Moms Talk

Eating Out With Kids: To Do or Not To Do

Do you take your children out to eat at sit down (and not fast food) restaurants?

Taking children out to eat can be a challenge. Parent Perspective My son is 15 months and we try to take him out to week about once every week or so. This means our priorities in choosing a restaurant are different from our pre-baby days. We look for restaurants that have a bit of noise so that if our son makes noises that are a bit too loud or, heaven forbid, starts to cry at some point, it will be less noticeable. Now that he is on solid food and eating more finger food, we look for kids menus that he might like. If we’re trying a new place, I bring backup food. Restaurants with changing tables in the bathrooms are also key, because I have changed my son’s diaper in a number of places and precarious situations I would have preferred to …

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John Dallas Bowers

1:36 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012

Depending on where your dad offered his "stern" reproof, Jeannine, I'm afraid he might be at some risk of a violent reaction if he tried that today. Look at the news accounts and YouTube videos over the past several years. Many of those giving offense, rather than taking responsibility and apologizing, are going directly to assault as their response. It's a daily reminder of our societal …   more ›

Kids Eat Local: The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop

Parents know how tough it is to get your kids to try something different from canned pasta and chicken fingers. Patch wants to help you know before you walk in the door if Chestnut Hill’s long-standing cheese and gourmet food shop is a good place to visit

Business: The Chestnut Cheese Shop How do they deal with food allergies? If you have any particular concerns, The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop staff are well versed in their products. If they don’t know, they will find the answer for you. How much space is there for a stroller? Not much at all. There is only one aisle to maneuver through. It would be better to keep the stroller outside. Is there anything interesting for children to eat? The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop has a plethora of things for your family to try. Buy a package of sweet light meringues cookies or a wedge of imported cheese.  You can mature your child’s palate through delectable offerings. Is there anything else to know? Visit with an open sense of adventure. You and your kids…

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Kids Eat Local: New China Court

How kid-friendly is China Court?

Parents know how tough it can be to find an economical place to feed your family when time is short and you have a multitude of errands to run. Patch wants to help you know before you walk in the door if the New China Court is a good place to eat with you. Restaurant: New China Court Is there a kids’ menu? No, but there’s a host of kid-friendly meals such as Chicken with Broccoli, Beef Chow Mein, and vegetarian dishes. Are there healthy options on the kids’ meal? You can order steamed vegetables to go with your meal. How does the restaurant deal with food allergies? Feel free to ask about nuts or cross contamination with fish or particular oils. Is the restaurant so quiet that any childish outburst will draw attention or is there enough …

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Moms Eat Local: Cosimo's Pizza Cafe

Find out how kid-friendly Cosimo's Pizza Cafe really is.

Moms know how tough to keep restaurants that cater to not only little ones, but also, adults. Patch wants to help you know before you walk in the door if Cosimo’s Pizza Café is a good place to eat with your children. Restaurant: Cosimo’s Pizza Café, 8624 Germantown Avenue  Is there a kids’ menu? Yes. All kids’ entrees include a fountain beverage and activity pack. You can choose from a slice of pizza, kid-size chicken fingers & fries, or pasta. Cosimo’s Pizza Café also offers a Nutella® or 3-cheese quesadilla. Are there health options for kids? Moms can order a side salad with any meal. Is the restaurant so quiet that any childish outburst will draw attention or is there enough noise that a small cry is likely to go unnoticed? Cosimo’s is …

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