Eating out with the Munchkins
By PJ Goetz
Eating together with the ones we love is a very satisfying event. It is about more than just “fueling up”. To break bread with a person is to say, “I like you and I trust you.” We usually only eat with people we are fond of. And who are we fonder of then our children. That is why we try time and time again to include them when eating out. Some successfully and sometime not.
One night my husband and I were at Burn’s Steakhouse celebrating with friends. At the table next to us was seated a man and three children ranging in age, it seemed, from about 5 to 12. I was amazed at how well mannered the children were. Not only were they well behaved but they seemed to be enjoying themselves and were engaged in a conversation with their father. On the way out I stopped at his table.
“ Excuse me for interrupting” I said “but I just wanted to compliment you and your children on how well behaved they are.”
He looked at me smiling and said, “It is a process.”
And he is so right. Teaching your children manners is a process. Beginning with baby steps and while mine won’t be ready for Burns any time soon; we have begun “the process”.
Tips for eating out with the kids
- Include in the conversation-
I am so guilty of this! I haven’t seen my husband all day and I am ready for some grown up talk. I get so excited to see him I forget to include the kids in the conversation. Nobody likes to be invited to dinner just to be ignored. They don’t have to be the center of attention just part of your attention.
Eating Out is a great time to practice table and social manners. Start with simple manners (i.e.- Table- chew with your mouth shut / Social-Ask Daddy how his day was and listen to his answer) Add expected manners over time, as kids are ready. I was amazed at how quickly my wild Indians caught on.
Whose mood doesn’t a great outfit instantly improve? It doesn’t have to be a suit and a tie (but it can be) just something special that is only worn when you eat out. You can always spot us. One of my sons is in his favorite suit and tie and the other is in his favorite cargos and t-shirt. An added bonus is that they always know what they are wearing when we go out to dinner and can now get ready by themselves.
· Limit the Game Boy time
Bring the handhelds if you must (I do sometimes) but save them for after the meal while the grown ups have coffee. Sure it is easier to eat out if the kids are busy the whole time playing Game Boy and PSP- I’ve done this myself- but excluding them from the conversation and communion of the meal is to miss an opportunity.
Where to go.
Caddy’s. How about eating on the beach next to the Gulf of Mexico and building a sandcastle with your kids while you wait for your food sound? The best BBQ on the beach and the only BBQ on the beach. On the weekends it can get crazy so I usually go during the week. Walking down the beach collecting shells after we eat is a big part of this experience.
Arigatos Japanese Steak House. The chefs here are great. They will keep the kids entertained with their show while making dinner right in front of you. From the onion choo-choo train to the fake ketchup bottle it is easy to get kids to stay in their seats here.
Melting Pot. If my kids have been good, I mean really really good then it is on to the Melting Pot for Chocolate fondue. It is hard to find a better place for dessert. You’ll get extra points from the kids as they dip fruit and pound cake into melted chocolate. A little dribble of chocolate on the chin is considered good manners here! Yum Yum
Kitchen Table @ Buca di Beppo. Your kids will feel like VIPs as they sit in the middle of the action. Hear and see what really goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen. It is fun to hear the friendly banter between the wait staff and the cooks. The waiters show you each dish as they pass. You will feel like you own place. You have to make reservations for this one.
The Shark Grill @ Sea World Have lunch with the sharks! This is one of my kids all time favorites. Make your reservation for a table next to the glass and sit so close to these predators of the deep that you can count their teeth.
Fancy Smancy. Yes you can take your kids to nice restaurants. Here are two of our favorites.
C.K.’s: This is a revolving roof top restaurant. The kids love to watch the planes land and take off. The food is amazingly good. Be warned it is pricey. Make your reservation a half hour before sunset and watch the sun sink in to the bay.
The Columbian, Tampa – Flamenco Dancers Show. If your kids are growing up in Tampa then they have to go here at least once. (I think it’s a rule.) Dress them in their Sunday best and take them to a restaurant that has been a Tampa tradition for over 100 years. They have three seatings before the show begins. Make reservations for the one right before the show otherwise the kids have to sit along time. The costs extra and is reflected in your dinner check.
|
