Minnesota’s road trip season is upon us and with that comes the inevitable refueling, rests to stretch your legs, bathroom breaks and fast food pitstops. Whether you are headed up to the cabin, have a car filled with camping equipment, a boat attached fishing ready, or if you’re headed out of town just for an afternoon away, road trips can be equal parts fun and work.

Knowing this, and since St Cloud will be home of the 2017 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener (#MNGFO2017), it only made sense to tell you about my new favorite, super quick and easy, fast food stop on my way up north. Quarks American Bento in St Cloud, celebrating it’s first year anniversary in June, is off 5th Street and is more than worth checking out. Feeling welcomed immediately as you walk in the door, Lisa, Adam and their staff are unparalleled in how passionate they are about eating the “good stuff” and while finding healthy options can feel like a second job when traveling, Quarks makes eating healthy not only possible but an easy treat. While I have a soft spot for any place that has exceptional marketing and design, that’s not the only reason they have me coming back.

Healthy, fresh and rainbow-colored, they’re almost too pretty to eat, ahem, but I still did. Crazy-good. Lisa even got me to try rice balls which, if you know me in real life and contrary to what you might think, I’m not adventurous with food. Their famed cold brewed teas that have been expertly paired with their different dishes and sauces, which you can buy bottles of, are loaded with nutrients. I loved their creamy cucumber tzatziki-like sauce and their super seed blend. They have tons of options, even gluten free, vegan and vegetarian.

Not gonna lie, if there were a Quarks next to my house, I would be a much happier, healthier person; because of that and because I fell completely head over heels with the place, I wanted to share that experience with you. So I am doing my very first giveaway. I have four gift certificates (valid until the end of the year) that you can win and all you have to do is like Quarks on Facebook and tell me (comment) your St. Cloud story; whether you live, work, study, visit St Cloud or want to. I will select the winners at random and Facebook message them on Monday.

#QuarksAB #StCloud #VisitStCloud #CentralMN