Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
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GUIDE devour SushiSamba Rio welcomes tastemakers of all ages. small plates GROWING GOURMANDS WILL DELIGHT IN THE OFFERINGS AT THESE FINER FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS. BY ZARA HUSAINI Browntrout T his North Center restaurant focuses on local and sustainable products, and the selection of children's dishes—free Wednesday through Sunday nights from 5 to 7 PM—is no exception. Chef Sean Sanders crafts his own chicken fingers from organically raised Gunthorp Farms poultry; other plates include puffed white cheddar macaroni and cheese and farfalle pasta. 4111 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-4111; browntroutchicago.com Ceres' Table T he Family Meal offered Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 PM at this Michelin-approved restaurant boasts four generous portions—salad, pasta, roast chicken, and ice cream—ideal for the whole family or when caregivers dine out with children. 4882 N. Clark St., 773-878-4882; cerestable.com Hearty P arents themselves, Next Food Network Star winners Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh welcome little ones with a menu featuring mini bacon meatloaf and Southern fried chicken legs with mashed sweet potatoes; MC2 transforms traditional macaroni and cheese into deep-fried squares. 3819 N. Broadway, 773-868-9866; heartyboys.com Lockwood T his sleek restaurant in the Loop 136 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM serves little ones roasted chicken, hanger steak, and shrimp; with each entrée, children are treated to a choice of sorbet with fruit, a chocolate or caramel sundae, or a brownie (which was famously invented at the Palmer House in 1893). 17 E. Monroe St., 312-917-3404; lockwoodrestaurant.com Mon Ami Gabi F rancophiles-in-training are encouraged to spot basic vocabulary buried in the kids' menu word search while dining on items like French bread pizza, pasta with butter or tomato sauce, or steak and frites. 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-348-8886; monamigabi.com South Water Kitchen S outh Water Kitchen embraces the concept that every hour is happy hour while welcoming those who aren't quite old enough to fully grasp its meaning. Roger Waysok's Midwestern upbringing inspires his menu, making it an ideal Sunday brunch spot for families. 225 N. Wabash Ave., 312-236-9300; southwaterkitchen.com SushiSamba Rio F eaturing kid-friendly items like Samba Sliders with sweet potato fries as well as adventurous bite-size sushi with veggie rolls, the diversified children's menu proves it's possible to enjoy an evening of sashimi without having to leave little ones with the nanny. 504 N. Wells St., 312-595-2300; sushisamba.com III Forks K nown for its selection of USDA Prime steaks, this sophisticated oasis in Lakeshore East serves young adults entrées like baby filet mignon, beef tenderloin tips, and medallion of salmon with potatoes and vegetables. 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-938-4303; 3forks.com Urban Union C hef Michael Shrader's philoso- phy is that kids who are exposed to fine dining at an early age grow up to be more culturally savvy; he'll gladly make kid-size portions of entrées like whole roasted baby chicken with fingerling potatoes, glazed carrots, and herbs. Mini toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with pastry chef Mitsu Nozaki's house-made bread and jams are a hit among little ones and adults alike. 1421 W. Taylor St., 312-929-4302; urbanunionchicago.com Wishbone T he West Loop mainstay boasts an extensive children's menu with dishes such as crunchy French toast coated in cornflakes or chicken, black bean, cheese, and rice burritos; the Rabbit Patch lets discerning diners pick three sides of their choosing. 1001 W. Washington Blvd., 312-850-2663; wishbonechicago.com MA KIDDING AROUND South Water Kitchen executive chef Roger Waysok knows that youth must be served. How does South Water Kitchen feed little ones? We present our meals almost like a TV dinner tray: It's ceramic, but each item has its own compartment. That's something only the kids get. What are ideal dishes for all ages? The mac and cheese—kids and adults love it. I also love the grilled cheese. What childhood favorites do you still enjoy? A simple buttered noodle is so delicious. It takes me back. A tray for tots at South Water Kitchen.