May Street Market and Kids

We went to May Street Market today with 6 adults and my 2 year old son, for a 5 pm seating (he goes to sleep at 7). The food was terrific, as it typically is. But even better was the way the whole staff treated my son and made us feel welcome with a young child. The host befriended him immediately, entertained him throughout the meal, brought him a little packet of fun kids stuff (picture book, etc.) to play with, and was generally delightful. The waitress also went out of her way to make friends with him and was a big hit, all the while sharing stories with us about taking care of her young nephew and making my in-laws feel comfortable about their myriad special requests (one can't eat garlic, another is vegetarian, another can't tolerate dairy, etc.). The chef came out to let us know that they were really happy we had come and that they enjoy having kids at the restaurant. And, even though it was not Monday (when they have a special early seating program for families). they brought him their wonderful kids "prix fixe" menu (2 courses, pay your age) and let him order off of it (though, in the end, in addition he ate lots of my white asparagus soup and my gnocchi).

I have always really liked MSM for the food and the friendly atmosphere. But their beyond-the-call-of-duty performance with my son this evening has won them a permanent place in my heart. I can't recommend having an early dinner there strongly enough to the parents of young children who'd like to be able to have a terrific meal and bring their kids along.

May Street Market
1132 W. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL
312-421-5547

We took our two-and-a-half year-old and 5 month-old with some friends and their toddler to May Street Market during kids restaurant week and had a similarly delightful experience. The restaurant was overrun with families that day and the staff handled things very well to make for a very nice (early) evening out. As efood notes, this program has been extended to Monday nights going forward, and it really is a great deal, with kids under 12 paying their age for a two-course meal and adults having a three-course option for $22. I also noted on MSM's website that they have added (or maybe they've always offered it, but it's the first time I noticed it) a three-course prix fixe menu daily from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. for $32.

efood wrote:The chef came out to let us know that they were really happy we had come and that they enjoy having kids at the restaurant

Efood,

May Street Market enthusiastically hosted a Purple Asparagus Project Dine Out Kids Dinners, Chef Cheswick's daughter even helped with the demo by the surprisingly professional Olivia Gerasole, one half of the Spatulatta team (all the rage with the under 12 foodie scene)

Olivia Gerasole, Miss Cheswick, Chef Cheswick
May Street Market, 2.5.08


Enjoy,
Gary