
The Day Nursery
The Day Nursery is located at 1139 Randolph in Oak Park. The early childhood education program was established in 1912 and is still housed in the Charles E. White tudor built specifically for the program.
“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Last night, I went out with my friend, Cat. We had dinner at The Day Nursery.
The Day Nursery is a special place, for so many reasons. The friends we have met along the way are a big part of what makes it such a special place. The Day Nursery is the preschool my my youngest son, Milo, currently attends and my older son, Oliver, also attended before entering Kindergarten.
My friend, Cat, also has a son who attends. Our boys are great friends. We met when our boys were 2.5 and just starting out at The Day Nursery. Since that time, our families have taken camping trips together, gone trick or treating, dyed Easter eggs, had countless play dates, family dinners, and even a couple of sleepovers.
So ... you may be wondering "why would you spend a coveted girl's night out going to a preschool?"
And, I have a great answer for that ...
One weekend a year, The Day Nursery is transformed into a fictional world from a children's book, and local chef and Day Nursery supporter, Melissa Elsmo (assisted by a small army of passionate folks) creates a magical meal to match the theme. Serving 60 guests over two nights takes a team of people, who all volunteer their time and talent to make it happen. This annual pop-up event raises funds that are crucial to The Day Nursery and the children who attend.
At last night's dinner, we were transported to the home of Winnie the Pooh, the Hundred Acre Wood, and treated to an unbelievable feast. My words would do a disservice to it, so I will share some images. Full disclosure: As most of you know, I'm not a food photographer ... so even my images won't do this meal justice. Trust me when I tell you that it was amazing!

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions
All the Hunny/ hunny bread. hunny butter. hunny comb. buzz buttons. plain ole hunny

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions

Little Bitty Productions
Planting Rabbit’s Garden/seeds. scallop. cauliflower. carrot. chickpea. red pepper. hunny

Little Bitty Productions
Rabbit’s Garden/whipped feta. pecan soil. carrot. radish. apple. pear. pansy. hunny

Little Bitty Productions

Joey Tesch

Little Bitty Productions
Heffalump Traps/ yellow cheese in a jar labeled hunny. candied bacon. deviled egg. pickled things. crackers

Joey Tesch

Joey Tesch

Little Bitty Productions
Ridicarus Ceviche/ shrimp. popcorn. corn nuts. tomato. cilantro. chilies. firesticks. mary lou’s love, not hunny

Little Bitty Productions
Eeyore’s Gloomy Place, Rather Boggy and Sad/ squid ink pasta. salmon. ribeye. sesame. mushroom. furikake. potato. beluga lentil. hunny

Little Bitty Productions
Piglet & Roo Jump in Kanga’s Pouch/ Nathan’s “same but different” ravioli. mushy peas. asparagus. macadamia. watercress. hunny

Joey Tesch
Hunny & Sweetened Condensed Milk with Bread on the Side/almond cake—nutella. candied almond. blueberry jar—hunnycomb. honeycomb. blackberry