Yesterday afternoon I was pondering how long it had been since I had last eaten steak. It had been awhile. I made a comment about this to Natalia, who astutely said "why don't we go out for dinner tonight?" I never would have thought of this. (I'm not really joking.)
We ruled out Rainforest Cafe (too dark and scary for toddlers--counterintuitive, I know) and Charley's at Chestnut Hill (too old and stodgy) in favor of Ken's in Framingham, my old favorite restaurant when I was a little one. Actually, in fairness, I had two favorites. Ken's was on the list because it seemed like a palace and I always had good steak there; Pat's Pushcart in the North End was the other one because it was usually followed by a Celtics game.
I've written a little bit already about why I don't love going to restaurants with my two lovely kids, but our recent trip to Johnny's made me realize that it is actually getting more and more possible as both Andres and Celia get older. Andres can usually amuse himself even if he decides not to eat. Celia may not be able to amuse herself as well, but she will eat anything.
Last night provided another piece of evidence that eating out with two adults and two children can be done successfully. We arrived around 6 pm and were seated immediately in a room that had a few other families. That put me at ease right away--if either one of my kids threw a fit or refused to eat, I knew I would be amongst sympathizers.
While we waited to order, Andres drew a little bit and Celia snacked on oranges.
Celia also figured out that restaurant-sized napkins are good for games of peekaboo.
But it turns out my fears were misplaced; both kids handled themselves well and even managed to eat something. Celia was a hit with all the waitstaff...multiple waitresses (and a few waiters, even) came up to her and commented on how cute she was, how well behaved she was, how big her cheeks were, blah blah blah. No, in fact I did not get tired of saying "Thanks, thanks--yes, she is a cutie."
Andres had a good time too. We found the piano in the bar, though nobody was playing it (one of my clearest Ken's memories is a piano man playing "Rainbow Connection" many many years ago, though it is entirely possible that I have misremembered the song or just made this memory up entirely), and I think he enjoyed soaking in the 1940s-type ambiance of the dining room.
Natalia and I enjoyed our food. She had scallops, and I steak (obviously). I tried giving Celia some of mine but when she refused I didn't push it--more for me, I figured. It was a good meal.
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Since last fall, we have been paying careful attention to the restaurants near us that seem to have plenty of families with children to ensure we have plenty of solidarity. I think the biggest thing is timing, as much as the restaurant: even some otherwise hipster hangouts have loads of children if you go at 5:30!
ReplyDeleteHa! Babies are a different beast--I remember we could take Andres out when he was still in his carseat and just plop him on the floor (or on an inverted highchair) while we ate. And timing is so odd when they are young; you live almost entirely on your baby's feeding schedule, so all of a sudden dinner at 4pm or 10pm doesn't seem weird at all.
ReplyDeleteFinding family-friendly hangouts are good though because, inevitably, you'll see a family that is having a hard time with one of their kids...and you make a mental note of those times, because inevitably, someday, other families will be looking at you the same way.
Cloth napkins , wine glasses no tantrums things are looking up
ReplyDeleteOh, I know: we are already planning for the future. Right now is just fine because he's so portable: Shay has been to Cambridge Brewing Company and Redbone's without a hitch because he just hangs out in his chair, but we're thinking more of the awake and fussing and/or running around stage.
ReplyDeleteNext time you want to go to Ken's, call Nana and Papa and we will sit in the Captains Booth. Remember where that was? or as you kids called it.. Uncle Sonny's office. Great restaurant for I spy with my little eye..... xoxo Nana
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