My husband and I rarely go out to nice restaurants, mostly
because after we’ve paid a babysitter we don’t have much change left for a nice
meal. Still, once or twice a year we find ourselves in the enviable position of
dressing up in our “needs to be ironed” clothing heading out for an expensive
meal at a posh restaurant.
After several months of considering Taco Johns our night
out, my husband and I decided that we had earned a nicer evening out without
the kids. I put on my trendiest black dress. My husband put on his suit, and I
took great pleasure in straightening his tie. We looked good. The babysitter
was right on time. The boys, always amenable to playing with the babysitter,
waved goodbye and we were on our way to spend our fancy dime.
We arrived at the restaurant at 7:45 p.m., just in time to
enjoy a glass of wine before we were seated for our 8:00 reservation – at the
table next to the ONLY table in the restaurant with children – a 3 year-old and
an infant. The parents scolded, the children cried, food flew across their
table and landed near my feet. The wait staff became irritated, and for many of
us, the romantic ambiance of the restaurant was ruined. When our $125 bill
finally arrived, we were annoyed and disappointed.
Now understand, there is nothing wrong with parents taking
their children out to eat to teach them good manners. I appreciate parents who
bring their children to a hip restaurant for a six o’clock reservation. But if the
restaurant doesn’t have a children’s menu, it is a strong indication that
children are not welcome, especially for an 8 o’clock dinner.
You love your children and understandably expect everyone to
find them adorable, but a hip mom knows that there are just some places where
children should not go. If the restaurant offers a kid’s menu, crayons and
balloons, by all means, go and enjoy your meal and fear not the wrath of nearby
patrons when your child throws a fit. If, however, the prices exceed the cost
of your regular babysitter and macaroni and cheese is not on the menu, a hip
mom will think twice before subjecting those dining strangers to the pleasure
of banqueting with her children.
