An Afternoon of Family Fun in Evanston

If you have never tasted bibimbap (pronounced BEE-beem-bop), you've got to try it at least once.  

I know just the place for you to go...  Then after lunch, you can browse at these two special shops nearby.

Well, first, in case you didn't know, bibimbap is a delicious rice dish which consists of steamed rice, vegetables like carrots & bean sprouts, egg, and tasty strips of bulgogi (BULL-go-ghee) which is marinated grilled meat. Yummmmmm!!!

The place I am recommending is an unassuming little place, a family-owned restaurant called Evanston Grill located on 1047 Chicago Ave.  It doesn't look like much on the outside, but their food is delicious (especially their bibimbap) and their prices are affordable.

What's more, the owners, who sometimes serve and cook, are a hoot!  They are an elderly Korean couple who seem very passionate about their food.   One of the first times we were there, the elderly woman insisted (in a friendly way) that my daughter (who was 12 at the time) put some hot sauce in her bibimbap.  She then proceeded to pour some on and then spoon-fed my daughter.  We had a good laugh about it in the car later on.


Today, when we were there for lunch, the elderly man excitedly asked us if we wanted some kimchi (seasoned vegetables) with our bibimbap.  When we agreed to try some, a huge smile lit up his face.  And then, of course, it made us feel all happy, too!

If for some reason you are not willing try the bibimbap or just not craving Korean food, they also serve other foods like hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches.  I know this is especially important to point out to families with young children.  I know!  We've been through a phase of "I only want mac and cheese!"


After lunch, you can head over to Main Street.  They have some cool shops over there that can entertain people of all ages.


One of my girls' favorites is Dave's Rock Shop (located on 711 Main St.).  This place was a big favorite when my children were younger and very much into dinosaurs and rocks, but even now that they're a little older the place still holds their interest.  My older daughters who are now 11 and 13 still enjoy looking at the different rocks and gems. 

My youngest, too, enjoys this place.  She's into wizardry right now and she excitedly pointed out a 'stick' of aquamarine which she says would make a cool wand.  Too bad it costs $8,500! Yikes!

Dinosaur aficionados would appreciate this place.  They have a mini museum in in their basement that features some dino bones and other animals' skulls and skeletons.

After you've had your fill of rocks and skeletons, I suggest going a couple doors down to this place called Ten Thousand Villages.  They sell fair-trade crafts and housewares from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  Lots of cool stuff!

My little one was fascinated by their puzzle boxes.  They're wooden boxes carved to look like animals.  In order to open them, you have to take them apart and figure out which way to slide compartments.

All three of my girls were also fascinated by the singing bowls.  They are metal bowls that you can hold on the palm of your hand (without your fingers touching them) and then with a wooden mallet you can make music by running the mallet all around the bowl.  It sounds really cool!


In Buddhist tradition, they are used to signal the beginning and end of meditation time, but thinking like a teacher/mom, children could use them to calm themselves down or even just for fun and, of course, for making music. 


I myself was intrigued by their Ellie Pooh Paper.  They are paper products (journals, note pads, stationery) made out of elephant dung! Yes, you heard right, elephant dung!!!

It's actually a great way to help elephants.  Years ago, farmers started to shoot elephants, because they were encroaching upon their agriculture.  But then a group of people educated the farmers about the benefits of harvesting the elephants' dung to make paper.  And thus, the farmers began to appreciate elephants.

I wish I had known about this when I was a teacher! 

There are lots more arts and crafts in this store and we could have spent hours in here, but my husband needed to go back home and rest for work.  But if you have little children and more time to kill, there's also a toy store across the street...

Finally, if you are interested in free activities for your children and are free this Sunday, there will be a street fair in Evanston on Main Street on Sunday, August 14th from 1 pm until 6 pm.  There will be a climbing wall, acrobats, music, art, games, food, and much more...


And remember, Life is short... Enjoy it and enjoy your family!