13th Frame Diner adds smoothies, other nutritious selections to menu choices

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Salads are still available at Hanscom's 13th Frame Diner. They are no longer, however, the only healthful selections available. In an effort to appeal to its health-conscious customers, the diner, which is located inside Hanscom Lanes and structurally connected to the new Sports and Fitness Center, has recently revamped its menu to include healthy new items and lower-fat alternatives to traditional favorites. 

With the opening of the new Sports and Fitness Center, demand for nutritious food choices at the diner has dramatically increased, said Kerry-Anne Aghoian, 66th Services Squadron. The diner's new selection of healthy energy-boosters has surprised and delighted customers who stop in after their workouts. "People are often surprised that we offer so many healthy choices," Ms. Aghoian said. "They see the signs and menus and say, 'Oh, wow! How long have you had this?' We want to let people know that we offer a wide variety of food choices -- from burgers and fries to smoothies and fresh fruit." 

New selections at the 13th Frame Diner include banana, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry smoothies; yogurt; fresh fruit; garden, chef and grilled chicken salads with low fat dressings and new choices in wraps, Ms. Aghoian said. 

The 13th Frame Diner is so committed to healthy alternatives that even their fried foods have had a nutrition makeover. "We are now frying all of our fried foods in Tri-Fri cooking oil, which is a blend of soy and corn oil. It reduces trans-fatty acids in fries to .5 grams or less, and all breaded chicken items to zero trans fats. The use of this oil also reduces the saturated fats in the fries and chicken," Ms. Aghoian said. 

Individuals seeking the diner's popular chicken fingers and fries will probably not notice, however, that their delicious meals have become healthier. "I've tried the chicken and the French fries and there's no difference in taste. A lot of people think that when you switch to a healthier alternative, it's going to impact the flavor of the food but, in this case, it really doesn't," Ms. Aghoian said. 

Despite the diner's addition of health-conscious new menu items, customers should not be concerned that traditional favorites will be eliminated. Delicious choices are available for every palate, Ms. Aghoian said. "Our flame-grilled burgers are not going anywhere nor are our daily specials and soups. My freshly baked, assorted cookies will still be available. Our diner simply wanted to add more 'smart' choices for the health conscious Hanscom community." 

The 13th Frame Diner is open Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call (781) 377-2237 or visit  www.hanscomservices.com/Diner.html.