Lo Fatt Chow

It’s hard to miss the Route 31 billboard for Lo Fatt Chow in the Ringoes/Flemington area-not for its design, but for its name. The menu is equally intriguing: healthy Chinese food made with “No Trans fat, No Grease, No MSG.” As a health conscious woman/mom/person, I was eager to take our small family out for a healthy meal. Lo Fatt Chow (www.lofattchow.com) is primarily a take-out/delivery eatery, but they do have some tables for dining in. The menu is similar to other Chinese restaurants, but what makes it unique is the owner’s commitment to offer healthy choices and alternatives as part of Hunterdon County’s healthy initiative called “Eat Out, Eat Smart.” Lo Fatt Chow is a perfect dining option for those with special dietary restrictions or needs. If you are expecting the flavor that normally comes with higher fat and salt, then Lo Fatt Chow may not be for you, but it’s hard to turn down a dish like their popular Chicken Curry (which I ordered) or Spicy Szechuan dinners. As far as options for little ones, I would stick to the main menu because the kids’ choices are mostly fried food. My 18 month old daughter actually shared my curry noodles with me and loved them! Perhaps what is most appealing about Lo Fatt Chow is the restaurants’ partnership with the Hunterdon Medical Center (www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/services/diabetes_health/self.asp) for a countywide health initiative. Beverly Manganelli, RD, CDE, the co-chair of the Weight/Physical Activity Action Team, helped establish the program which has partnered with 6 other local restaurants. “We want to give patrons options of healthy choices in the area,” said Manganelli. “If someone wants oatmeal for breakfast instead of eggs and bacon, they can.” There are Lo Fatt Chow restaurants in Flemington and Clinton. If you’ve been passing on Chinese food because of its fat, calories, and content, here’s a chance to get back to some of your old favorites, made for our new way of eating. NJ My Way Editor Hilary Morris of MrsMosNJ contributed this review.