If you’re anything like me, food has been the only thing getting you through these “troubling times.” Deadly pandemic? Takeout. Political insurrection? Takeout. Failed midterm? You guessed it, takeout. We need to stop talking about the freshman-fifteen and start talking about the quarantine-fifteen. I’ve created a tried-and-true list of the best and safest takeout options in the valley. Whether it’s for takeout-Tuesday, a Zoom date, or just a Saturday brunch, this list has all you need to curb your cravings.
- Saffron Valley
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Food: 9/10
This Indian restaurant has all you need and more. Tikka masala? Got it. Sweet naan? Got it. Vindaloo? Freaking got it. This place is excellent for fans of a bit of spice. I docked one point because depending on who the chef is the spice levels vary dramatically. I got a mild chicken tikka masala that was sweet, and the next week it burnt my face off. Ah, such beautiful pain.
Safety: 10/10
Saffron Valley does delivery, but if you’re cheap (like me) picking it up from the restaurant is quick and painless. You can pay over the phone and they’ll have it ready for you by the time you arrive.
Suggestion:
Chicken Tikka Masala + Sweet and Nutty Naan - Crown Burger
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Food: 8/10
Crown Burger is the perfect place for all of your fast-food cravings but is 10 times better. Their euros are superb, and their burgers taste divine. I knocked off two points because I once got a less-than-stellar gyro, but when we called they gave a replacement free of charge.
Safety: 10/10
Honestly, Crown Burger has upped their game. Pre-COVID their service was rather slow, but now it is speedy fast. You can order through the drive-through, and it will be promptly delivered to your car. Who doesn’t love not even having to get out of their seat?Suggestion:
Their signature Crown Burger comes with pastrami on top of a succulent beef patty. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, it should be. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, especially the gyro.
- Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria
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Food: 10/10
If you’re in the mood to “treat yo’ self” Donna Meagle style, then this is the place for you. However, don’t be deceived by the restaurant’s name: they serve far more than just pizza. In addition to their delectable flatbreads, they also have
sandwiches, salads, pasta, you name it.
Safety: 9/10
I have to take off a point because you have to go into their location to pick up your food, and, unlike Saffron Valley, they don’t offer delivery. However, pickup is easy and painless, you can pay over the phone, and the employees always have their masks on correctly. What more could a gal ask for? Well, human rights, but pizza is a close second.
Suggestion:
If you don’t get their steak tip dip sandwich at least once in your life I will pity you forever.
This sandwich is to die for. No, literally, I would probably die for it if you asked me to. This beautiful creation has plum jam, beef au jus, and enough steak to make you cry tears of joy. - Oh Mai
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Food: 9.5/10
Oh Mai is a Vietnamese sandwich shop with multiple locations throughout the valley. While their signature dish is their banh mi, I am personally a fan of their vermicelli noodles. Their pho is also delish. This is a great place to go for vegan and vegetarian options, as well!Safety: 9/10
While Oh Mai doesn’t have a delivery option, their pick-up operation is stellar. You can order over the phone, and then pick up completely socially distanced. They usually leave your food packaged up and on a table in front of their lobby. No human contact needed!Suggestion:
If you’re in a noodle mood, I suggest their curry chicken vermicelli noodles. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with their honey glazed pork banh mi. - Dragon Diner
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Food: 8/10
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to forgive myself for rating Dragon Diner so low. My only reason is that their food feels like it’s giving me diabetes while I’m eating it. But is it still worth it? Absolutely, or it wouldn’t have made this list. Dragon Diner is the perfect place for when you’re craving American Chinese food. It knocks Panda Express and every other Chinese place in the valley out of the water.
Safety: 10/10
Dragon Diner delivers, and quickly! You also have the option to pick it up from their location, as well. If you order over the phone it is easy to grab your food and go in less than sixty seconds. Sixty seconds for Chinese food? Sounds like a deal!Suggestion:
If you’re going to Dragon Diner, you might as well go all out. I’m talking the ham fried rice, the General Tso’s chicken, the sesame beef, the whole kitten-kaboodle. You really can’t go wrong.
- Crumbl Cookies
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Food: 9/10
After all of this takeout food, you’re going to need dessert! Crumbl Cookies is the perfect option for fast-and-easy delicious sugary treats. Their menu is small because they know what they’re doing, and have the perfect cookie to satisfy your cravings.Safety: 10/10
Crumbl Cookies delivers to parts of the valley! What’s better than having fresh cookies delivered straight to your door? If you are out of their delivery area, picking them up is super fast and easy.
Suggestion:
Their snickerdoodle changed my life. I’m not sure if I can ever eat a snickerdoodle from anywhere else, it was that good. However, you can’t go wrong with any of the cookies they offer.
You’ve made it through the list. Congratulations! You are an official foodie. You should be getting a certificate in the mail any day now. All jokes aside, food is a great way to take time out of your day and just enjoy something. Don’t eat to survive this pandemic. Eat to thrive despite the chaos. Treat yo’ self. You deserve it.