Sample gourmet kids' food at this special tasting event!

Foodies of all ages looking for something to excite their tastes buds as well as their imaginations will want to head to the Kohl Children's Museum on Sunday, September 7, for "Night of a Thousand Clean Plates." This special event will serve up hot dogs, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, sloppy joes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and other traditional children's dishes – but bring your sophisticated palates for this feast. Some of Chicago’s premier chefs are in charge of the menu, and they have transformed these classic children’s meals into gourmet delicacies.

This first-of-its-kind, family-friendly tasting event will welcome eleven top chefs to Glenview, each with his or her own special dish. The prestigious list includes Della Gossett of Charlie Trotter’s, Benjamin Browning of Landmark Grill, John Bubala of Kendall College, Melissa Graham of Purple Asparagus, Eric Hammond of Va Pensiero, Gilbert Langlois of Chalkboard, Michael, Susan, Emily & Bryce Maddox of Le Titi de Paris, Martial Noguier of one sixtyblue, David Richards of Sweets & Savories, Michael Tsonton of copperblue, and Gary Wiviott of LTH Forum. James Beard-award winning chef and Food Network personality Gale Gand has provided her own special-blend root beer for the occasion.

Legendary children’s musician Ella Jenkins, Miss Lori of “PBS Kids,” and David Hammond, eminent food critic and moderator of LTHForum.com, will host, ensuring just the right ambience for this high-end dining experience. Chicago Magazine, Acqua Panna, Pellegrino, and Dogfish Head Brewing Company – among others – are sponsoring the event.

Funds raised from ticket sales and silent and live auctions will go to the StoryBus, a 37-foot children’s museum-on-wheels, currently visiting low-income schools in Chicagoland to spread enthusiasm for reading and build emergent literacy skills among their youngest learners. The bus will be open along with the museum for all curious diners between tastings.

Dinner is served Sunday, September 7, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago – 2100 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview. Tickets are $75 for adults, and $25 for kids. They are available online at http://www.1000cleanplates.org, or by phone at (847) 433-8340 x13.