Gas Station Gastronomy

Even the healthiest and best-prepared road tripping skiers have been there. Foodless, hungry, and oddly tempted by the gleam of the lifeless and packaged foods inside. For foodies, this is truly a nightmare. However both Food and Wine and The Wall Street Journal have cited one shocking food trend of 2011: gas station gourmet. So there might be hope yet. For skiers who find themselves stuck at a not-so gastronomic truck stop, here are three of the best meal-on-the-shelf picks, plus some of the top ski-town gas stations eateries in the U.S. Meal #1: Banana, Sunflower Seeds, Campbell?s Low-Sodium V8 ? Why not the apple, you might ask? Because non-organic apples have some of the highest pesticide residues while the thicker-skinned banana has more protection. Plus, banana?s high vitamin B6 content modulates inflammation and fatigue. Next, the sunflower seeds are one of the best food sources of vitamin E, which helps neutralize damaging free radicals produced in the body during exercise. Lastly, the V8 is low in sugar and packed with potassium that will combat the muscle cramping common during long drives post slope-slaying. Meal # 2: Elk Jerky, Cashews, Glaceau Smart Water ? In the west, many ski towns have an active hunting population so finding custom elk or buffalo jerky on the shelf isn?t out of the question, especially in Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. Neither of those animals are allowed to be treated with the hormones or antibiotics commonly used in beef, and they?re excellent sources of muscle rebuilding protein. Reach for packaged cashews, which contain copper, a mineral that helps provide flexibility in bones and joints. Finally, water is always better than soda for the skier who needs to rehydrate after exercise, and the electrolytes in Smart Water are an extra bonus. Meal # 3: Crunchy Peanut Butter Cliff Bar, String cheese, and Unsweetened Iced Tea ? What?s great about this Cliff Bar option is the organic milled flaxseed and psyllium in it. These are excellent sources of dietary fiber, needed to keep things, ahem, moving, which they often do not on long road trips. Peanuts are also a good source of tryptophan, which can help the backseat rider get some needed shuteye. The string cheese packs nerve conducting, muscle contraction promoting calcium that is depleted easily during exercise. Lastly, if water isn?t going to cut it, go for the unsweetened ice tea option, which packs vitamins and minerals instead of high fructose corn syrup. If you?re lucky enough to find yourself ski-tripping in California, Colorado, or Maine make it a point to eddy out at one of these spots for some really, really good food. Tioga Gas Mart/Whoa Nellie Deli. Lee Vining, California: You?ve never seen a gas station quite like this before. If you?re driving to Mammoth from the north on Highway 395, you?ll pass a Mobile gas station in the tiny town of Lee Vining, near the shores of Mono Lake. Inside this Mobile station, you?ll find the Whoa Neli Deli, where chef Matt Toomey whips up fish tacos with ginger coleslaw, mango salsa, and Brazilian black beans. The menu also includes such specialties as wild buffalo meatloaf, lobster taquitos, and herb crusted grilled pork tenderloin. They offer wine tasting (yes, there is a wine tasting inside a gas station?bring a designated driver), live music on Thursdays and Sundays, and fishing supplies. And, of course, you can get your usual gas station cuisine of chips, candy, and soda. But why bother when lobster taquitos are on the menu? Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 pm. 760-647-1088. www.whoanelliedeli.com?Megan Michelson Gas Caf�. Crested Butte, Colorado ? En route to the ski area you pass this little nugget on the right hand side. By all means stop, and order the burger. Yes, this gas station burger is made with 100% grass fed beef from Parker Pastures in neighboring Gunnison and a served on homemade buns from The Luna Bakery also based in Gunnison. Grill hours are 6:30 am to 3 pm. Find them on Facebook or call to order ahead 970-349-9656. Good Food Store. Bethel, Maine ? Although it?s not exactly inside a service station, Sunday River skiers frequently run across the street when filling up at the Irving station to this hip eatery and natural gourmet food shop. A local favorite since 1994, travelers can stock up on homemade, take-out lasagna, chicken pot pie, or pesto tortellini salad, or, even better, grab some freshly barbequed brisket from their Smokin Good BBQ joint just outside the store. 207-824-3754. goodfoodbethel.com

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