Friday's Last Spoonful: Field Trip

IKEA Restaurant: College Park, Md.

The Mixed Stew Crew joins the many IKEA fanatics fond of the Swedish company's furniture, knick-knacks and food. We'd gladly grab the latest Stieg Larsson novel and head to the giant IKEA in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and relax in the eatery. The cafeteria-like approach might be a little off-putting, but trust us, it's worth trying the food, which is much better than what you'll find in Swedish Meatballs most cafeterias. The famous ($ 4.99 for a platter) gives offers so much bang for the price. The flavorful meatballs (15) come covered in thick and creamy gravy. The rich, satisfying, and yummy mashed potatoes make this menu item a hit. It reminds us of the American comfort food standard of meatloaf, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Look for the maroon spoonful of Llingonberry jelly that provides a contrasting and tangy flavor burst to the meatballs and gravy. The lingonberries get us excited every time. We shared a large seasonal salad which helped cut the richness of the meatball platter, which each person in our party had to have. Finally, The salmon filet with vegetables and potato medallions is a more decadent option for hungry diners. For early-risers, the breakfast special is one cent shy of a dollar and comes with bacon, scrambled eggs, and potatoes.