Formerly: Suburbanites, take heart: Mike Kurotobi understands your pain. And thanks to his dining acumen, there's no need to Metra it into downtown (or worse, fight traffic). The city hits the suburbs with Mj2, a casually elegant, globally-focused Park Ridge restaurant that even welcomes couples with kids-in-tow (Kurotobi himself is a father of two).

As the once-corporate chef for Ala Carte Entertainment, Kurotobi's resume is nothing if not thick. Combining a downtown menu and atmosphere with a quality children's menu, creating a hip eatery in line with a strong belief that families should spend time together.

The global menu features eats like pumpkin stew, wok-seared tiger shrimp, flat iron steak frites, creole pasta and potato-wrapped salmon. Kids can get their fill of pizza, mac n' cheese and spaghetti.