Monday, August 29, 2016

Through My Lens


Curt's Cafe
If you are ever in Evanston, Illinois, this is a must go to place.  It is a quaint little restaurant with delicious food that is more than meets the eye ... it is "dining with purpose" as they call it.

When you walk in you read the menu and order your food at the counter.  You are served and the food is prepared by youth at risk who are being given a second chance in life by learning food service skills and much more as you will see on the video at the end of this post.

You take a table marker so they know where to bring the food ... each marker has a meaningful poetic statement that reflects the purpose and the accomplishments of the experience.

The food is delicious and it is laced with the love shown to these kids by the people responsible for this program.

 We ate in the side room that is used for meetings, classes and group gatherings.  There was a knitting class going on while we were there.


 The pictures on the wall are from local artists and are for sale at very reasonable prices ...


A nice cozy, comfortable place to eat and they serve up the good feelings of taking part in giving to others in a way that matters. 


watch and learn ...


I think so many of us take things for granted in our lives ...this is an eye opening experience that makes my heart ache. Curt's Cafe doesn't just help at risk kids ... they help the public gain a conscience and hopefully will spread the good will outside the doors of this wonderful place.



Thank you Curt's Cafe!



Andrea
(Also linked to ...)

9 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

What a brilliant initiative.
We need more people like that.

Taken For Granted said...

I moved out of Evanston when I was five years old. Perhaps I should go back.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

What a wonderful scheme to hep these young folk Andrea. greast video of the work that goes on there.

Edna B said...

I think it's wonderful that these folks are giving these kids such a great opportunity to change and learn, and a new purpose in life. If each community took the time to do something like this, it could make a difference in the mood of our country.

We are still having very warm temps during the day, but oh the heavenly mornings! It's cool enough to sit outside with a light sweater on while one enjoys a cup of coffee. Mmmm!

You and Izzi have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Penelope Notes said...

What a meaningful post brimming with good news that is not just about people helping and being helped by others. This special space inspires a sense of belonging, purpose and community. It is the perfect setting to learn and grow as so many families in the world do … around food and the kitchen table.

Phil Slade said...

Hello Andrea. At the start I wondered what "dining with a purpose" could be. Of course when I read your words I realised exactly what the words meant. It is such a heartwarming thing to do for everyone involved and as you say, the customers must gaina lot from the experience.

Mersad said...

That looks like a cozy place to be in and with a great purpose! Thank you for linking up with "Through My Lens"

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

NatureFootstep said...

such a great idea. Love it. Thanks for sharing.

Jeanne said...

Looks like a great little cafe to visit, and now I know you were in Evanston. A place I have not visited for a long time. Going to be in Aurora though soon for my 50th high school class reunion. Amazing! How did that happen.

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