Right as I arrived at the table, Jen was pulling out some snacks for the girls and a snooty waitress came by and said, “We don’t allow outside food or drinks in this establishment.” “Not even baby food?” “I’m sorry, no.” And of course they didn’t have a children’s menu. But they did have highchairs. Between the long journey down, the cranky baby and the overall attitude of the restaurant, Jen was fed up so we left Jen’s friend there (he had another long lost friend meeting us there to keep him company) and went on the prowl for some real food. We ended up at a California Pizza Kitchen and we were all very happy. Jen and I split some Sonora Spring Rolls and the girls got to eat their snacks in peace. But this whole experience made me think of my own Parents Ask question: When are your kids too old to bring a lunch? When is it time for them to start ordering off of the kid’s menu?
Even though I was pissed at the vegan suck-fest it occurred to me that Arden, being almost 5, is way too old to be bringing peanut butter sandwiches and lunchables to the Olive Garden. But at the same time whenever we order her something at a restaurant she eats maybe one or two bites at best which means I just threw away seven bucks. I’m also starting to get embarrassed walking into a restaurant with four people and only ordering two meals. So I’m at a bit of a dining crossroads at the moment…excect maybe when we go to IHOP on a “Kid’s Eat Free” night. Then I don’t mind bringing the girls their snacks and ordering something on the menu. But it’s usually something like extra bacon that Jen and I will enjoy if the no one else wants to partake. Anyway, I’d love to know what other people are doing and when they think the sack lunch shut-off should be.
Originally posted on Parents Ask on 4/14/10
What's the name of that restaurant so I can NEVER go there?
ReplyDeleteI've been ordering for Tulsa for almost a year now ,usually pasta or chicken or a side order and taking the rest home for her to eat later (hopefully). I have to say that it has made her a more adventurous eater, Indian food and sushi are now one of her requests.
I know you've written about this au contrare, but your grownup restaurant frequenting may become as frequent as a babysitter. Some places may be more accommodating by allowing a half portion or a shared plate fee with a parent. But in all honesty, my family restaurant nights are limited to pizza joints, mexican and chinese food. For my kid who is the "two bites and I'm done" one, I get side orders of his faves. A side of cavitappi at Carrabbas. Sides of rice and beans at any mex place. And I always offer them a taste of my meal so they can start to learn their own tastes. About the only easy parenting "thing" I have is that at any given time, I have one kid who is willing to try just about anything without a bribe. Kudos... I was not so easy!
ReplyDeleteI will still bring food for my 2.5 year old if we want to eat at a restaurant where she won't eat anything. Otherwise we could never have Indian food or sushi again. I figure most restaurants would rather have the business of two adults and skip the kid's meal rather than not get our business at all. I do order her food at restaurants that have stuff she'll eat, but then again she will finish her macaroni and cheese and a side of broccoli, so I don't feel like I've wasted my money.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what that snooty waitress would have said if I had tried to breastfeed my newborn at that restaurant. Does that count as an outside beverage?