SMORGASBORD: Nuked noodles . . . Trenta . . . A cut above . . . Crouton king . . . Eating out sensibly

Nuked noodles

When even your quickest delivery option would take too long, Annie Chun's Soup Bowls (in flavors such as Korean Kimchi and Udon) are a good in-cabinet option for a taste of Asia in just a couple of minutes.

Buy a 5.9-ounce pack for about $3.50 in grocery stores nationwide and online at anniechun.com.

Trenta

Watch out Big Gulp: Here comes the Trenta. Starbucks recently rolled out the 31-ounce Trenta drink in 14 Southern and Southwestern U.S. states. (The rest of the country will get a chance to order the drink May 3.) Trenta is available only for Tazo shaken iced teas, iced tea lemonades and iced coffees.

Trenta follows the Starbucks philosophy to name its drink sizes in Italian. (Trenta is the No. 30 in Italian.) It will cost 50 cents more (about $3.35) than the next largest size, the 24-ounce Venti iced beverage. Prices will vary by market.

Unsweetened Trenta is fewer than 90 calories; with sweet syrup, the drink is close to 230 calories.

A cut above

You don't have to ask us twice to attack a good-looking cheese plate, especially when paired with the pleasure of doing so with a tres chic Laguiole Cheese Knife Set. The stainless steel cleaver, fork and spreader are made in the model of French farmers' knives and each trimmed with a cheerily colorful, pearlescent handle.

You can buy the set for $32 online at anthropologie.com.

Crouton king

Olivia's Crouton Co. has spoiled us. Never again will we stand for lesser croutons lacking the girth, fresh ingredients, hearty crunch or delicate flavors boasted by Vermont-based Olivia's.

Buy a 4.5-ounce box -- in flavors like Organic Garlic & Herb, Parmesan Pepper and Vermont Cheddar & Dill -- for $3.90 at oliviascroutons.com.

Eating out sensibly

Eating healthier while eating in restaurants isn't impossible. Here are some tips to help avoid unwanted calories after you walk into a restaurant.

-- Never arrive starving. If all you can think about is how hungry you are, you're starting in a hole.

-- If you're waiting for a table, stay in the foyer. Don't grab a seat in the bar. Liquid calories are insidious.

-- Avoid bread baskets, especially if they comes with a saucer of olive oil. Keep repeating "120" -- the number of calories in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

-- Remember old-fashioned fundamentals: Pick salad dressing on the side, clear soups instead of cream soups and grilled rather than fried meats and fish. Ask for steamed veggies instead of starches.

1/2: Olivia's Crouton Co. has spoiled us.(McClatchy Tribune)

2/2: Annie Chun's Soup Bowls (in flavors like Korean Kimchi and Udon) are a good in-cabinet option for a taste of Asia in just a couple of minutes. (McClatchy Tribune)