Coming: DuPage Children’s Museum to open cafe

Paula Mintchell, O.D., demonstrates the biomicroscope on Bernie Calayag, optician, at her newly opened eye clinic and optometry office Vision Art Eye Care. -submitted-

Updated: February 7, 2013 6:19AM

The DuPage Children’s Museum will officially celebrate the grand opening of its SMART Café, at 10 a.m. Jan. 10 in the basement level of the museum.

“The 60-seat SMART Café will further the museum’s 25-year mission of early learning Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology by serving delicious, healthy food to more than 300,000 annual visitors in a bright, friendly learning environment designed especially for children,” says Brianna Bromberek, marketing manager of DCM.

“This is the No. 1 requested amenity for the past 10 years,” said Susan Broad, DCM president and CEO. “We found that visitors were leaving the museum early or coming late, because the kids were hungry.”

The menu was carefully thought through and consumer-tested to offer a selection of high-quality food items such as fresh-baked whole grain sandwiches, soups, salads, vegetarian and gluten-free entrees. Healthy snacks and beverages are also part of an affordable lunch and snack menu.

In a statement the DCM further underlines its healthy but accessible SMART Café concept:

“The café environment will reinforce its ‘healthy lifestyles’-theme with food packaging, signage and a menu design that allows young children to choose a balanced lunch for themselves by using pictures if they can’t yet read.”

Vending machines will still be available and additional areas are designated for those still wishing to bring bag lunches. The café will usually be open during regular museum hours. Visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org to learn more.

Vision Art Eye Care

Springbrook Square sees yet another interesting store front addition. Vision Art Eye Care just opened Dec. 10 at 1995 Springbrook Square Drive, suite 111.

Optometrist Paula Mintchell, with a speciality in pediatrics and medical optometry, owns the office and eye clinic that focuses on a warm and family friendly all-around eye-care service to the community.

“We are like the primary care doctor for your eyes. We do everything except eye surgery,” says Mintchell, who says it is a misconception many eye patients have that go see a regular doctor for common eye infections such as conjunctivitis and trachoma.

Treatment is billed to the medical insurance or supplemental vision insurance, just like during a general doctor visit.

The 1,300-square-foot office not only houses Mintchell’s state-of-the-art full diagnostic equipment but also an expanding and changing extensive eyewear line.

Based on her extensive pediatric background, it seems only natural for Vision Art Eye Care to be part of the public health program, InfantSEE, where “participating optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service,” according to the website www.infantsee.org.

Mintchell and her family recently relocated to Naperville to pursue her dream of owning a business, leaving behind a busy lifestyle in Florida.

“Naperville is so welcoming. ... I didn’t want to be commercial, but wanted to build something where families can grow with us.

“Its about making everyone walk out feeling their best.”

Chada’s closed

After a little more than two months, Chada, the Italian-Asian restaurant at 327 Center St., Naperville, closed in late fall.

Part-owner Robert Secundino was unable to clarify the exact circumstances behind the closing, only saying, “There were many reasons why it didn’t work.”

Secundino furthermore said another restaurant is in the process of opening in that same location, but was not willing to share further information on ownership, type of restaurant or if it is a re-opening. Some remodeling is tentatively planned sometime before spring, Secundino said.

Its website www.chadanaperville.com still opens to a home page, albeit starkly empty and non-functional.

Know of a business coming to or leaving
Naperville? Contact Daina Saleh at
dainasunbiz@gmail.com

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