Gourmet on the Go

When the public relations firm representing Gourmet on the Go food products made its initial pitch, I'll admit the idea of a "gourmet" canned-food product didn't interest me much. I told them they were welcome to send samples and forwarded the press release to one of the contributing Food writers. When the box of canned samples arrived, I divided them in half, planning to sample a few myself – just out of curiosity, you understand. I liked the first two so much, I immediately thought better of sharing.

Gourmet on the Go is the trade name of a line of all-natural, preservative-free, vacuum-sealed canned entrées marketed by the French company St. Dalfour (www.stdalfour.com) and sold locally at Whole Foods Market for $2.99 each. There are seven varieties in all: one each with wild salmon or tuna and vegetables, one with pasta and vegetables, and four with combinations of whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Three are suitable for vegetarians, and two are gluten-free. Each can is a meal in itself, but the manufacturer also offers serving suggestions for complementary salads and condiments. The meals are ready to eat at room temperature (with the handy attached plastic spork) or after being heated in the microwave once the vacuum lid is removed. Each can holds 6.2 ounces, and the calories range from 212 to 390 per can. My favorites are the wild salmon or tuna with vegetables and the couscous with vegetables and beans. With less than a cup in each serving, Gourmet on the Go entrées are an easy, nutritionally balanced, and satisfying meal just right for my new, smaller stomach capacity. They'll be a quick and handy backup in my pantry from now on.