Kids Dining Out
As I was reading this weeks New York Times Magazine section (the article that got this rant started I was struck how quickly the conversation about kids diets are changing when eating out. At first it was that restaurants were only serving chicken strips and French fries but this article talked about all the restaurants that are offering child size portions for much more complicated dishes. The chefs themselves have kids so the menu is expanding. But I was surprised that there was no discussion about kids at the restaurants.
When I was little there was no children's menu any where. OK I understand that I am old but my parents took my sister and I to four star restaurants all the time. They had decided to take us at lunch time since the prices were cheaper and the other diners would be less offended if the kids caused a ruckus. Those lunches let my parents eat at restaurants that they wanted to eat at with out hiring a baby sitter too. We learned to be have nicely, how to order off the menu and manners at a restaurant.
Because I am old, I do mind having crying children in a fine dining establishment when I am spending over $100 for a meal. I also understand that just because you are young does not mean you are going to misbehave. We walk that fine line of expectations and results. Bring your kids to the restaurants that have high-chairs since they are ready for them but test drive your kids behavior with a lunch time stop at fine dining before your plan to bring them out at night.
Then you can expand their diets from what is on the menu. You will be surprised at what kids order given a chance.
When I was little there was no children's menu any where. OK I understand that I am old but my parents took my sister and I to four star restaurants all the time. They had decided to take us at lunch time since the prices were cheaper and the other diners would be less offended if the kids caused a ruckus. Those lunches let my parents eat at restaurants that they wanted to eat at with out hiring a baby sitter too. We learned to be have nicely, how to order off the menu and manners at a restaurant.
Because I am old, I do mind having crying children in a fine dining establishment when I am spending over $100 for a meal. I also understand that just because you are young does not mean you are going to misbehave. We walk that fine line of expectations and results. Bring your kids to the restaurants that have high-chairs since they are ready for them but test drive your kids behavior with a lunch time stop at fine dining before your plan to bring them out at night.
Then you can expand their diets from what is on the menu. You will be surprised at what kids order given a chance.
Posted by Hella at 11/9/2009 12:42 PM 
Categories: More than recipes, Kids in the kitchen
Tags: family traditions kids eating out food
Categories: More than recipes, Kids in the kitchen
Tags: family traditions kids eating out food
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