Should fine dining establishments go out of their way to accomodate toddlers?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Besides, the average kid would rather be anywhere other than that nice restaurant.

And as a commenter pointed out - the "children's menus" at those restaurants aren't healthy or adventurous food that's opening up the kid's palate. They're spaghetti and chicken nuggets at ridiculously jacked up prices. A more responsible parent would take their toddler to the cafe at the food co-op and feed them fresh things that are good for them.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by 33girl

And as a commenter pointed out - the "children's menus" at those restaurants aren't healthy or adventurous food that's opening up the kid's palate. They're spaghetti and chicken nuggets at ridiculously jacked up prices. A more responsible parent would take their toddler to the cafe at the food co-op and feed them fresh things that are good for them.

I wouldn't say that the food at any of the high end restaurants I've been to is exactly "healthy."

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I wouldn't say that the food at any of the high end restaurants I've been to is exactly "healthy."

There's been an uptick in restaurants that serve organic, sustainable food that has lower sodium/more healthful options than your usual butter-soaked fare. They're absolutely fantastic, in my estimation.

If we could afford a $100+ meal out more than once or twice a month, I'd definitely go more often. But, you're more likely to find them in larger urban areas, I've noticed.

I still wouldn't take a kid there below the age of 10 or 11.

In fact, I probably wouldn't take teenagers there, either, but that's because I generally hold teenagers (aged 11 to 19.99) in contempt.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by agzg

There's been an uptick in restaurants that serve organic, sustainable food that has lower sodium/more healthful options than your usual butter-soaked fare. They're absolutely fantastic, in my estimation.

If we could afford a $100+ meal out more than once or twice a month, I'd definitely go more often. But, you're more likely to find them in larger urban areas, I've noticed.

I still wouldn't take a kid there below the age of 10 or 11.

In fact, I probably wouldn't take teenagers there, either, but that's because I generally hold teenagers (aged 11 to 19.99) in contempt.

Yeah, but those are not the same restaurants we're talking about with this article. L'Atelier, Daniel, Per Se, etc are French restaurants specializing in rich foods with lovely sauces and fattening meats. The healthy options are minimal. Not to mention, the usual 13 course meal has enough food to make you wish there was a vomitorium close by so you could make room for more!

One more edit...There's a restaurant like the ones you're mentioning in Baltimore called Woodbury Kitchen that is to die for. I got mentioned as one of the top 10 restaurants in the DC/Baltimore area about a year ago, now you can barely get a table!

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Yeah, but those are not the same restaurants we're talking about with this article. L'Atelier, Daniel, Per Se, etc are French restaurants specializing in rich foods with lovely sauces and fattening meats. The healthy options are minimal. Not to mention, the usual 13 course meal has enough food to make you wish there was a vomitorium close by so you could make room for more!

One more edit...There's a restaurant like the ones you're mentioning in Baltimore called Woodbury Kitchen that is to die for. I got mentioned as one of the top 10 restaurants in the DC/Baltimore area about a year ago, now you can barely get a table!

I'd categorize the restaurants I'm thinking of on the same level as L'Atelier, Daniel, Per Se, etc., they may not serve French food specifically, but they're certainly "haute cuisine."

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by agzg

I'd categorize the restaurants I'm thinking of on the same level as L'Atelier, Daniel, Per Se, etc., they may not serve French food specifically, but they're certainly "haute cuisine."

What restaurants? I wouldn't mind trying them.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

What restaurants? I wouldn't mind trying them.

Lately we've been super in love with Rick Bayless, who does sustainable organic Mexican food and hosts a cooking show in addition to owning and operating several restaurants in Chicago. They range in "fancy" from fairly casual (although I was shocked to see people there in jeans, but we also went to a show last Friday and people were wearing jeans there, too) Frontera Grill to slightly fancy Topolobampo, to the Library Room at Topolobampo which features five course meals complete with wine tasting.

All in Chicago, all connected. I know of other "haute" organic places elsewhere but I hestiate to make recommendations as I really only know first or second-hand accounts of places in Chicago.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by agzg

There's been an uptick in restaurants that serve organic, sustainable food that has lower sodium/more healthful options than your usual butter-soaked fare. They're absolutely fantastic, in my estimation.

I used to support one of those here in DC. It closed.

[Lil' Hannah]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I used to support one of those here in DC. It closed.

Isn't Founding Farmers sort of in that vein? There's also Rock Creek out in Bethesda (which may as well be Guam, I know I know).

I've noticed that a lot of restaurants near me (not upscale, just regular) allow families with small children to sit in the bar area which drives me bonkers. It's not a fancy restaurant and I don't have a problem with kids being there, but if I'm sitting at a table in the bar area I don't want a bunch of maniacs running around.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by Lil' Hannah

Isn't Founding Farmers sort of in that vein? There's also Rock Creek out in Bethesda (which may as well be Guam, I know I know).

I was actually talking about the Rock Creek in Mazza Gallerie!

[Lil' Hannah]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I was actually talking about the Rock Creek in Mazza Gallerie!

I think they're still open for events. You'll have to think of a reason to have a big ol' party!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I wouldn't say that the food at any of the high end restaurants I've been to is exactly "healthy."

Agreed. But the commenters are saying stuff like "I want to take my child to a GOOD restaurant, not JUNK FOOD like you want to force them to eat at McDonald's!!" It's kind of a ridiculous argument when they get there and just order a more upscale version of McNuggets. Expensive certainly does not = healthy.

[aephi alum]

If you can afford to drop $32 on spaghetti with butter or tomato sauce for your toddler, you can afford a babysitter. So, get a babysitter, go enjoy a nice adult-only meal, and let your fellow diners do the same.

Small children do not belong at upscale restaurants. Period.