Can I Take Your Order, Please? Going Out to Eat with Gianna

Let’s face it, unless you have a perfectly behaved toddler (and some people actually do make this claim) taking your tike out to eat in a restaurant is often like playing Russian Roulette.

Because Gianna is pretty restaurant savvy, (as we all know she could clearly identify the Starbucks logosucked down ox tail broth by the age of 2 and in foreign places), she tends to be quite particular and vocal about her favorite spots to eat. “Mommy, can we eat in the restaurant,” is one of her favorite requests, but I tend to proceed with caution before I grant her wish. I know all too well what it is like to choke down a meal (appetizers are rarely an option) and wonder how many times I will be toting my Clorox wipes to the little girl ‘facilities.’

Dining out can be challenging and often an exercise in patience (such as the time Gianna pleaded with me for ten minutes for a highchair before she agreed to sit down at a table at a local diner. I watched along with curious onlookers, as she carefully buckled her ‘Dolly’ into the chair and gave her make-believe chocolate milk and fries. She then told me we were now ‘a table for 3.’). However, as much as I complain that I almost never get to finish a meal, I cherish having a meal out with my daughter. Aside from some good mommy bonding, she gets to experience food in a whole different way then she would at home and sees and hears about new food choices. It also fosters her imagination, as she loves playing pretend restaurant at home.

There are also many places that try to make it easier for parents by providing extras that offer some entertainment. Here are a few kid-friendly restaurant finds that I and some friends have discovered . If there is an establishment in your area that goes the extra mile with its kids’ menu, be sure to let me know.

Blue Smoke, New York City. Here, kids have choices from grilled cheese sandwiches to Memphis baby back ribs. During the meal they are presented with a cookie shaped like a pig that they get to decorate with sprinkles. And while they eat, it bakes! For each Kid's Menu ordered, Blue Smoke donates $1 to STREETS International®, a nonprofit organization that helps kids in developing countries transition from poverty and life on the streets to successful careers in culinary or restaurant service.

Cucina Calandra, Fairfield, N.J. Little ones can choose from chicken Parmesan or sliced sirloin steak with broccoli. The winner is usually the ‘face pizza’ in shapes like Sponge Bob Square Pants. The restaurant even serves, upon request, its version of Baby Coffee! It is on the Bambini menu for ages 4-10. They call it Nonna’s and sneak in a tiny bit of decaf.

Landmarc, New York City. At this Time Warner Center eatery tots can dine on everything from peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches to pigs in a blanket or a petite filet mignon. Fresh spun cotton candy comes at the end of the meal.

–Nicole Denis

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