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![]() Although each Ruby’s restaurant features a different theme, much of the décor remains consistent. The simple yet exciting color scheme of red vinyl and white Formica complement the colorful 1940’s poster art to instantly cheer you up and make you want a milkshake. Ruby’s Huntington Beach, located at the end of the city’s world famous pier, is one of my favorite locations. The theme is “Surf City,” complete with surfboards and other memorabilia. There really isn’t a bad seat in the restaurant. Due to the eatery’s octagonal shape, all booths and tables offer a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. My husband and I were able to watch windsurfers and the sunset as we dined. No matter if you’re at the end of the pier or ensconced in a mall, the nostalgic feel of every Ruby’s makes this a kid-friendly diner a family favorite. Bring your appetite, because Ruby’s offers a wide range of scrumptious appetizers, sandwiches, entrées and desserts that are sure to satisfy everyone. Like any self-respecting American diner, burgers are the specialty. Ruby’s patties are made fresh to order and never frozen, so every burger is juicy and delicious. Choose from a variety of burgers and slider options. Don’t worry if you are trying to watch your figure; Ruby’s offers an array of health-conscious options. I enjoyed the De ‘lite’ ful Burger, made with a whole-wheat bun, low-fat mayo, low-fat American cheese, lettuce, tomato and a salad instead of the usual fries. This meal might be low in fat, but it is definitely high in taste. And if you go light on the burger, maybe you can indulge in a Rubysundae or a slice of apple pie. > Ruby’s (multiple locations) 1 Main St. Huntington Beach rubys.com Amanda Keeley-Thurman is an intern at OC Family magazine. RECIPE OF THE MONTHFresh fruit crisp By Jamie Gwen A crisp is a wonderful showcase for fresh fruit: apples, pears, peaches, etc. It’s as easy to make as it is scrumptious. The following recipe is for your basic apple crisp: Ingredients: > 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats > 1 cup brown sugar > 1/2 cup all-purpose flour > 1/2 tsp. cinnamon > 1/4 tsp. salt > 1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces > 4 lbs. Granny Smith or Pippin apples, peeled, cored and sliced > 1/2 cup granulated sugar > 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice > 2 tsp. all-purpose flour > 3/4 tsp. cinnamon >1/2 tsp. ground ginger > Vanilla ice cream, for serving Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°. Butter a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish. For the topping, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add the cold butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingers, mix until coarse crumbs form. Place the topping in the refrigerator. For the filling, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon and ginger. Mix to combine well. Transfer the apple filling to the prepared dish. Sprinkle the topping over the apples. Bake until the topping is golden brown, about 50 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. CHEF’S NOTE: An apple blueberry crisp is easily prepared using 3 pounds of sliced apples and 1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries in the filling. For a Peach crisp, use 4 pounds of firm, ripe sliced peaches. A blueberry lemon crisp is achieved using 6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries along with 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest.Jamie Gwen is a celebrity chef, certified sommelier and cookbook author with a weekly radio show. For delicious recipes and cooking tips, visit chefjamie.com. ASK THE NUTRITIONIST Q: I’d like to know more about the effects of “high fructose corn syrup” on children’s health. –Debbie A: High fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is an inexpensive sweetener that food companies use in many processed foods and sodas. Made from corn processed with artificial agents, it tricks the body into wanting more food and thus contributes to weight gain, say some critics. While it’s not clear if there is something unique about HFCS that makes it worse than regular white sugar, any excess calories will cause weight gain and detrimental health effects. In my opinion, you’re better off feeding your kids foods that don’t contain HFCS, since foods that contain it are often processed foods that aren’t very nutritious. Erin Silva, MS, RD Registered Dietitian The Fitness Camp (Irvine) |
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