The Art of Fine Dining with Kids

By L.S. Burns

Skip the usual babysitter SOS and consider taking the whole family out for a nice dinner.Many local fine dining restaurants not only accommodate family meals, but even encourage it by offering special “kid cocktails” and children’s menus designed with both health and happiness in mind.It’s important “for families to dine together as often as possible,” said Pollyanna Forster, coowner of eat! drink! and Dish restaurants in Edwards.

Healthful fare Tired of the typical chicken-nugget, macaroni-and-cheese, hot-dog trifecta found on kid’s menus across the country? Many of the valley’s restaurants have taken the hint.

The menu at Dish restaurant in Edwards adheres to the small plate philosophy, which is inherently kidfriendly because of the size, Forster said. There are also kid-specific options, too, like organic four-cheese mac and cheese, organic chicken tenders and kid-sized steaks. “Nothing is ever processed and we feel children should eat as organically and deliciously as possible,” Forster said. “Most times children at Dish order off the regular menu as the portions are more their size and they may like beans, but not potatoes, and they all come on separate plates.”

Recipe for success “It’s always good to remind children to be respectful, to look servers in the eye, to speak loudly and clearly when they place their orders. It’s good practice for them to have that experience,” Forster said. It’s also important to remind children that their behavior affects other people’s experiences.

Communication– Communication is not only important among family members, but also between parents and restaurant staff. When you make your reservation let the restaurant staff know that you’re four plus a baby, or mom, dad and an 8-year-old, said Janine Glennon, owner of Vista at Arrowhead. “That way the restaurant can accommodate the guests as best as possible,” Glennon said. “We can have a high chair set up, we can have a kid’s menu at the table with crayons.”

Keeping these tips in mind the next time you dine out with your family will make for a more enjoyable meal for you and yours as well as the other people in the restaurant.