Kirkland Parks is mixing it up for us a bit this summer by allowing a few local businesses to have concession stands in the parks.  Keep an eye out this week for the Market Street Cafe trailer at Marina Park and Jimmy's on Houghton (owned by St. James Espresso) at Houghton Beach Park.  I love this idea!  Often in the summer we end up on these beaches for hours in the sun and have to take a break to search for food.  This year the food is coming to us!

Market Street Cafe, whose main location is just up the street from Marina Park at 609 Market St, will be offering more 'park-ready' foods than their upscale restaurant.  Here's a sneak peak at the menu where you'll find salads, kabobs and kid-friendly snacks.  They will be located over by the Argosy ticket stand (south of the restrooms)--to the left is a photo of their future spot.  Expect to find them seven days a week.  This will really come in handy during those concerts in the park which start on July 8th, btw.  Or you could dock your boat at the Marina to stop for a quick bite to go.

Jimmy's on Houghton, whose mother-ship is St. James Espresso at 355 Kirkland Ave, will also be opened 7 days a week during daylight hours.  You'll find them right across from Kidd Valley in the multi-purpose building in Houghton Beach Park.  Check out the rendition of their new sign (left). The menu is still being finalized, but you should be looking for lots of espresso drinks, blended drinks, frozen treats, baked goods, wraps/kids sandwiches, soup, salads, and don't forget the dog treats!  You can even use your pre-paid St. James cards at this location too. 

Sounds like spending even more time in our parks this summer just got easier.   Once my kids spy these stands there will be no going home. :-)   j