Posted in go eat, go play - outside | August 1, 2011
I don’t know about your family, but one sure way to put a smile on everyone’s faces at my house is to suggest going out for ice cream! I have to admit, it is as much for me as it is for the girls. If you haven’t already heard the news, Little Beans Cafe (1809 W. Webster) now has an AWESOME new ice cream shop and outdoor play space.
They are keeping it local by serving eight delicious flavors of Homers Ice Cream (based in Wilmette). I tried the Mint Chocolate Chip, my personal favorite, and it was scrumptious! Plus, I loved that your
little ones can play for FREE in the outdoor play space (water table, play house, tables, chairs, etc.) if you purchase an ice cream. It is the perfect way to spend a late summer afternoon.
Little Beans has offered on the go readers an exclusive deal! Buy one single scoop of ice cream and get a second one FREE. Simply print out and bring in the coupon below!
Inside Scoop:
- What – Little Beans Ice Cream Shop
- Where – 1809 W. Webster
- Hours – Ice Cream Shop and outdoor play area are open daily 11:30-8pm
- Insider Deal – Buy one single scoop ice cream and get the second one FREE!
Posted in go eat | June 6, 2011
I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know Jasmine Jafferali, aka Healthy Jasmine. She is the Co-Manager for Gluten Intolerance Group of Greater Chicago. We were chatting about the many Chicago families who love to eat out, but struggle with finding restaurants that are sensitive to children with a Gluten intolerance. I asked her if she would share her list of the top kid-friendly, gluten-free restaurants in Chicago with my readers, and here it is. Follow Jasmine on Twitter for more great tips, www.twitter.com/healthyjasmine. Take it away Jasmine…
Having a family or child that has celiac or a gluten sensitivity can provide many challenges when dining out. While many restaurants are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon, going to the right restaurant can make or break your experience. Below is a list that will get you excited about dining out with your family.
- Head over to the South Loop to Zapastista’s for a nice variety of fresh Mexican food and their made to order guacamole. Go on Monday’s for $5 Taco Dinners and $3 beers for dad. Get there early and enjoy sitting outside in the summer time.
- Wildfire is part of Lettuce Entertain You and is known for having gluten-free menus at all of their restaurants. With a variety of locations, there is surely something for everyone on their menus. Join their Frequent Diner Club where you can earn rewards for food, wine, trips and more!
- Kim and Scott’s Pretzels located by Oz Park takes pride in dietary and allergy free dining. Made in a dedicated nut-free facility, they can also accommodate those who have allergies to eggs, dairy, peanuts. Their Bavarian Gluten-Free Pretzel is a hit and kids can still enjoy a gfree pretzel sandwich.
- Located one block where Oprah once called home, Wishbone in the West Loop has a warm and cozy feel. While they don’t have a specific gluten-free menu, the wait staff can really help guide you and keep your meal safe. Their mango grilled chicken is colorful and delicious, just tell them to keep the corn muffin. Kid’s eat free on Tuesdays PLUS they show vintage cartoons on the big screen. Tom and Jerry anyone?
- If you want great Chicago style pizza, Marcello’s, A Father and Son Restaurant does it well. Free parking is ideal and their menu will knock your socks off. Be sure to save some room for dessert and try their Gfree Apple Pizza. Take the leftovers home and enjoy the next day for breakfast!
To see the rest of Jasmine’s great list of family-friendly gluten-free dining options, check out her column on the examiner.com.
Posted in go eat, go play - outside, go shop | March 25, 2011
One of the great things about Chicago is that you can travel around the world without leaving the city limits. This past weekend we visited historic Chinatown with a group of other moms and toddlers. From the CTA to dim sum, we had an amazing urban adventure.
Waiting for the train!
Getting There - One of the great things about kids is that the journey is often times as much
fun as the destination. We decided to take the train down, which to my girls is a fun adventure in itself. They both take it upon themselves to personally greet everyone who gets on and off the train. One thing to note is that the Cermak stop is not handicap accessible (stroller accessible), so if you plan to take a stroller you will have to carry it up and down the stairs. Luckily on the way there and back someone took pity on me and helped me up and down the stairs! Thank you random strangers! If you want to see if your stop is stroller friendly, check out the blog I did on the CTA – Strollers and the CTA…enjoy the journey!
Exploring Chinatown – The beautiful main gate, just steps away from the Cermak stop, makes you feel like you have been instantly transported to China. The sites (architecture and markets), smells 
(dim sum and traditional pastries and sweets) and the sounds (Chinese being spoken all around you) add to the excitement! My girls were full of questions and wonder! We started our tour by window shopping down Wentworth Ave. The street is packed with pastry/candy shops, gifts/souvenirs shops and markets.
YUMMY Fortune Cookies!
My girls are big Hello Kitty fans, so we had to stop in Giftland (2212 Wentworth Ave.). They have a dizzying selection of Hello Kitty merchandise, as well as traditional Chinese goods and souvenirs. We picked up two new water bottles and our friends got some fortune and almond cookies. Little tip, don’t fo
rget to tell your toddlers to take out the fortune! Paper is edible, right? At a souvenir shop/market a few doors down the kids got new drums. They had a blast rolling them between their palms and creating a nice little racket!
Chow Time – Even with the cookie for snack, the kiddos worked up quite an appetite. From dim sum to Peking duck, Chinatown has a large array or restaurants to suit any budget. Check out Metromix.com for a complete listing or this Chicago Reader list of their 10 top restaurant picks in Chinatown.
We decided that dim sum’s small plate concept would let the kids and us try lots of different things and offer a fun dining experience. The Phoenix is regularly written up as one of the best places to try dim sum in Chinatown, so we headed there. Although the restaurant is stroller & kid friendly (lots of highchairs, plenty of noise, etc.), the service was VERY 
slow. We encouraged our little ones to try a number of different dishes, but soon found that pot stickers were the group’s favorite. Unfortunately, after several requests and almost an hour, we never saw another pot sticker. The kids did have fun trying out the chopsticks and the prices were reasonable, but I am not sure I would go back given the limited dining window when eating out with kids. I don’t know about your kids, but I have somewhere just north of 45 minutes of acceptable behavior.
All and all we agreed that it was a great way to spend the morning. Next up for my fellow urban adventurers and I is Little Italy or Greektown!
Posted in go eat, go learn | February 6, 2011
Bump Club & Beyond, Chicago’s premier social event “club” for moms and moms to be, is hosting a New Moms Brunch this Sunday, February 13th. In addition to enjoying a yummy brunch and meeting other new moms, the event will feature a panel of urban moms answering questions on how to navigate the city with wee ones, as well as where to eat, shop and play with your new little bundles of joy.
I am thrilled to be a member of the panel along with some of Chicago’s best known mom bloggers and all around hip, fun, “in-the-know” moms – Sara Fisher (selfmademom.net), Caitlin Giles (weewindycity.com) and Linda Marsicana (Babble Chicago).
Come join me for a lively discussion on rediscovering this amazing city through your child’s eyes, a chance to win all kinds of great prizes and the opportunity to mingle with other new moms.
Inside Scoop
- What – Bump Club & Beyond Moms Brunch Series – Real Moms Panel
- When – Sunday, February 13th 10:30am-12:30pm
- Where – Vinci (1732 N. Halsted)
- Cost – $30
- Inside Tip – No babysitter needed, babies are welcome
Posted in go eat | November 11, 2010
We live around the corner from Bakin’ & Eggs, and have been wanting to try it for some time. I recently heard that they have a kids eat free deal on Thursdays, so today seemed like the perfect day to check it out. I have one thing to say about our visit…YUMMY! I had the breakfast burrito, and I think it may have been the best one I’ve ever had. It had an amazing avocado salsa with just the right amount of kick. Plus, any place with “flights” of bacon on the menu is right up my alley! Bacon makes everything better!
The restaurant is VERY kid friendly too. They have a large waiting area, where you can easily store your stroller. They have lots of highchairs, a changing table, kids menu and these cute little chalkboards for your kids to play with while you wait for your order. Top it all with free food for the little ones, and I give this place a five “highchair” rating! We will definitely be going back.
- Where – 3120 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Kids Eat Free Deal – Kids eat for free on Thursdays. Up to two kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree.
- Insider Tip – They are quite busy on the weekends, so get there at opening or close to it (8am), if you little ones can’t endure a wait.
Posted in go eat, go shop, inside scoop | October 6, 2010
I surveyed some local moms on the products they most rely on when feeding their children on the go. Following are some of their and my favorites. I would love to hear about any favorites not on the list.
Keeping them & their surroundings clean
- A clothes pin can turn any napkin into a bib.
- Bib Clip – High-tech version of the clothes pin
- Bumpkins Sleeved Bib – Messes wipe right off and provides full coverage.
- TinyDiner Portable Placemat – The built in troth is perfect for toddlers just learning to feed themselves.
- Classy Kids Green & Clean Disposable Placemat – You can color on it and it even comes with the crayons
- JJ Cole Essentials Blanket – Perfect for picnics, concerts in the park and the beach. Plus, it is wipeable and washable.
Keeping it cold
- Playtex Fridge to go – Mini cooler that fits in your diaper bag and keeps food cold for 12 hours.
- Foogo Sippy Cups & Thermoses – Keep milk cold for up to 8 hours
Keeping it Contained & Stored
- Snack Trap & Snack Catcher
- The First Years 4-Pack Take & Toss Infant Section Bowls with Spoons
- Reusable Bags
- Itzy Ritzy Snack Happend Reuseable Snack Bag – The zipper closure helps keep even juicy and dripping food contained
- Fresh Snack Pack – Easiest to clean and turns into a placemat
- Moja Creations Snack-A-Long – Velcro closure is easy for little hands to open on their own.
- Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened Waterproof Reuseable Bag – Love the large size. It is perfect for putting all your snacks in or for holding bottles and formula.
Keeping them full on the go
- Squeezable Baby Food – Ella’s Kitchen Organic got high marks, as did Plum Organics. Perfect for kids just old enough to start feeing themselves.
- GoGo Squeeze Applesauce
- Sassy Travel Case with Fork and Spoon – Perfect for when you child is first learning how to use utensils, but is not quite ready for metal utensils found at restaurants.
Posted in go eat | July 16, 2010
It’s National Picnic Month, and if you are looking for a yummy picnic without having to do any of the work, check out the summer picnic at Julius Meinl on Southport. Chef Jeff Adamek has put together a gourmet take on picnic favorites and there will be a live performance by Ralph Covert from Ralph’s World.
- Where – Julius Meinl (3601 N. Southport)
- When – Thursday, July 22nd at 7pm
- Cost – $40 adults, $20 children
- Reservations required – 773.868.1857
Posted in go eat | July 13, 2010
Stanley’s (1970 N. Lincoln Ave.) offers delicious food, affordable prices and a kid friendly environment. Their “soul-soothing” American comfort food is sure to please both you and your kids. They are famous for their mac’n’cheese and fried chicken, which are both delicious.
Not only is the food delicious, but kids eat for free on Wednesdays and for only $0.50 per year (2yr old eats for $1.00) for brunch. They only have 4 highchairs, and they get quite busy for brunch, so I recommend arriving at 10am (when they open) if you want to ensure a highchair and not wait to be seated.
Posted in go eat | June 26, 2010
A girlfriend and I were strolling through Roscoe Village the other day and found this great little restaurant, Nohea Cafe (2142 W. Roscoe). It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after the park or shopping. They have a kids table with a dollhouse and a few other toys, which my girls had a great time playing with while I ordered our sandwiches. I had the Smokin’ Turkey, and my girls had the ever popular grilled cheese. My sandwich was delicious and the staff could not have been more friendly. They also have one large oval table that is perfect if you are meeting a few friends with kids for lunch.
Don’t forget to save room for ice cream.
Posted in go eat | June 14, 2010
The girls and I were walking to Carter’s last week and noticed a new burger joint in the Pottery Barn/Best Buy shopping center 
on Sheffield and North, Epic Burger (1000 W. North Ave.). I am a lover of burgers and milkshakes (really, who isn’t!), so we stopped in for lunch.
They basically offer burgers (beef, turkey, veggie & Chicken), fries, shakes and smoothies. Everything is fresh, made to order and not processed. We had burgers and fries, which were both delicious. The burger was very tasty, and one order of fries was more than enough to feed my entire family. There were a handful of other families there, so the owner, David, put cartoons on the big screen. Always nice to have a bit of entertainment for the little ones, so that I can actually eat my burger at a normal speed instead of shoving bites in my mouth between catching flying sippy cups and wiping mouths. My only complaint is that they don’t have a kids menu. Not the end of the world, since the girls just split a burger.
The food was delicious, the service was fast and friendly and the environment was kid friendly…we will definitely be back!
PS – They have another (original) location at 517 State St.
Posted in go eat | May 27, 2010
I don’t know how I have lived in the city for 6 years without visiting Margie’s Candies! Well I came to my senses yesterday, and visited their Montrose location. If you like home-made ice cream and hand-dipped candies, this is the place for you. They have been bringing smiles to Chicago’s kids and parents alike since 1921.
The portions are HUGE and the ice cream is DELICIOUS! In addition to a staggering selection of ice cream sundays, they also serve a small selection of salads and sandwiches. Honestly, with the size of their sundays, I say skip the sandwich and get a banana split for lunch. Doesn’t the banana negate some of the calories?
If you have a school aged kid, bring in their next report card. Margie’s gives a free scoop of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry if they get an A.
Two Chicago Locations:
- North Center - 1813 W. Montrose Ave.
- Original Bucktown location – 1960 N. Western Ave. (I hope to visit the original location this weekend)
Posted in go eat, go play - outside | April 18, 2010
I was out running errands today, and ended our chores with a trip to Chipolte. Chipolte is one of my favorite “fast food” restaurants, and it is a great option with kids too. They have lots of highchairs and offer $1 kids quesadillas (what a deal)! I walked into the Chipolte on Clybourn, and was pleasantly surprised to see so many families. Out of the 20 tables, only 5 did not have kids sitting at them. If I did not know better, I would have thought I was in the burbs with all the kids around.
I love living in the city with my kids, especially this time of year. I love that I can go an entire week and not get in my car. I love that I can walk to the FREE zoo or check out a new park (there has to be 20 within walking distance of my house). On Thursday the girls and I walked from our Lakeview home to Bucktown. We checked out a new park, did a bit of shopping (Psycho Baby and Red Balloon) and had lunch (Toast). All and all I pushed my stroller about 5 miles, so I squeezed in my workout too.
On the way home, all I could think was how lucky I was that I live in Chicago! Seeing so many other families enjoying Chicago today made me smile. People think that you sacrifice a sense of community living in a big city. I for one do not agree!
Posted in go eat | March 31, 2010
I love going to brunch, but I have to admit that we go a lot less often now that we have kids. It seems like most places in the city have a really long wait. I am not a fan of waiting 45 minutes to be seated, and I can assure you that the idea is even less popular with my two-year-old and one-year-old. That is why I practically squealed with delight when I learned that Big Jones (5347 Clark St.) accepts reservations. What a novel idea…reservations for brunch!
Not only is the space unique and cheery with a New Orleans vibe, but the food was AMAZING. I honestly had one of the best breakfasts of my life.
Big Jones serves contemporary coastal southern cuisine. When you sit down you are greeted by lovely little beignets (donuts covered in powdered sugar). My girls had a great time devouring them…and so did I. I had the Cheddar Corn Cakes and my hubby had the Eggs New Orleans. Both were delicious. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was cheerful. All and all I would give this quaint Andersonville restaurant a 5 Highchair (star) Rating.
Here is the skinny:
- Where – 5347 N. Clark Street (Andersonville)
- Reservations – call 773-275-5725 or make them online by clicking here
- Number of Highchairs – 5
- Changing table – No
- Kids menu – Yes
- Kids eat FREE from 4-6pm daily
Posted in go eat | March 10, 2010
Julius Meinl is a great family dining option on Lincoln. They have a great casual atmosphere, tasty food and plenty of high chairs. Plus, this Saturday (March 13th) you can celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a neighborhood dinner.
Their chefs are preparing Green Eggs and Ham and other Seuss inspired delights, and you can drink Pink Yink Ink while listening to the Lincoln Park/DePau Neighborhood Chicago Children’s Choir.
- Where – Julius Meinl Lincoln Square (4363 N. Lincoln Ave.)
- When – Saturday, March 13 at 6pm
- Cost – Adults $40, Children $20
- Reservations – Call 773-868-1876 ext. 5
Posted in go eat | March 8, 2010
I don’t know about you, but we tend to get stuck in a rut and go to the same restaurants over and over again. It is such a shame given all the great restaurants in Chicago. Non only are their lots of choices, but one of the great things about Chicago is you can introduce your kids to food from around the world by simply walking around the corner.
My family recently discovered 90 Miles to Cuban Cafe. The food is as delicious as the atmosphere is lively. They have two Chicago area locations (Roscoe Village – 3101 N. Clybourn and Logan Square – 2540 W. Armitage). The Roscoe Village location has limited bar style seating, but is great for a quick bite. The Logan Square location (just west of Margie’s Candies on Armitage) has a large dining room and a completely enclosed heated patio with a fireplace. The service at both locations was great and the food was AMAZING. I had the Lechon sandwich at the Clybourn location and the Ropa Vieja sandwich at the Armitage location. They were both delicious. My kids enjoyed empanadas, grilled cheese sandwiches and sweet plantains. Truth be told…I may have eaten more than my fare share of plantains too!
Both locations have free parking,and offer delivery ($3 charge). Unfortunately the Roscoe Village location does not have a public restroom or highchairs. I would definitely recommend the Logan Square location for families. My kids loved the music, the colorful murals and decorations and who doesn’t love sweet plantains! Plus, you can head to Margie’s Candies for some of the best home made ice cream in town for dessert.
All and all I would give 90 Miles a 5 Highchair (Star) rating!
Posted in go eat | November 4, 2009
My family visited the American Diner Depot recently, and it definitely lived up to all of the TV hype. We originally heard about the Diner Depot on Guy’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. A great show on the Food Network.
My hubby and I are big fans of dives and Americana. We are the kind of family that makes special side trips to Wall Drug and the Trees of Mystery. When we saw the episode on the American Diner Depot, we knew it was our kind of place. Even better, it was located in Chicago.
Everything we tried was delicious, the atmosphere is definitely “American diner” and the staff was very friendly. Although we had seen the show months before our actual visit, we unknowingly showed up the night after it re-ran on the Food Network. Not only was it really crowded, but they had run out of a few of their most famous dishes including the Turkey. Luckily we still got to try the Pot Roast Sandwich.
They serve good old American comfort food that rivals the way grandma use to make it! The prices are
reasonable too. Nothing is over $10. Don’t forget to order their donuts for desert. Yummy!
Although the food and atmosphere are family friendly, they only have one highchair, no changing table and no kids menu. What they lack in family amenities, they make up for in flavor, friendliness and reasonable prices.
Here are the details on this one of a kind diner.
- Location – Austin Neighborhood, 5840 W. Roosevelt Road
- Street Parking (can be difficult)
- 6am-10pm daily
- No Reservations, so try not to arrive after a recent re-run.
Posted in go eat | August 27, 2009
I met a girlfriend at the new John’s Place in Roscoe Village. The Lincoln Park location has long been a favorite of my family’s…especially with Sweet Mandy B’s next store. The new John’s Place on Roscoe did not disappoint.
It is as tasty and friendly as the original, but without the wait! Its hard to find a more kid friendly restaurant than John’s Place. They have nine highchairs, several booster chairs, a kids menu and kid loving staff. Add to that yummy food, a full bar and reasonable prices, and I give it a 5 Highchair rating!
Menu is basically the same as the original location, “hearty comfort food.” They are known for their Turkey Meatloaf and Chicken Pot Pie, but I tried their Southwestern Chicken Chop Salad. It was delicious. Besides weekends after 7pm and brunch after 11am, you generally won’t experience a wait. They do take reservations (except for brunch). No valet and street parking can sometimes be challenging in this neighborhood. They only thing they seem to be missing is a convenient place to store your stroller while you dine.
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Hi, I'm an urban explorer of mom and kid friendly events, activities, classes, and restaurants in Chicago. My mission is to discover, explore and share my adventures with other families.