Comments on: dining out with little ones

By: Linda Griffith

Linda Griffith — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:15:31 +0000

Would love to be sitting next to your table, anytime!! What a doll you have. Sounds like she eats better than many of the people we know.

By: Bay

Bay — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:23:46 +0000

Whoo! How were those indian food diapers!!

By: Shelley Pchak

Shelley Pchak — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:25:45 +0000

Our kids one MONTH birthday was celebrated at Lolita and they are raised on Momocho’s guacamole and Jonathon Sawyers’ frites.

As you said, raise them on it and they “get it.”

I’ve seen the looks too. I just laugh when kids are better behaved than the drunk adult sitting at the next table.

Cheers!

By: John

John — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:57:47 +0000

Hi michelle, I have 4 kids ]( mostly grown now ) and they have been everywhere from Babbo in NYC to to the bar at the Flying Fig. How else will our children learn to behave in public spaces if we don’t take them out in public. We have always put a lot of emphasis on the ” family dinner ” It is probably the most important part of our day when we can share our thoughts, yes even 2 year olds have thoughts. Keep on doing what your doing and don’t let those old fuddy duddies get in your way.

By: restaurants wells

restaurants wells — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:56:48 +0000

The baby is very cute…Yeah i agree that its important that we should bring our babies in restaurants for them to see new ambiance…I already have a daughter,and we always bring her every time we go to our fave restaurant..No one can pay her enjoyment every time she’s with us..

By: molly

molly — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:56:00 +0000

Excellent strategies, all around. With three, I find preparing like a military incursion is spot-on for dining out. May her enthusiasm continue ever after!

By: Suzie

Suzie — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:57:20 +0000

I will admit that I am guilty of not being happy when I see a baby when dining at some restaurants. I have often thought that certain places/events should be off limits to the little ones. I usually expect the worse. Crying, screaming, tantrums and roaming about the restaurant. I have seen it happen too many times and the parents not do a thing in response. Those times have made me rather prejudice. When looking at it from your point of view I realize it is completely unfair of me to make such assumptions. When I am a parent I hope that I approach dining out with my kiddos the same way you and your husband do. I don’t want to miss out on the good times with my family and learning opportunities with my children but will be prepared to not inconvenience my fellow diners. Thanks for sharing!

By: Robin

Robin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:32:32 +0000

Both my daughters have enjoyed some of the best independent restaurants here and we refuse to do chains. We’ve even “practiced” reading using menus. We, too, have escape plans but rarely had to use them, but we have been lucky enough to have had some of the best wait staff and dining experiences. It’s wonderful to expose your kids to exciting new foods.

By: kakaty

kakaty — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:31:32 +0000

We used to be you, M went with us just about everywhere. We ate early, were ready to leave in a heartbeat, cleaned all the goldfish dibris and always tipped at least 20% (more often 30%). She at least tried everything we put in front of her and more often then not was totally happy sharing our meals.

But then she hit about 2 1/2 and it just doesn’t happen anymore, it’s too much of a fight with my own internal “parent radar”. Yours Truly is our go-to place with the girl, most other places I feel too rushed, too hyper-alert to how other patrons are reacting to every little sound and movement. A lot of this is me, I realize, but it doesn’t make for a relaxing dinner so we don’t do it that often.

Hopefully, in the next year or so we’ll venture out more but the the 18 months – 2 years from about 2.5 on are full of landmines.

By: Older than Dirt

Older than Dirt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:32:27 +0000

Kudos to you, Natalie and Jamie from a “seasoned” server who has pretty much seen “everything.” Your end of the spectrum is so refreshing when I consider the alternatives. And it just proves that parents can be the decisive factor in a child’s positive experience at a great “non chain” restaurant. Nuclear Cheerio explosions, crayons in the carpet, ronis on the chair cushion, maybe a little throwup…all this and more are part of the experience of learning.

So I say….to all the Natalies, Collins and Mollys out there….keep on eating in good restaurants with your Mom and Dad, and do it often!!! This old waiter loves to have you in his station, especially when I consider the alternative…”70 somethings” who leave just as much mess as a toddler…and that damn ubiquitous used kleenex!!!

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!