While most restaurant or event spaces cater to children or adults, Christina McHugh is hoping to break the mold with a new approach to family time: a modern community center, restaurant and membership club for families. Her space, aptly named The Nest, is set to open Dec. 2 at 10440 German Blvd., in Frontenac.
McHugh said her approach focuses not only on bringing families together, but also on making healthy food accessible to them. The multipurpose space will feature daily classes in yoga, dance, wellness, art and play for everyone from moms to infants to teenagers. Child care is also offered while while parents attend classes.
The Nest also will feature a full-service restaurant, a coffee bar and a daily high tea happy hour. McHugh said The Nest’s menu will be health-centered, focusing on fresh, internationally-inspired foods. Executive chef Chris Vommund will present tasty, healthy food to children and adults. The menu, which will accommodate vegetarian, paleo and gluten-free diets, will showcase local farmers, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Kids’ menu items include The Egg and Bacon Bunny, gluten-free house-made chicken tenders, and Ants on a Log. A Sunday brunch is also in the works, where parents can mingle with mimosas over large, “farm-style” tables while kids run around in The Nest’s indoor play forest and treehouse during the meal.
This article appears in October 2013.