Eat Like An Olympian While Watching The Games
The Summer Games are finally here, so get your appetite ready
In honor of the Olympics, this month we're bringing you gold medal coverage of The Best of the Best.
No matter who you're pulling for, one thing we can all agree on: The Olympics are incredible to watch. Perfect physical specimens accomplish seemingly inhuman feats of strength, speed and agility. Perhaps it's an admiration for a world so foreign to our own (we make a mean margarita if that counts for anything).
As the opening ceremonies kick off and thousands of Olympians actively await their moment to shine, we can't help but think how impressive the food operation behind the Games must be. According to the Rio 2016 website, some 18,000 people will be served more than 60,000 meals per day—that's a lot of carb loading. For anyone looking to eat in solidarity with their countrymen and -women, here are some great ideas for upping your carbohydrate intake over the next few weeks.
Pasta: Looking to accomplish the im-pasta-ble? Hit up Coppa Osteria in Houston for all the linguini, tagliatelle and spaghetti you can dream of.
Bagels: Even gold-medal favorites like Gabby Douglas and Michael Phelps know they don't have it in the bag(el). They start their days with a wonderfully balanced breakfast; you should start yours with a sandwich from Chicago Bagel Authority.
Pizza: Olympic gold might seem like a dream to most. Our dreams are filled with pizza, like the pies from award-winning chef Michael Schlow's Alta Strada.
Ramen: Slurp your way into a food coma bliss by downing bowl after bowl of ramen in preparation for watching synchronized swimming. The bowls from Jinya Ramen Bar are up to the task.
Potatoes: Baked, mashed, scalloped—the options are endless. However, fried are always at the top of the class, like these beauties from Pommes Frites.
Pretzels: Nothing beats a fresh, warm pretzel. The Germans seem to have the pretzel-making game on lockdown, but The Radler in Chicago produces a fine example of the twisted snack.
Fried Rice: Lukshon was named one of the best places for fried rice in Los Angeles. Grab a doggie bag and settle in for a riveting slate of rhythmic gymnastics.
Bread: Whether sliced or by the loaf, there is nothing better than bread—just ask Oprah. San Franciscans should run—no, sprint—to Tartine Bakery to refuel.
And for anyone lucky enough to be in Brazil during the Games, be sure to check out some of our favorite places to dine while in Rio. Not able to make the trip? Explore some closer options in our DINE app.