Mimi's boasts appealing look on outside, food and warmth inside

With three hungry little girls in tow, I'll admit I barely glanced at the outside of the restaurant. I was more worried about how long the wait inside of the new Mimi's Cafe would be.

It was 30 minutes. That didn't seem too bad, given that on weekend nights it's been upward of an hour lately. It seems everyone wants to come out and try to the new eatery along Randall Road in Algonquin.

By the time we got seated, I think we were pushing it, especially with a tired toddler. But we all wanted to try it, especially now after exploring Mimi's French-styled interior and cottage-styled exterior.

So when the hostess brought a specialty plate full of orange slices, Cheerios and crackers for all three of the little ones, I was ready to give the restaurant my own award for helping to tide over the hungry beasts I'd brought along.

The restaurant won a different sort of award from the village of Algonquin even before it opened this month -- an award for architectural excellence.

The village liked the mix of colors on the building, including the eye-pleasing purple, as well as other exterior features.

Officials said Mimi's is a fine example for future businesses.

"This combined usage of earth-tone colors, quality building materials, varied rooflines and wall lines, and bright, inviting, decorative features significantly enhances the aesthetics of the Randall Road corridor."

Free tax prep: Calling all teachers, school employees and bus drivers. Liberty Tax Service along Randall Road in South Elgin is offering free tax preparation for people in all of these education-related job through Sunday, as long as they are new customers.

"We have appreciation days to show our respect for the teaching profession and those employed by the schools," said Tamika Morales, Liberty Tax Service owner, who is a teacher herself.

"They have one of the most important jobs, and this is our way of showing them our appreciation."

For an appointment call Liberty at (847) 289-9100.

Welcome: New to the Randall Road corridor is Refine 360.

The business, which is part of a chain of non-surgical luxury laser boutiques, opened in Algonquin Commons this month.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.