2 Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Green Valley … Rachel’s Kitchen & Sushi Imagine!

Posted on April 27, 2012
in Loco For Local!
by Maggie Verderame

Everyone knows it can sometimes be challenging to find unique and health-conscious restaurants that cater to children and families with the same level of service they offer the rest of their clientele. In the Vegas area, it’s a special treat when you find somewhere that shines it’s originality in all they do, rather than the run-of-the-mill chain. When they go above and beyond with your children, it’s even more special!

I thought I’d give a shout out to two of my family’s favorite spots to dine out, who do this each and every time we visit: Rachel’s Kitchen at The District and Sushi Imagine in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood at Paseo Verde and Valle Verde. Both of these restaurants are true ‘local’ spots sporting their own flair and really yummy food. My little girl is always treated like a rock star when she visits either place and she chows – seriously chows on everything we get! She has been known to promote these restaurants to anyone who’ll listen. She’s not quite 3.

Firstly: Rachel’s Kitchen!! We HEART Rachel’s Kitchen (in general, but specifically at The District!). We had a gluten-free family member come to town last weekend and she was SO excited to get to go out for quinoa pasta at Rachel’s. The staff told us they can make pretty much any menu item gluten-free and that means their yummy sandwiches and pastas are available to anyone, gluten tolerant or otherwise! Chris and Stacey, the owners, are super kind, and friendly, and accommodating, and supportive of all things community! The District location is perfect for hanging outside in beautiful weather eating fresh food, sipping a tasty smoothie, or even a fab wine with your kids while they enjoy the surroundings. I haven’t met a kid yet who doesn’t like something on their menu!! Rachel’s has made all sorts of menu exceptions/additions for me; 2 favorites are my desire for replacing frozen yogurt with tofu in their smoothies (my fave smoothie is the acai berry — Oh, it is so good!) and my little girl’s “regular” request for peas and sun dried tomatoes in her mac & cheese (not the kids one, but the whole deal with sauteed onions and mushrooms – it really makes for a crazy yummy, indulgent, but healthier dinner and is plenty to share with a little friend or two!).

The staff at Rachel’s is super accepting of kids (and dogs! … they have a doggie water bowl outside the entrance) and actually get happy about seeing kids eating fresh, healthier meals. They have vegetarian options already on the menu, and happily omit meats from their pastas any time, no questions asked. So, if you’re a vegetarian and tired of bean burritos, go to Rachel’s!!!

The other really cool thing about Rachel’s is their dedication to our local community. Did you know that they do an annual St. Baldrick’s event and are often the meet up spot for registration for local races, and things of the like? They’re even entertaining ways to partner up with me for our Kids Do Yoga Yogadventures™ Summer Campers this Summer. What fun! So … um … go there.

Secondly: Sushi Imagine. Sushi Imagine is just one of those little gems you’re SO happy to have found. (My family is particularly happy about it since it is a very short walk from our front door!) It’s one of those places tucked away in the corner of strip mall that could easily go overlooked, or be suspect — ‘How good could it be?’ / ‘Is it just another knock off kind of Japanese place?’ Yadda yadda. I can tell you: NO!

What do I love about it? Let’s start with the fact that they are named after John Lennon’s song, Imagine and they pipe Beatles music through the restaurant. Let’s end with the fact that the sushi is truly fresh, traditional as well as innovative, and just plain yummy. In between those two facts we find a fun, friendly staff, thoughtful service, a wheel of fortune which your kids can spin and you stand to win Sushi Imagine Bucks to spend on your next visit, and, turtle cups. Yes, turtle cups! What, you ask, is a turtle cup? Well, on a recent visit there with my little girl, she was presented this truly spectacular light blue and green spherical cup with a turtle head, feet, tail and a snazzy straw … for her water! She was blown away. This comes up during table setting for many at-home dinners as she reaches for cups, “Do you remember the turtle cup when we went for sushi? … Do we have a turtle cup? … Why don’t we have a turtle cup? … Maybe someday I will get my very own turtle cup!” and so on. If you or your kids are new chopsticks, Sushi Imagine has those handy little chopstick helpers available, too. You can pick which color you prefer. I actually brought some from home for my little girl, and the server beat me to it by offering them up automatically.

This all makes for a fun evening out while you and your kids have the opportunity to eat real, whole, fresh food. Isn’t that the goal? It’s so nice to get to take a break from being busy and not have to give up mindful eating when we dine out. I also appreciate having the opportunity to expose my daughter to different foods in a setting that is comfortable for her, but still part of the ‘real’ restaurant experience. I hope you get out soon and go loco for local restaurants!!