Copperhead
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Post by Copperhead on Mar 20, 2007 14:13:04 GMT -5
My family eats out a couple of times per month. We have 2 children, one of which is a toddler. We're having a variety of responses when we eat out, not all of which have been positive. We bring our own snacks for our little one to tide him over until his food arrives & bring a sippy cup as well (he only ever drinks water at suppertime). The older one is less disruptive than many adults. We try to limit the mess and disturbances as much as possible with our little one, as we don't like to be inconsiderate of others (but still need to get out with the kids from time to time).
So, I'm curious. Which restaurants have responded well when you bring your children - particularly the smaller ones? Which ones haven't?
For example, last night we ate at O'Charley's in Hixson. Our server was great with our toddler & service was prompt...he neither hovered nor ignored us. We had a very good experience.
All thoughts & opinions will be appreciated.
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Post by Gary on Mar 20, 2007 14:20:18 GMT -5
I have no problem with people bringing children out to eat, provided they observe a complete simple common sense rules:
1) Stick with family restaurants, and 2) Discipline the children if they get out of hand.
I cannot tell you how annoying it is to eat out at an upscale restaurant and have it ruined by a table with a noisy brat (or more) that has been allowed to run amuck by their lazy-ass parents.
Simple rule of thumb: if you can't afford to hire a babysitter, you can't afford the upscale restaurant.
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Post by xterragirl on Mar 20, 2007 14:29:06 GMT -5
Having a child myself, I agree with Gary. I cannot stand to see a child sit there and scream and cry and disrupt an entire restaurant - whether it be a family restaurant or not. It is rude and inconsiderate to others who are there to enjoy a meal.
It really aggravates me to see people out at a restaurant at a later hour (what would be considered a child's bedtime) and these kids are obviously tired and ill. If you can't go at a time that's convenient to your child's schedule, don't go or hire a babysitter. Period.
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Copperhead
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Post by Copperhead on Mar 20, 2007 14:34:37 GMT -5
I agree with both of you. Kids belong at home at bedtime (including the 30 or so minutes prior when they're crabby)
So which restaurants have responded well to your child? I'm learning that not all family restaurants respond well to children...that service can slow down or be nonexistant.
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Post by xterragirl on Mar 20, 2007 14:46:28 GMT -5
I can't really recall which particular restaurant responded well - my "baby" is almost 11 now so we're past those years. I can say that Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Logan's and Longhorn seem to be very responsive to having a child at the table. The wait staff that we've had pay attention to her and speak to her - they don't treat her like she's not there. These are some of her favorite restaurants so obviously, our experiences have been good.
It appears you are doing what you can to limit the restfulness - i.e. bringing your own snacks, etc.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Mar 20, 2007 21:16:56 GMT -5
I've noticed that the downtown Chili's is kid friendly in the side area, away from the bar.
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Post by Gary on Mar 21, 2007 7:33:28 GMT -5
Oh, Babs reminds me of common sense rule #3 - don't bring children into the bar. Ever.
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Homebrew Dave
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Post by Homebrew Dave on Mar 21, 2007 8:00:10 GMT -5
I saw this topic and thought you're ALL sick motherfuckers.
Then I realized it was all in my mind and I'm the sick motherfucker.
Dave
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2007 8:20:57 GMT -5
*SMACK*
Oo, this is fun!
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Post by tcrashfx on Mar 21, 2007 9:43:11 GMT -5
Being the parent of three, I am always conscious of their behavior when in public.
More than once I have taken one to the restroom for discipline of the physical kind. Rare, but it has happened. We do this before it ever gets to the point that the neighbors noticed anything.
Since we actually eat out rarely, they think it is such a treat they would do nothing to spoil it or have to take one of those restroom trips.
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Post by Fun Grrl From Mt Pilot on Mar 21, 2007 17:52:55 GMT -5
Tcrash...one of our regulars last week hauled his child outside to administer an attitude adjustment...problem was he was seated in the back of the restaurant and as soon as he picked the youngster up , the child started yelling at the top of his lungs...."don't hit me, please daddy don't hit me"....over and over and over...created a hubbub for sure. Daddy administered a swat on the heiny when he got outside and then sat the child down for a talking to ...i am sure daddy was emabarrased but to his credit was not swayed by the child..
Gary is right ,do not under any circumstances bring a kid into the cocktail area
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Mar 21, 2007 20:23:59 GMT -5
I was in church one time and this lovely young mother was in front of me with her two children...probably about 7 and 2 yrs. old. The 2 year old became really squirmy and acting out somewhat. The mother quietly took him out the back as he yelled "Mommy, don't spank me!" I'm sure she was mortified! They came right back, so I think she just read him the riot act.
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Longshot! [ Saint ]
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Post by Longshot! [ Saint ] on Mar 22, 2007 7:05:40 GMT -5
Spare the Rod, and You Don't Get To beat Your Child's Ass, or whatever that quote was.
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Bob
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Post by Bob on Mar 23, 2007 19:54:37 GMT -5
Two points: Parents, Please don't allow the hostess to sit your childs highchair at the end of your booth when you see a wheelchair will be blocked by said highchair. First its a fire code violation and second it REALLY ANGERS the guy in the wheelchair when he can't leave. (I will not make someone move so I can leave, the customer isn't paying for that, and have gone out fire doors (and shrubs) in protest) Second: a couple of weeks ago, a toddler got loud in church during praise time (where we announce praises for things that happen during the week) as his mom was leading him out he was screaming "PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO MOMMY, PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO" which prompted me to raise my hand and ask for a prayer request that we all feel that way about leaving church.. [grin]
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Copperhead
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Post by Copperhead on Mar 23, 2007 21:51:58 GMT -5
Two points: Parents, Please don't allow the hostess to sit your childs highchair at the end of your booth when you see a wheelchair will be blocked by said highchair. First its a fire code violation and second it REALLY ANGERS the guy in the wheelchair when he can't leave. (I will not make someone move so I can leave, the customer isn't paying for that, and have gone out fire doors (and shrubs) in protest) So, Bob, which restaurant was this? It seems like the hostess either didn't give a rip or just didn't have a clue.
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Bob
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Post by Bob on Mar 23, 2007 22:56:28 GMT -5
So, Bob, which restaurant was this? It seems like the hostess either didn't give a rip or just didn't have a clue. They have no clue, no training, no understanding, which means bad management. Happens more often than you'ld think. Most recently during a more expensive than normal visit to Red Lobster in Hixon. The manager had the gall to tell me how the people/baby didn't mind. (She forgot the fact that it BOTHERS THE CRAP OUT OF ME) problem solved, just won't EVER go back.
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RuneDeer
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Post by RuneDeer on Mar 24, 2007 7:34:32 GMT -5
CC, First, I loved your church story. Good comeback! Second, I hope you have a form letter handy for any restaurant such as RL that needs some "edumacation" [took me 3 tries to get that misspelling right ]. Also, a letter to the TFP or Chattanoogan on the subject would not be remiss either. Get the word out on a consistent basis and sooner or later the wisdom will start to sink into those crenelated gray cells owned by the average 24-year-old restaurant "manager." I'll talk to my favorite waiter and make sure he knows about this too. Actually, those stupid little wooden high chairs are a pain however you look at it. I can't imagine the waitstaff appreciates them, when the legs stick out just far enough to make them ideal for tripping over when carrying a tray full of fajitas. The individual "car-seat" type is probably safer, though maybe not as adaptable for some seat types...wonder if restaurants know this too? Wonder if they know anything...
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Post by bluckarma on Mar 25, 2007 6:55:24 GMT -5
We have a toddler and go to most restaurants. I avoid upscale restaurants with junior because they don't hold anything of interest for him and we like our grown up time as well. He is super well behaved. It is a treat for him to go out and eat and see other hairless monkeys running around.
That being said we always have a game plan: 1. loud restaurants with lots of activity. 2. bring snacks to tide Jr. over till his food comes. 3. a sippy cup. 4. we let him try our food and (non alcoholic drinks) so he knows it is a special occasion. 5. we bring him small toys like his doodle pad to occupy him when the meal is over. 6. go out early. we always get seated between 5 and 6 and are usually leaving when the dinner rush files in.
In regard to restaurants most Mexican and Chinese restaurants like to have kids and always acknowledge them. Some of the American style places do also.
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Copperhead
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Post by Copperhead on Mar 25, 2007 20:40:11 GMT -5
blukarma, I like your game plan! It's generally the one I also utilize but have never actually thought out. For me, it just seems to be common sense. Bring snacks & sippy cup...go to a place that isn't quiet, bring something to occupy the child & go at a decent hour. We're even bringing a place mat with a pouch on one side to try to prevent his food from winding up in his lap or on the floor. Our guy is still learning how to get his food into his mouth neatly & efficiently.
And life goes on...
Of course, if this was my biggest problem, I'd be problem-free! ;D
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Post by Justin Thyme on Mar 25, 2007 21:19:43 GMT -5
My sons are both pretty much grown. The oldest is 22 and the youngest is seventeen. It's been a few years since I've had to deal with taking a small child to a restaurant. Usually the trips to a restaurant were uneventful. The boys were both well behaved and knew not to cause a problem. There were a couple of incidents, though, where I didn't have well behaved kids. The youngest one once started pitching a fit once we got sit down in Logan's Roadhouse over at Hamilton Crossing. I got up to take him outside and give him a "good talking to," if you know what I mean, and my mother-in-law moved her chair in such a manner so as to catch my big toe on one side of her chair leg and the rest of my foot on the other side. I was wearing sandals at the time. This caused me to fall forward into the lady at the next table which caused her drink to spill across the table into her companions lap.
This was an extreme test in administering appropriate punishment. We didn't go out to eat again with the kids for several months after this. I still think my m-i-l was attempting to block me, not let me out.
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Red
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Post by Red on Mar 26, 2007 11:45:49 GMT -5
We normally try to stick to the "child friendly" variety when taking Lil' Red out. She's very well behaved and does pretty well. There's been the occasion when she's "acted up" but normally it's just because she's either tired (didn't wanna take a nap). The Japanese food places are good, lots of entertainment for the toddler, and it's always a good idea to take a sippy cup. Lil' Red will drink out of a "big girl" glass and use a straw, but for our nerves it's just easier to take a sippy cup.
Things to make sure you take before going to any resturant with a toddler/child: - Sippy Cup - Baby Wipes - Crayons and paper (those little mini note pads at the dollar store work great!) - "new" toys. (I keep a collection of the happy meal toys stashed away that she's never seen before and I toss a couple in my purse before we head out, that way she has something new to check out) - Cheerios! (Although if you go out with FunGrrl she'll eat more of the Cheerios than the child!)
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Post by doughlady on Mar 31, 2007 0:39:45 GMT -5
My daughter and I had a pleasant experience at 212 this week for lunch with my 13-month-old son. We sat in the back in a corner to be out of the way. The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating and warmed the meal we brought for my grandson. But we made sure we cleaned up (including picking up anything on the floor) before we left. It helped also that my grandson is absolutely wonderful when we take him out to eat.
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Post by mgladwell on Mar 31, 2007 11:10:43 GMT -5
Believe it or not, cause we wouldn't have, we have taken our 6 and 4 year old to PF Changs a couple of times and had a great time. If you can snag one of the booths against the wall, it provides a pretty good buffer. But geez, it's so noisy in there, I would defy anyone to pick out the sounds of a bratty kid.
PFC is a bit on the pricey side and they don't have a kids menu but because of the way the food is served (platters and big bowls), the food actually comes out to about the same thing you would spend at a place like Big River or a similarly priced place where you have to order separate stuff for the kids. Granted, your kids should be slightly adventurous eaters or they are going to be stuck with a big plate of rice. We were actually shocked at how our kids scarfed up everthing. Most of the entrees at PFC have a very sweet taste and that probably didn't hurt. They even liked the Hot N Sour Soup, which is awesome there.
We were completely surprised how it turned out and since we ordered for 2 and ate for 4, it was almost like the kids ate for free. And if your kids start to act up, spin'em through the front doors for a few minutes till they get dizzy......
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Post by xterragirl on Mar 31, 2007 13:16:14 GMT -5
We are going to PF Chang's tonight for a birthday dinner. This will be the first time my 10 year old will have eaten there. They have no kid's menu so that's a slight minus in my book. BUT, while eating there for lunch the other day (if you haven't been there, I highly recommend it), we asked if you could bring in food from say McDonald's, Taco Bell, etc. for the kids and they said it was no problem. I know a lot of restaurants frown on that sort of thing.
I'm hoping that my daughter will be adventurous and try what her father and I have ordered.
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Jay
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Post by Jay on Mar 31, 2007 13:41:26 GMT -5
Wow! I am impressed. I wouldn't think any place would okay someone bringing in their own food for the kids.. That is way cool
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RuneDeer
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Post by RuneDeer on Mar 31, 2007 18:29:28 GMT -5
My parents were pretty middle-class/white-bread, but they had spent several years together in NYC before I came along, so Chinese food was routine. So was Armenian, for that matter... I feel sorry for people who are raised with a really narrow variety of foods because by the time they're about 8, anything unfamiliar is instantly greeted with "Ewwwww," especially if family members and close associates are of a similar mindset.
Chinese restaurants are usually family-friendly because the people who own & run them are likely to bring their kids and let them hang out all day. PF Chang's might be a little too upscale for that, but culturally, Asian establishments are pretty easygoing about kids.
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TNBear
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Post by TNBear on Mar 31, 2007 19:16:04 GMT -5
Both my parents were from Canada, so needless to say much beyond salt and pepper was unknown territory as far as herbs/spices were concerned. I was fed well but not adventerously growing up. I now eat almost anything that isn't moving on my plate. I love Sushi and Sashimi, spicy foods of many kinds; Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican you name it. I'm not sure how this happened but I feel it's because I read so much including books that mentioned food other than meat and potatos and became intrigued by them.
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Copperhead
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Post by Copperhead on Mar 31, 2007 21:44:46 GMT -5
There are days I'm glad my family was military. I was eating poi before I hit kindergarten. Chinese & Cuban food were commonplace. Heck, I was eating ramen in the 60's...the wonders of commisaries!
...now, if I can just keep the kiddos trying new foods, I'll be happy.
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Post by xterragirl on Apr 1, 2007 15:24:18 GMT -5
We did not take McDonald's into PF Chang's last night but I did have to go get her a burger after dinner. We figured that she would eat lo mein - who wouldn't like thick spaghetti noodles - with chicken and shrimp. She ate most of the chicken and shrimp out of it but she said that the noodles were nasty.
I guess I have to give her credit for at least trying it - I don't think I would have at her age.
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Post by mightejoe on Apr 3, 2007 15:49:02 GMT -5
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