Kids Review Restaurants

Months ago, when talk of a "kids' issue" circulated among the Chronicle staff, I knew I wanted some kids to review their favorite restaurants, to share the inside story on kid-friendly joints with their peers. I wasn't deterred by the fact that only one member of the Chronicle food staff has any actual children (and though they're seasoned international travelers, the wee Chastenet sisters don't yet read or write); I knew that the Chronicle extended family included children of all ages, and I set out to tempt them with promises of expense accounts and local fame. Each young writer was encouraged to choose a restaurant he or she liked and describe it in terms of what other kids might enjoy. Veteran Dim Sum diner Katie Walsh (13) chose to explain the wonders of the traditional Chinese small dish meal at Tien Hong. Eli Black (8) is a big fan of the healthy vegetarian fare at West Lynn Cafe. The very articulate young Rosalind Faires (6) shares the lowdown on her two favorite South Austin neighborhood hangouts, Fran's Hamburgers and Güero's.

The most difficult job was definitely done by intrepid reporters Michael Kostek (10) and Zack Anderson (9). They visited several pizza-and-party joints to gather all the important information about food, video arcades, and birthday deals at such places as Peter Piper Pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's, and GattiTown! One of the perks of being a childless old maid is that there is absolutely no legitimate reason that I could ever be compelled to patronize the aforementioned eateries, so I want to take this opportunity to extend my special thanks to Chronicle Features editor Kate Messer and photographer John Anderson for visiting multiple party palaces in one day. I'm just not sure there's a space for battle pay on the expense report form.

The school year is winding down, and a long, hot summer with plenty of time for restaurant dining looms ahead. The experienced palates of the Chronicle's Junior Food Staff make the following endorsements. --Virginia B. Wood