Choo Choo Restaurant

When I looked into the sitemeter of my blog, I found someone had googled "Choo Choo". To my surprise, I found a restaurant called "Choo Choo Restaurant" located at 600 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA.

The restaurant was founded by James Ballowe and his wife, Marilyn. It was James' younger brother, Roy Ballowe, a soldier who had served in the Philippines for a few years, who came up with the idea of a Choo Choo train delivering some fast but tasty and healthy food to both adults and children. The family felt that food and drinks served on a Choo Choo train would thrill children and adults alike. Why adults? I guess, the founders had understood that inside every adult is a child yearning to relive a lost childhood!

Hence it is not surprising that the restaurant had survived since its inception in 1951. Amazing! The restaurant is even older than me! If readers wish to read more about the restaurant and to look at what is in store, please log in www.choochoorestaurant.com

The operators have come up with cute names for their menus such as The Choo Choo Double, Kids' meals on wheels, etc. The popularity of the restaurant continues to thrive even as McDonalds has been set up within a stone's throw!

I read through a couple of reviews. Alan R wrote, "This is one of the few places I went as a kid that really stuck with me. It's got the look of a 50s diner; very cool and retro. The food is nothing special, you know, diner food, but delicious nonetheless. The thing that's most unique about this place is that if you are lucky enough to get a seat at the counter, the choo-choo train brings you your food. How often do you get a choo-choo train delivering your food?" 4 star ratings on 03/24/2008

Another diner, Jenn M wrote, "I went here as a kid and couldn't wait to take my son either. We have been here with him three times now. The food was way better than expected. It's total old school, diner like food. I have had the burger and turkey chili, both were top notch. The onion rings are also excellent and don't miss desert, everything is home made. Shakes, brownies and cupcakes are all yum! I can't wait to try the Sloppy Joe's also.

The train brings your food only if you can get a counter seat. If you don't want to wait, go on one of the weeknights when they are open until eight. A fun, reasonable place for the kids that serves awesome food and doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't." 5 star ratings on 03/06/2008.

The Choo Choo Restaurant has certainly proven one thing. When people are happy, excited and having fun, food always tastes so much better. I have yet to visit that part of America where the Choo Choo Restaurant is located. If I do go there in future, I will certainly make it a point to visit the Choo Choo Restaurant and greet the owners, "Hello! I am Choo Choo from Singapore. How about 50% discount for the real Choo Choo?" :-)

Gan Chau