I Begin Writing About Food Almost a Decade Ago, and As a Restaurant Reviewer, Frequently Get to Eat at Incredible Restaurants. Food is a passion of mine, but after becoming a solo parentIT DIDN’T MAKE SENSE TO SPEND SO MANY EVAYS AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER, VIA.
I wondered – would be besible to bring her into that world?
When via was a baby, I struggled to eat out with her, tan at casual, family-fryently restaurants. It was hard for with to focus on anything other than it and the effects of any noise or mess. But as she got the Older – and i Became more confident as a parent – It began to feed more manageable.
We Started Practicing at Home
Standard Parenting Advice on Eating Out with Kids Focuses more on “Surviving” The meal than Enjoying the process, but i wondered if there was a different way.
Toddlers often have a Reputation for Being “Food Critics,” So What Wauld Happen IF I Leaned Irat Role? I Started at Home, Initiating “Smorgasbord Nights,” Where We Waled Make Several New Dishas, and My daughter was in charge of tasting each and determining which ons we should make again. She loves Havinging that Power and Bravely Began trying a variety of foods that shat two -ear-ops wouldn’t touch.
The author brings a suction plate for her daughter. Courtesy of the Author
THEN, TO HELP MY NATURALLY CURIOUS DAUGHTER UNDERSTAND RESTAURANTS, STARTED TO EXPLAIN TO HAT WAS HAPPENING AROUND US WE WENT OUT TO EAT. Before meals, i used to Toddler Prep Book that explained some basics (the nonb of a host and a server and how Ordering work). Then, at the restaurant, I WOUT POINT OUT AND DESCRIBE MORE OF WHAT WE WERE ENCOUNTERING. AFTER WE ORDERED, I MADE SURE WE KEPT OUT OF THE WAY WAY WALING HER AROUND The restaurant. She’d Watch, Mesmerized, As The Bartender mixed drinks in a cocktail shaker, peer intto kitchens as chefs barked orers, and giggle at the whimsical designs that filled the restaurant.
She Discovered New Foods
SOMESTEMES, OF COURSE, IT WAS NOT QUITE SO ENCHANTING. If I notified that she was feeling upsets or overwhelmed, i woul take her outside to try to find someone to give her space to let her herhes – or her wiggles – out. IT DIDN’T ALWAYS GO WELL. But, Once the Food Arrived, We Could Usually Get Back On Track.
Via Loved Playing the Food Critic, and I Encouned Her to Share All of Opinions (Quietly) on How the Food Loked, Smelled, and Tasted. “Yucky” wasn’t an Acceptable Review, but i’d Ask Her Why She Didn’t Like A Dish – Was it too Bitter? Too spicy? Or Just New and Unfamiliar?
With this approach, my daughter discovered countless new foods that she likes. I WOULD TRY TO HIDE the SURPRISE ON MY FACE AS DECIDED SHE LOVED MUSHROMS, RADISHES, OR Spinach (Which, to Be Fair, She Had Mistaken for Basil). But that didn’t mean it was easy. I am Constantly aware of the tables around us to make sure we are anen’t disruption anymore or the People Working in the Restaurant.
I Bring Stuff to Keep Her Entertained, Just in Case
It is a 2 -ear-op is a well-mannered foodie, They are Still Unredictable. Howver, i’ve found we have the best lucky i make the reservation for a 5 pm early dinner before via gets tired – and while the restaurant ambiance is slightly casual.
I feed her a snack before we leve for the restaurant, but i don’t bring any with to enure she’s hungry Enough to try the food when it reaches. SINCE MANY OF THESE RESTAURANTS HAVE BEAUTIFUL TABLE SETTINGS, I PLAY IT SAFE BY BRINGING a small SUCTION PLACEMAT/PLATE for my daughter and A plastic bag to bring it home once its used. I ALSO KEEP AN EMERGENCY STASH OF NO-MES, No-Noise Activities in My Purses, like a small drawing pad or sticker book. Plus, of Course, Wipes for Clean Up and Extra Cash for Tips.
No Technique Will Guarantee You a Flawless Night at A Fine Dining Restaurant With A Toddler, But Since Food is My Passion, Its Something We Keep Trying. Like families who love to ski and get their children in the snow early, i try to share what i love with my daughter.
At two and a half years old, via can pronounce “sommelier” and ha proudly tried (and like!) Oysters.
Begun to realize that at home, i’m offten distracted during meals: cooking, cleaning, and doing dishes. Going to nice restaurants with my little one used to be stressful, but now i cherish her.