Though you might find a flock of goldfinch feeding in the same crab apple tree, enjoying the art of conversation while sharing a freshly prepared meal is a uniquely human experience.
The Naperville community is blessed with a hospitality culture that offers a wide array of distinctive eateries, providing colorful plates of nutritious cuisine for “foodies” all around the city.
From Meson Sabika to CityGate Centre to downtown Naperville to Cafe Buonaro’s in Fifth Avenue Station to Naperville Crossings, and many places in between, chefs prepare fresh and farm-focused menus daily for lunch and dinner.
Camaraderie, joyful and friendly conversation while sampling fresh cuisine can create a memorable experience around the dinner table that cannot be matched any other way.
Healthful food not only builds healthy bodies, when it’s shared with family and friends, it leads to healthy relationships.
In fact, for more than 20 years that we’re aware, researchers have reported benefits of family dinners on children’s mental health and achievement levels depend on engagement with their parents at mealtime. Survey results cite that most merit scholars eat dinner as a family, a valued time to connect with all the happenings of the day.
Busy schedules and smart electronic devices prevent many families from sitting down to dinner together without distractions. Yet, research studies from places like Harvard, Columbia and Emory University continually have shown that sharing a meal together is the single most important thing parents can do for their children. Plus, what better time to teach about good nutritious food!
And when children are all grown up, dining with friends is a great way to keep them and to connect with what’s happening in the community.
Earth Day is a perfect time to renew thinking about every day as an opportunity to highlight healthful eating as your top priority. Cheers to good healthy choices fresh from the garden and an attitude of gratitude!
This publication features “Nutrition Knowledge,” a monthly column by nutritionist Patty Minta, promoting good eating habits with lot of fruits and vegetables and other healthful tips.
PN also is happy to provide monthly updates about some of the city’s best restaurants with outdoor patios that welcome guests— for starters, Meson Sabika, Quigley’s Irish Pub, SugarToad in the Hotel Arista, CityGate Grille, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, and Catch 35.
For more information about all the dining out opportunities in Naperville, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
And when you want the best fresh produce and meats for your table at home, stop by Casey’s Foods in Naperville Plaza. Casey’s shopping experience is filled with daily specials, camaraderie and friendly service, too.
Happy Earth Week!
Note! Photos are from PN Files. Gardens and set patio openings are slow for 2013.
Remember also that Mother’s Day is May 12. Reservations are now being accepted.
