Welcome to the August 2024 Food Critic Blog! A blog that is written using the input from adults with Down syndrome who happen to love getting together to break bread and socialize with one another. Sometimes there are misconceptions about people with Down syndrome that can be cleared up with education and awareness. These misconceptions can be found everywhere at times, including restaurants. Our goal with the Food Critics is to enjoy time together, eat great food and spread acceptance, awareness and respect in our community by hearing directly from adults with Down syndrome about what they desire at restaurants.
This month we visited 74 Sports Kitchen and Cocktails. We had seven adults with Down syndrome attend and contribute their opinions. We were greeted immediately with welcoming words and seated immediately at a table for 7.
Our Food Critics all felt the menus were easy to read and understand. There were gluten-free options available. The wait staff spoke directly to them when taking their orders.
This month we are going to let each food critic share their own opinions:
Allison ordered Gluten Free Pizza. “Good food and good place to meet up with friends” “Next time I will try their cheeseburger”– Allison
Jordan ordered Hot Wings and Fries. “Hot wings and fries were spicy and good. I loved it.” “The waitress was so nice. It’s cool that when a train goes by children get a popsicle, which is fun.”
Addie ordered Gluten Free Pizza. “It was really good!” “Next time I am going to try a gluten free dessert”. “Hunan (the owner of 74 Sports Kitchen) is the best. They have cool outdoor patio seating!” -
Side note: The owner Hunan made a point of coming by to say hello to our group and brought them all popsicles, even though they were adults and no train came by.
Atticus ordered Pizza. - “I liked the pizza and their friendly smiles.”
Trafford ordered Turkey Sandwich and Fries. “The Turkey sandwich was so good.” “Next time I am going to try the Pizza” “Super friendly staffing. I like it here. They are doing great.”
Josie ordered Chicken Strips and Fries. “My chicken strips and fries were good.” “Next time I am getting the wings.” “Everyone was so friendly.”
Hannah ordered Gluten-Free Pizza. “The Gluten-free pizza is AMAZING” “Next time I am going to try their salmon.” “Amazing service, good and great people”.
The only suggestion our group had was from Addie. She would like to chocolate truffles to be gluten free. BUT as you can read – 74 Sports Kitchen and Cocktails has fabulous food and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a place you want to eat, but time it around the train schedule if you have kids - for the popsicles!
