Des Plaines is home to two speed-dining landmarks -- McDonald's Store No 1, and the Choo Choo Restaurant. The Choo Choo Restaurant, in a small, glass-sided building, is a favorite with local young families -- obviously more for its ambience than cuisine. We entered just as two birthday parties were reaching hideous crescendos. The overtaxed little model train had just completed a circuit of the feeding loop, delivering french fries, and was back in the kitchen.
We waited for its re-emergence for several minutes, cameras ready. Several moms stared at us in alarm and ushered their broods away. We took the hint and left. Next birthday, we'll be at the lunch counter, waiting for the train!
