Children's Hospital Food Court Renovation Gives New Meaning to 'Comfort Food'

The No. 1 children's hospital in the nation now has a top-caliber cafeteria, too. Boston Children's Hospital unveiled the $11 million renovation of its food court today, Boston Restaurant Talk reported via the Boston Globe.

In addition to local and national chains such as Regina Pizzeria and Subway, there is a "Chef's Playground." The station welcomes a different local or national chef each month. So far, Rachel Klein (Liquid Art House) and former Top Chef contender Tiffani Faison (Sweet Cheeks, forthcoming Tiger Mama) are on deck, the Globe reports. The Chef's Playground station will also provide a nice service for parents and families of hospital patients: The hospital will offer a regular Parents' Night Out, a four-course meal prepared by the visiting chef.

The 11,000-square foot food court was deigned by Boston-based firm Isgenuity. The  "quiet canvas with splashes of color" includes a variety of seating options, which allow for some privacy; there is also a children’s activity space and built-in technology throughout the dining area.

According to the Globe, which sent a reporter to the unveiling ceremony, Boston Children's Hospital envisions more hospital food courts like theirs in the future. "What you’re seeing today is a transformation ... to change the paradigm of food services," the hospital's patient support services director said.