Our August 2014 issue of Consumer Reports arrived last week; note it was July second, (they want to give us a head start). Their cover story is America’s Best Fast Food (and the Worst); “Surprise: Healthy choices; Yum! Juicy new burgers and Uh-oh. Big, bad calorie bombs”.

It was 2011 when they did their last survey and this new survey represented responses from 96, 208 consumers about meals eaten in many restaurants around the country. The main outcomes boiled down to the fact that consumers are expecting more for their money, higher-quality fast food, and greater variety. In addition to the survey, there is more evidence for the trend – the traditional big chains (Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s) are losing their edge.

Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, a food-service research and consulting firm said that fast-casual dining in places like Chipotle and Panda Express lets the consumer have their meal just the way they like it and that’s answering needs of a growing segment of the population. In addition, some chains such as Chipotle, Noodles & Company, and Panera offer meat that has been produced without the use of antibiotics in animal feed, and using more humane animal husbandry practices – another nice benefit.

We’ve just recently moved from our home of decades to a new home that we’ve built – what a challenge to find your toothbrush (etc) among a sea of boxes; let alone do any involved cooking. So being able to patch meals together becomes easier said than done. If you’re a long-term reader of this blog, you know that we have specific eating goals (just like many of you) and we don’t want to end up eating lots of food that doesn’t fit into our eating goals. It was nice to see the August 2014 cover of Consumer Reports when we were in the midst of chaos when fast food sometimes becomes a nice option.  The Consumer Reports article can help all of us find restaurants that will meet our individual goals – depending on what matters most to you. They have their article divided into:

• Healthful choices
• More for your money
• Regional gems
• Top service
• Fast-food alternatives (I like Chipotle’s description from ‘farm to face’)
• Clean surroundings
• Foods to fear
• And taste champs for burgers, chicken, and more
• Battle of the breakfast sandwiches and
• Ratings restaurants (Reader score, by category)

It’s fun to see what others think about restaurants; it may also be helpful in locating restaurants that meet your eating-style goals. Sometimes you’re on vacation; it’s too hot to cook; you’re too busy; or you just need a day off; it’s great if you can turn to a restaurant that can provide something that works for you. Thanks Consumer’s Report!