The Fire at Grady's Grille and Family-Friendly Restaurants: Feedback Friday

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of our loyal H-F Patch Facebook fans! H-F Patch's Facebook now has 333 readers who "like" it. That's 72 more people than last month! Thanks to everyone who has liked, commented or even just followed what is happening on the H-F Facebook page! Please make sure to tell your friends to like H-F Patch on Facebook! 

H-F Patch had some great commentary this week both on the site and on the H-F Patch Facebook page. Here are some of the highlights:

A fire broke out in the apartment above  in Homewood just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday.  Chief Bob Grabowski said the restaurant portion of the building on the first floor sustained smoke and water damage, but was spared from the flames. Here's what H-F Patch readers had to say about the fire:

Betsy Bayley Van Etten: Lots of thoughts and prayers going out to Kelly & Jim Garofalo and all of the Grady's family!

s: We love dining at Grady's Grille. I hope they are back open really soon!!! Summer in Homewood won't be the same until they then.

However, just as H-F Patch readers began to accept that they might have to deal without dining at  for a while, an unexpected comment was posted on the story:

: The following comment is being posted on behalf of Kelly Garofalo:

Grady's Grill is OPEN for business! We always knew Grady's Grill was the hot spot for food and drink in Homewood. We just never realized how hot until last night! We have been diligently working through the night and are happy to announce that Grady's Grill IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Thank you to everyone for your well-wishes and for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon. - Kelly Garofalo

Steve and Kelly's comment sparked an entirely new reaction from H-F Patch readers, in regards to the quick clean-up and re-opening. The  received 18 "likes" from H-F Patch Facebook fans and even more comments:

: Best local restaurant. So happy you are able to open right away. As good as downtown Chicago without the price tag.

: I must say, impressive display of determination today, a real beehive, way to hustle! You're important to Homewood's downtown area and we wish you continued success.

Our weekly Patch Picks feature took a look at some of the best family-oriented restaurants in and around H-F. Here's what a few H-F Patch readers had to say about the choices:

: Over 10 years ago when considering our move to HW, we read an article in a regional newspaper talking about the family friendly atmosphere of , with the play area and all. It was one of the small details that secured our choosing HW.

:  is a place where lots of families meet, especially when out-of-town relatives come back for a visit. We like the Super Six pizza, anti pasta salad ... And the beef sandwiches. always thinks of kids too. Good kids meals and the on-going coloring contest! In the summer their caboose serves healthy frozen treats including gelato with fresh fruit. You will see sports teams meeting at both places.

:  in Homewood is the best place for kids! For years my son told me that Tom's Meatloaf was better than mine! Even now, when my son comes home from college, that is the first place he wants to go eat! For the past 20 years it has been the only place I know will ALWAYS be a hit with any child I take there for a meal or their homemade ice cream. They treat all the kids (and all their customers) like family and support our community in so many ways. This place is not to be missed!