Hello all -- many of you suggested great places for me to explore for this piece when I was researching it a few month back, so I wanted to share a preview of the article before it hits newstands:
http://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/November-December-2012/Excuse-MeDo-You-Have-a-Parents-Menu/
Again, the parameters included the geographic location above, locally owned, a unique element for kids and, of course, quality food. Love to hear your feedback (jstrelitz AT gmail or @jstrelitz) and please do share it with others.
And as I mention in the introduction, I have indeed had my baby - 3 weeks early -- a healthy, tiny boy 10 days ago!
Thanks again,
Jess