IKEA Dinner

on July 6, 2010
in All Posts

Today we had some interesting debate/observations in the comments section about being an “ethical eater,” what exactly the requirements are, and who can call themselves one.  I think this is a really great topic for friendly discussion and am writing a post on the subject for tomorrow.  I hope it clears up some confusion about my own viewpoints, and I’m interested to hear your thoughts, too.

 

In the meantime, check out this post:  My Food Revolution – Books, Blogs, and Movies That Made Me Think.  🙂  Speaking of eating…

The Husband and I went on a shopping rampage this afternoon at IKEA.  I think I’ve publicity proclaimed my hatred for IKEA before, but I take it ALL back.  We found so many cute things. 

 

I’m going to change my name to Kaitlind and become a side table.  What’s your IKEA name?

2010-07-06_2016

We even ate dinner at IKEA!

IMG_8196

Putting together a vegetarian meal at IKEA is surprisingly easy!

IMG_8197

I had two broccoli-potato puff things, which were so good.

IMG_8203

Veggie soup:

IMG_8200

Steamed veggies – these were definitely not THAT great.  Kind of mushy.

IMG_8202

And a salad.  Which was fresh and crisp!

IMG_8205

We were at IKEA for hours… HOURS I tell you!  I joked that the store has to have a cafeteria inside it so they can feed people MEALS while they shop.  Snacks are enough!

 

Oh, I also ate an apple while we shopped.

 

Our loot (plus more):

IMG_8207

I promise to take decorating pictures and whatnot once things are pulled together!  Nothing is really completed yet so it’s kind of a waste to reveal it all.

 

Dessert:

IMG_8208

I have a desk to build…. Seeya!  🙂

{ 93 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is July 6, 2010, 8:35 pm

    I love chocolate covered bananas – they are really easy to make yourself, too! I like to cut the bananas in slices and dip them in chocolate then freeze!

    • Tinytacohead January 11, 2013, 10:43 pm

      Oh man, that sounds awesome!!! 🙂

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) July 6, 2010, 8:35 pm

    i LOVE ikea. 😀 such cheap but cute stuff…how could you ever hate the place, kaitland?
    from SLÃ…RENBY… the bedside table

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ July 6, 2010, 8:38 pm

    I haven’t seen those chocolate dipped bananas at Tj’s. I’m picking some up on my next trip.

  • Evan Thomas July 6, 2010, 8:38 pm

    I can’t wait for the post. I think I count as an ethical eater, but if someone wants to tell me otherwise I’m ready to listen.

    The only thing I’ve ever loved from Ikea was their cinnamon rolls

  • Julie @ pickley pear July 6, 2010, 8:38 pm

    I think my IKEA name could be JULIETTER. I imagine it being a fluffy rug! Glad you found lots of things there, its so cheap you can replace it in a few years if you don’t like it. The only thing I’ve ever eaten at IKEA are the Swedish meatballs, they are darn good!

  • Wei-Wei July 6, 2010, 8:43 pm

    I love shopping at Ikea! Plus the food there is quite good too. 🙂 I love how you’ve become a side table 😀

    Can’t wait to see the photos! 🙂

    Wei-Wei

  • Dynamics July 6, 2010, 8:44 pm

    Do you ever wonder/concerned about things being made that appear vegetarian but are made with “chicken broth?” IKEA is classified as a full day of FUN! They have the best salad bowls.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 9:00 pm

      Um, I mean I wouldn’t eat it if I asked and I KNEW it was in there, but I kind of just assume that vegetarian soup is vegetarian.

      • Steph July 7, 2010, 12:34 am

        Recently, someone I know ordered room service, which clearly said ‘vegan’ served with french fries. They asked just in case if everything was vegan in the meal and they were informed the fries were cooked in duck fat. I’ve noticed if you’re super strict, it’s always best to ask. Some restaurants use chicken stock in their vegetable soup. I am not strict so I don’t have to worry about that. But I think it depends on where you live, also 🙂

        • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:36 am

          Ew duck fat?! WHYYYYY.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter July 6, 2010, 8:47 pm

    Hahaha Ikea is such a crazy store. Congrats on getting all new furniture! It must be fun (and insane)!

  • Katherine July 6, 2010, 8:50 pm

    I don’t think ikea near me sells food that looks like that! ikea is crazy- any store that needs a food court, day care and arrows on the floor is out of control

  • Nicole July 6, 2010, 8:52 pm

    I have yet to make the trek to Cincy to see the IKEA store. I like that I’m SNIKÖL the chair. LOL.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 6, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I can spend all day in IKEA!! Its so much fun !

  • BroccoliHut July 6, 2010, 9:10 pm

    Ooh! I love IKEA–my two favorite things in one store: cheap furniture and food. Glorious. This post is making me excited to go shopping for my new apartment in a few weeks:)

  • Heather July 6, 2010, 9:11 pm

    we dont have IKEA, but friends have told me how overwhelming it is. I would probably have a panic attack!

  • Brynne July 6, 2010, 9:12 pm

    I could wander in IKEA for hours. Their 99 cent breakfast isn’t horrible .. justttt saying!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing July 6, 2010, 9:14 pm

    I seriously need to go to Ikea..

  • Victoria July 6, 2010, 9:19 pm

    I just came home from Ikea! LOTS OF FUN! (As always 🙂 )
    also…. you BOUGHT chocolate covered bananas? come on now, caitlin! 😉

  • Jenny July 6, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I love eating at Ikea- I went just to eat one time:) LOL

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) July 6, 2010, 9:25 pm

    choc-dipped bananas? mmmm yum!!!

  • Jen July 6, 2010, 9:27 pm

    I agree with you – we do what we can. None of us can be perfect and I’m sure Miss Ethical Banana Lady eats something that she “shouldn’t”. Love your dessert tonight…awesome!

  • Jen July 6, 2010, 9:31 pm

    Ok…one more comment and then I’m done. I want to Thank you – I just sat in front my my computer for 2 minutes laughing about the whole scenario. I mean MEBL doesn’t even have a blog! Maybe she should start a Banana Blog. Spread the word! HAHAHHhahah – I’m STILL laughing….maybe I got too much sun today!

    • Marie July 6, 2010, 9:46 pm

      So, you have to have a blog to have an opinion, then? I wasn’t aware. Thank you, Jen, whose name also does not link to a blog.

      Yes, you should get out of the sun.

      • Jen July 6, 2010, 10:09 pm

        No, of course that’s not what I meant. You don’t need a blog to have an opinion. I’m very sorry if I offended you. However, I get a little defensive when someone like Caitlin gets called a hypocrite. I was just having a little fun. No harm intended. I guess people without blogs shouldn’t comment. Lesson learned…

        • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:21 am

          Haha I have to agree with Marie on this one – be nice! I really do like ALL sorts of different opinions on the blog. It makes it interesting.

        • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:24 am

          NO Jen! Please without blogs should DEFINITELY comment. I appreciate you coming to my rescue though. 🙂 Hehe. Please don’t stop commenting!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now July 6, 2010, 9:32 pm

    Those bananas look good, but they’d be easy to make yourself. No packaging+you know exactly where it all came from! 🙂

  • diana@mymarblerye July 6, 2010, 9:39 pm

    Um, I have an off white coach too! Loves! BTW I follow you on twitter and seriously…why are people judging you?! they are the ones who can’t stop reading! WHAT THE HECK?!!

    • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:22 am

      Maybe they are judging because I haven’t explained myself well so I’m going to try tomorrow!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner July 6, 2010, 9:39 pm

    Ikea is my favorite place 🙂

  • Nani July 6, 2010, 9:44 pm

    I have been wanting to take a trip down to charlotte and visit IKEA since I moved here. is it huge? Man I love that place, before in CA our ikea was right down the way from us now it’s a mini road trip!

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary July 6, 2010, 9:45 pm

    Cangrats on the loot ! 😉

  • Jill@MySoCalledHealthLife July 6, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I had NO idea IKEA had food. But I guess I have only shopped there online.

    As for the bananas, hand them over and nobody gets hurt!! 😉

  • Liz July 6, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I’ve heard of IKEA’s food court. In fact, when I have talked with other people about IKEA they usually mention the food before anything else, haha. It looks like it was good!

    And those chocolate covered bananas look DELICIOUS. This farmer’s market by me has a candy person who makes them and they are out of this world.

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health July 6, 2010, 9:54 pm

    I’m looking forward to the post. Maybe I should write one myself? I mean, considering the fact that I eat meat…and dairy…much of which is not organic. It actually felt really good to type that out just now.

  • Ellen@FIrednFabulous July 6, 2010, 9:55 pm

    I’ve been in the same little apartment for YEARS so I haven’t had to buy anything new, but oh boy, I’ll be hitting up IKEA’s food court when it’s time to make some new purchases! I had no idea! And those banana pops look so good! TJ’s in NYC isn’t too convenient to me, but I need to start getting a few staples there…like ice cream 🙂

  • Natalie July 6, 2010, 10:00 pm

    I had no idea you could eat healthy at IKEA! Every time I’ve been there (sadly only 2 or 3 times) I’ve also spent hours there. It’s impossible not to! I’m excited to see your finished products!!

  • Molly @fuelherup July 6, 2010, 10:05 pm

    Those veg are definitely from frozen! My college cafeteria has the exact same combo- and is also mushy.

  • Erin July 6, 2010, 10:09 pm

    IKEA is great but totally overwhelming.

  • Rebecca July 6, 2010, 10:11 pm

    I LOVE Ikea. My boyfriend and I used to go there on dates before we moved in together to dream about what we would buy if we had our own place! Kudos to you for finding healthy eats in the cafe!

  • Kaz July 6, 2010, 10:18 pm

    My name is SKÄRIL. How interesting. xD

    I’ve never been to an Ikea before, but I know I could happily get lost in one.

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 6, 2010, 10:20 pm

    I love IKEA! I think it’s got very cute and often cheap things in there.

    I didn’t know you could eat the though, that’s interesting. 😉 I’ll check it out the next time I’m there.

    Oh and chocolate covered bananas? I would love to make those soon! A great summer treat.

  • Mindy July 6, 2010, 10:28 pm

    Ah, love, love, love IKEA!!! My name is MYNTII. Ha, that made me laugh. Good find, Caitlin!

  • Camille July 6, 2010, 10:31 pm

    Hating Ikea would be like hating happiness! Ikea is my favorite store in the whole wide world!

  • Sarah for Real July 6, 2010, 10:38 pm

    Holy moly, and you just thought you were blogging about harmless soy creamer :/

    I didn’t read the comments on that post until now because I have found the “right” milk for me but yikes! Some folks need to chill the eff out.

    Can’t wait to read your post tomorrow!

    I think most of your regular readers already know your food philosophies and are nice enough to understand that we all just do the best we can. There is NO right answer when it comes to these things… at least not for someone living a modern life anyway.

    • Sarah for Real July 6, 2010, 10:41 pm

      Oops, I didn’t mean for that to read like, “we already know what you’re going to say tomorrow.” Haha, I am very interested to hear your explanation. I just meant that your regular supporters have a general idea that you are reducing your dairy. I think those quick to jump to (inaccurate) conclusions probably don’t read your blog regularly.

      • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:23 am

        That’s prob true but I have new (awesome) readers everyday who might wanna check out some background – plus, I bet other people will have some interesting opinions!

        • Sarah for Real July 7, 2010, 12:36 am

          Thbbb… I’m sorry my comment was a real dud. Haha, not quite what I wanted to express. Of course new readers are awesome! And even as a less-new-ish reader I’m excited to hear your whole opinion in one place!

        • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:37 am

          Hahah I totally understood what you were saying Sarah!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 6, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I love IKEA!!! The closest store to us is about 7 hours away, so we only go about once a year – but I love it each time!

    Mmmmmm, chocolate covered bananas – heck yeah!!

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans July 6, 2010, 10:50 pm

    I love Ikea, always have since moving out of my parents place ’02. When you said you hated it back before you moved, it made me cry a single tear, like this :’-( lol.

    I love that name generator. I am a bed MYRÃ…NTA. My hubby Kevin is SKEFFIND, he too like you is a dresser/desk/drawer thinger.

  • Jaime July 6, 2010, 11:01 pm

    chocolate covered bananas????? I did not know such things existed.

    IKEA is the best. I am so checking out my name 🙂

  • Julie @ Wearing Mascara July 6, 2010, 11:19 pm

    I had no clue you could eat at IKEA. How cool! 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 6, 2010, 11:29 pm

    I have only been Ikea twice in my life. Once to buy some chairs and the second time to buy covers because the chairs were so hard. I wasn’t that impressed either time.

    ÄMMBJÖRD would be my Ikea name apparently. I don’t even know how to pronounce that! lol

    I loved steamed veggies, but not when they are mushy!

    I noticed that you reference old posts a lot (which really helps refresh my memory, so thanks!) but quick question. Do you catalog them somewhere so you can easily find them again? Or do you do a search and sift through?

  • Reenie July 6, 2010, 11:44 pm

    We don’t have Ikea or Trader Joe’s in Wichita, Kansas =(

  • Candice July 6, 2010, 11:51 pm

    I love Ikea! It’s hard to beat if you want a modern, clean style at an affordable price. Can’t wait to see your new decor…how fun!

  • Maria July 7, 2010, 12:24 am

    I can’t wait to read your post tomorrow. The TJ’s comments really got me thinking, because yes, I do love TJ’S, or did..I’m not sure anymore.

    And I feel like the only person who doesn’t like chocolate and bananas together, or peanut butter (or any nut butter for that matter) and bananas.

    Sincerely,
    Marived, the side table.

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) July 7, 2010, 12:56 am

    Love Ikea! Although their furniture isn’t the best, sad!

    Looking forward to reading your post tomorrow. There is SO much that can be said about ethical eating and we all have our own opinions. I’m sure there will be some (hopefully friendly) debate going down. 🙂

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] July 7, 2010, 12:59 am

    Yum! That chocolate banana looks so refreshing. I’ll have to get some when I return to the heat. Can’t wait to see what all you found!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day (Formally A La Mode) July 7, 2010, 1:40 am

    How can you eat at Ikea and not resist the cinnamon buns? Those things are amazing…though on a hot day, a frozen banana comes in a very close second 🙂

    • Caitlin July 7, 2010, 10:55 am

      IT WAS SOOO HARD lol

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 7, 2010, 2:47 am

    Firstly that sofa looks awesome 🙂
    Scondly – you can BUY chocolate dipped frozen bananas in the US?? I am SO living in the wrong country :/

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well July 7, 2010, 7:56 am

    ADORE Ikea! My studio apartment when I first moved to DC was ENTIRELY Ikea. Husband and I still basically live in an Ikea showroom — aside from our bed which was a Crate and Barrel wedding purchase. Ha ha ha, otherwise, Ikea still reigns! We need to get back and get a bookshelf. I’m doubly lured back if there are frozen chocolate bananas…

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear July 7, 2010, 7:59 am

    Get the ice cream at IKEA! It’s 99 cents!

    Almost as good as the sweet deals on random things like ice cube trays. Almost..

  • Danielle (Runs on Green) July 7, 2010, 8:04 am

    haha my Ikea name is DANNÄILL. I’m not surprised you were in there for hours- that place is addicting (much like Target)!

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s post 😀

  • Maura July 7, 2010, 8:09 am

    ugh, I must say that I’m a hater of Ikea. That place gives me nightmares!!!!! Glad you found some stuff though! There’s no denying that it can be cute & cheap but it takes hours to find them :\

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly July 7, 2010, 8:14 am

    Wow, who knew that Ikea offered such a nice menu?

  • Marieke July 7, 2010, 8:21 am

    Ikea rules! I was there on Saturday to buy chests of drawers, and I had the same broccoli potato cakes you had! But then with salmon. The meatballs are so good with gravy and jelly hmmm. My husband wants to go to Ikea just to have the meatballs.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 7, 2010, 8:28 am

    I love Ikea! I always get so many decorating ideas from wandering through their room set ups. 😀

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 7, 2010, 9:01 am

    I love Ikea! Glad you found some things that you like. I’ve never eaten a meal there though 🙂

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 7, 2010, 9:06 am

    IKEA drives me insane. All the people cramming the aisles and being herded from section to section by carpet arrows that act like shepherds. And then you have to get your own shit down from the warehouse?? …no thanks.

    I feel like a sheep going to slaughter.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 7, 2010, 9:07 am

    Ohh I love IKEA! I can’t go there often for fear of spending every penny I have but I love it just the same! And I haven’t ever had dinner there but I love that there are so many vegetarian friendly options.

  • allison @ livingoneday July 7, 2010, 9:08 am

    i LOVE ikea food!! hahaha. they have the best froyo. and everything is so cheap. i love looking at the rooms set up in the warehouse because i want everything. you can get some GREAT furnishing for soooo cheap!! cant wait to see the house!

  • Olivia @ Blissful Runner July 7, 2010, 9:16 am

    I finally talked my husband into stopping at the ikea restaurant for breakfast one weekend and we were totally suprised. It was delish! and less than $10 to boot. Score!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) July 7, 2010, 9:22 am

    It’s been way too lopng since I’ve been to Ikea. The husband and I used to take twice yearly trips there to stock up. I love their hangers and placemats!

  • Orla July 7, 2010, 9:23 am

    do you know how reassuring it is to know that IKEA looks the exact same in the US as it does in Ireland? I have real insecurities about looking like a tourist when I go anywhere. I would rather walk a mile in the wrong direction with purpose than stand with a map in my hand. Weird or what. Good to know I can visit an IKEA and feel right at home.
    I am hitting up IKEA tomorrow to ease the trauma of a doctors appointment to see whether I need more surgery for my darned endo.
    Happy flat pack assembly. It is alwasy helpful to have a strong boy around for that!
    From Arla, the double bed.

    • Caitlin July 7, 2010, 10:56 am

      I hope your doctor appointment goes well!

      • Orla July 7, 2010, 5:04 pm

        Thank you. Appreciate that. : )

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) July 7, 2010, 9:38 am

    I went to that Ikea on opening day… it was insane! I love Ikea, but next time I’ll let my husband put together the desk… I spent 3 hours on mine and it still fell apart…

    PS- I gave you a blog award! Check it out if you get a minute 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 7, 2010, 9:44 am

    I have a love-hate relationship with Ikea. I love how cheap it is, and the stuff is cute. But it breaks so easily. I think I had my dresser for a week before the wannabe wood started falling apart.

  • ikea coupons July 7, 2010, 9:56 am

    I assume that since Ikea has a Swedish origin that there food reflects that? Anyways, I love their meatballs!

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy July 7, 2010, 10:06 am

    We’ve been putting IKEA furniture together for the last week, went a little crazy too after our move hehe.

    Let me just say, this is a real couple tester hehe, if your relationship can go through IKEA assembling, than you’re good for life 😉

    • Caitlin July 7, 2010, 10:57 am

      We assembled in different rooms – is that a bad sign?

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) July 7, 2010, 10:10 am

    i LOVE ikea! their cinnamon rolls are seriously the best EVER 🙂

  • Nicole, RD July 7, 2010, 10:32 am

    I love Ikea! It is a crazy big store!

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 7, 2010, 12:25 pm

    I’ve gotta say I’ve felt the whole IKEA-love! The have only been a handful of times and it’s just too big! They have so much stuff and the store is really hard to navigate….not to mention the queues! I know everybody goes mad for it but I’m happy to stay away!

  • Lisa July 7, 2010, 2:17 pm

    I actually really enjoy IKEA’s food. It’s weird. Sometimes on the way home from a hike in the Gorge, we stop at IKEA for lunch! lol

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 7, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I love IKEA! Reminds me of my time in Europe. The food is so good. 🙂

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point