A Lusher Kiddie Meal

It's good to take the kids out to eat. They learn manners, discover new cuisines and cultures. However nowadays parents just don't trust them and relegate them to fast food joints and Happy meals. Not so anymore. there are some fancy restaurants that do encourage the littlest diners to come and enjoy their food.

In yesterday'sTimes' Dining section this idea was explored. The article, written by Glenn Collins tells about the famed Four Seasons opening its' doors to all ages. There are no kids menus, Kids can eat the same entrees as their elders. They can chow down on chicken croquettes or sirloin burgers. Best of all there's no phony niceness by servers. The waitstaff is genuinely kind to the kids which is a big plus in my book.

I am a big advocate of doing this because I was taken to three star restaurants as a child. I remember eating at some of New York's finest Northern Italian and French bistros. My folks believed that children should have great culinary experiences. My mother is still for this, advising anyone with kids to do such. Eating at good restaurants broadens young minds and young palates.

Take your kids out today. Just avoid the places with drive throughs and golden arches. Years later they'll thank you for that.