MAG wrote:I've heard rumor that there are some restaurants that involve hands-on cooking for kids to keep them entertained.
Molly wrote:190 North had a segment showing a family dining at Ambria. The kids were brought back to the kitchen to help with dessert.
A press release wrote:Ambria is inviting kids into its kitchen with "Four-Star Kids"
January 7, 2005 -- Maitre d's and head waiters prepare yourselves: Four-star dining is opening upto kids. In an unprecedented program titled "Four-Star Kids," premiere dining destination Ambria invites children, ages five and up, and their parents to share a memorable culinary experience. An exclusive "Four-Star Kids" reservation at the Art Nouveau restaurant comes with a gourmet kids menu, a lesson in the kitchen with the pastry chef, a photo and even an honorary chef's hat. And none of it affects the epicurean adults at the next ultra suede banquette. How's that for turning four-star dining (gently) on its head?
Inspired when a colleague and his niece enjoyed dinner and a behind-the-scenes pastry lesson at the lavish restaurant, chef/owner Gabino Sotelino developed the delightfully well-organized program. "Children learn about the world of fine dining and etiquette while creating life-long memories," says Sotelino, "They remember being part of something truly special at Ambria."
The enchanting evenings start at elegant tables adorned with tiny shaded lamps set among massive urns filled with fresh flowers. Children and their parents are greeted with charming kid's menus and exquisite multi-course adult menus. While parents peruse the list of renowned dishes, children choose one of three kids' offerings for $19.95: Classic Steak Frites, Fish and Chips or Herb-Grilled Chicken Breast.
Timing is everything in the culinary world, and "Four-Star Kids" is no exception. Avoiding the need to wait patiently and to "be good," children's main meals arrive perfectly on cue with the adults' first course. Families dine together. Then, as the adults' main course is ceremoniously served in a theatrical performance with waiters lifting silver domes off in sync, the Captain escorts delighted children into the kitchen to create the table's dessert. The children are engaged in the magic of Ambria's kitchen while their parents enjoy a quiet dinner in the luxurious surroundings of deep-toned woods and crystalline etched glass.
Donned in kid-sized chef's hats, children learn about Ambria's award-winning pastry selection and even bake delectable ones of their own with the pastry chef. Just before the grand unveiling to the table, a photo is snapped of the proud bakers, and thenvoil! Wearing chef's toques and huge grins, children serve the scrumptious pastries to the table. Framed photo in hand, one darling little girl summed up the night perfectly, "yummy!"
Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park at the historic Belden Stratford, 2300 North Lincoln Park West, Ambria offers an elegant atmosphere characterized by deep-toned woods and suede banquettes. Art Nouveau architectural touches blend with fragrant fresh flowers to create a setting ideal for fine dining and festive entertaining. Ambria is owned by Chef Gabino Sotelino and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
For reservations, diners can contact Ambria at 773-472-5959.