "Just for Kids" menu. Not valid with any other discount, coupon or offer. Dine in Only.

Check the website to find an IHOP near you.
http://ihop.com/

Free Kid's Meal at Dennys

Kids Eat Free* Tuesday and Saturday Nights from 4pm - 10pm

Up to two free Kids' entrées from Kids' menu per one regularly priced adult entrée purchase.
Selection & Prices may vary.

Two locations that I know of are:

2929 Newburgh Hwy
Woodburn, Oregon 97071
Phone: 503-981-9738

30175 SW Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070
Phone: 503-682-1711

*Kids 10 and under

Indoor Play Area at Burger King

This is the biggest indoor fast food restaurant play place in Portland. A very inexpensive activity to do with your kids on a wet and rainy Portland day. (We have enough of those don't we???)

My kids love it. I think it's best for kids below 12 years, and parents can follow toddlers through structure if need be.

It's really nice!

Children must wear socks in structure. if you forget to bring socks they have them there to buy for $2.

Burger King (Burlingame)
7601 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 245-1238

Cost: $1 per child and definitely worth it!