Eat Right & Eat Well -- Keeping Cleveland's Kids Healthy

Remember those days of leisurely dinners at fine restaurants? If you have kids, perhaps not. Do you long to enjoy a dinner in a public place without feeling like you will be scolded if your little one dares to squeal, move around, or make a mess?

Luckily, there is hope. If you have kids along with you at any point during the day, the chances are pretty good that it won't be long until you hear the words, "I'm hungry!" When those words spring up, it is good to know that Cleveland offers an abundance of choices that moms (and dads) can feel good about.

In addition to a variety of kid friendly (and mom-approved) food choices, the following dining options provide environments that meet the needs of families (most have high chairs/booster seats and some offer activities to keep kids engaged while families savor their meals). Whether you are east or west, you’ll find some food and fun for your family.

When heading out, you may first be thinking about location, location, and location. After all, as a parent you know you have a very limited “window of opportunity” to dining out with the kids successfully. (And they younger they are, often the smaller window you have!)

When looking for good food, start by visiting one of Cleveland’s many diverse, culturally rich, family friendly neighborhoods. You will find quaint (and cool) neighborhoods with good food and other attractions that can keep a kid busy for an hour or for a day.

From Ohio City (http://www.OhioCity.com) to Tremont (http://www.RestoreTremont.com), to Cleveland’s Little Italy (http://www.LittleItalyCleveland.com) to the inner-ring suburbs like Lakewood, Shaker Heights (have you visited the farmer’s market at Shaker Square?), and Cleveland Heights/ Coventry (think milkshake and inspired vegetarian fare from Tommy's), each of these burbs offers mom-and-pop stops that will make you feel right at home.

With a trip to downtown Cleveland, you will find plenty for the kids to do as well as good places to eat. Worth noting downtown are Fat Fish Blue (http://www.FatFishBlue.com), the Hard Rock Café (http://www.HardRock.com), and House of Blues for lunch or the Sunday Gospel Brunch (http://www.HOB.com/Cleveland. And yet, that just begins to scratch the surface.

To help you get around, don’t forget about RTA busses, the city Circulators and The Rapid (http://www.GCRTA.org), which connects many of these destinations (What kid doesn't love to ride and train? What parent doesn’t like the convenience - no parking dilemmas!)

Also worth mentioning is the locally owned restaurant, Liquid Planet. Liquid Planet has locations on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland and also at Crocker Park in Westlake. With the motto “Great food and juice. For life!” the menu features “grown-up drinks” (coffee, teas and espresso), as well as great smoothie drinks (30 different varieties) that the kids will love. It is a delicious—and sneaky—way to get more wholesome fruits into your kids’ diets. In addition, Liquid Planet’s menu offers toasted pita sandwiches and salads served in a classic, funky, family-friendly eatery. Check them out at http://www.Liquid-Planet.com or call 631-2266.

Finally, even without a “kid menu,” you may find kid friendly food. A visit to Pizzazz (two locations, University Heights and Mayfield Village) proves you don’t have to have a kid menu to provide great food that kids will eat and adults will value. Visiting either location, you will find a bustling neighborhood joint where the locals come together to swap stories and enjoy the tasty fare. Check out Pizzazz at either location http://www.PizzazzPizza.com.

Good food and good fun = cool times for Cleveland families! So where do you take your kiddos to eat? Let us know at letters@coolcleveland.com

From ''Cool Cleveland' contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggifford@yahoo.com
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