It sounds like a feat of epic proportions: get married and open a restaurant business in the same year? Yet that’s exactly what Sheila and Mickey McCabe did exactly 25 years ago when they opened the doors to their successful buffet-style restaurant, Q. Cumbers in Edina. On this, their silver anniversary spring, I was invited to lunch with the owners, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the ultra-fresh way they prepare their food, and to learn about the Kat Perkins concert Q. Cumbers is putting on June 12 to benefit PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
And, of course, because Family Fun Twin Cities is dedicated to finding places — in this case, a dining option — that are kid-friendly, I was interested in hearing more about how Q. Cumbers appeals to families.
Fresh, healthy choices – Kids, Sheila McCabe noted, like having a little control in choosing their own food. And they really can’t go wrong with the bounty of fresh (like, chopped up fresh daily in the kitchen!) veggies, salad ingredients and fruits. The buffet makes all of its soups from scratch, bakes all of its breads, and rotates through a menu of hot items that will always have picky-eater favorites on hand. Gluten-free options are plentiful and clearly marked for those with sensitivities. And for those of you with a sweet tooth like mine, don’t worry, there’s soft-serve ice cream with a fantastic top-your-own bar.
Kid-sized prices and more– A bigger-than-average-sized family like mine can sure appreciate this! Depending on the type of meal – lunch, dinner or brunch – children are charged 70¢-80¢ per year plus tax. Kids under 3 years always eat free. Also, save further on Monday nights after 4pm when kids ages 3-12 eat for only 99¢. (Limit two kids per paying adult. My family is covered!) Other kid-pleasing touches include coloring sheets, a good stock of storybooks, and balloons.
Nearby family attractions – Here’s where the “Make a Family Day” part comes in. Q. Cumbers is located only steps from the 24-acre Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. There is tons to do in the urban green space during the fair-weather months: paddleboat rentals, fishing, a challenging putting course and other lawn games, walking paths, a lakeside maze and live entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater. Get a look at the complete summer event schedule here. Families could easily purchase takeout containers from Q. Cumbers (you can find pricing here) and enjoy a meal picnic-style in the park.
Now, about that giveaway. We’ve got a pair of tickets earmarked for one of our readers so they can enjoy a night out to benefit PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Q. Cumbers is hosting a 25th Anniversary Party & Fundraiser at the Centennial Lakes Amphitheater featuring Kat Perkins from The Voice! It’s a pretty good deal, too – tickets include general admission seating to the concert, a picnic dinner, and a meet-and-greet with Kat Perkins. If you’re interested in attending the concert and helping raise funds to fight bullying, tickets ($30/GA, $50/reserved seating) can be reserved here.
- To enter the giveaway (which we don’t plan to announce on our Facebook page until May 26), leave a comment on this article letting us know one activity or event you’d like to see highlighted on Family Fun Twin Cities this summer. The giveaway will run through June 1, 2015, on which day we’ll randomly pick a winner at 9pm. The winner will be notified by email, so please make sure to provide an email address for us and be prepared to submit a postal address at which to mail the tickets. Good luck and thanks for reading!
Q. Cumbers
7465 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
(952) 831-0235
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