I have two great loves in life; reading and eating (I actually have three, if you count my family, but for the sake of this blog post -- I won't). There are few things I like more than a good book or a restaurant recommendation.
So while foodies everywhere are pairing burgers with craft beer and sushi with imported sake, I’ve decided to pair children’s books with local restaurants.
Luckily, one of the best things about living in Des Plaines (besides the library, of course) is the food. There are over 100 restaurants in the city (I’ve counted), and the majority of them are casual, family-owned businesses -- making them the perfect place to bring (frequently messy and occasionally mischievous) kids.
Or don’t bring the kiddos; instead read them one of the recommended books, kiss them softly goodnight, and head to dinner (alone, with your husband, with friends, with whomever).
Side note: I work in Youth Services and have have three kiddos of my own. It makes sense for me to pair restaurants with children’s books, but you can (and should!) do this with adult titles, too. Here are a few quick recommendations: Solo with Restaurant Mehanata, Little Beach Street Bakery with B’s Sweet Bites, and anything by Banana Yoshimoto with Dotombori.
Here's my guide to great family reading and seriously good eating:
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