Strollerderby : restaurants

Eat What You Like, Pay What You Can

Shannon LC Cate — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Food drives, coupon donations, soup kitchens, food pantries...these are all great ways to get involved helping distribute food to those in your community who are hungry. But now there's a way to help that gives you an opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal of your own. It's a new concept initiated by So All May Eat, or "SAME," an anti-hunger organization which has opened a cafe in Denver.

The way it works is that customers may come in and order a meal, be waited on and eat, then pay whatever they can. Some folks choose to "pay" by doing a little volunteer labor washing dishes or cleaning up the restaurant. Some choose to pay more than the food costs, covering those who pay less. The Same Cafe features simple foods like pizza, soups, salads and coffee and tends to break even, financially. All payments go into a discreet envelope so that even the restaurant workers don't know who pays what.

Another cafe operates on a similar principal in Salt lake City, but the concept hasn't wildly taken off. I think it ought to. Not only does it give everyone the pleasure of a comfortable if simple restaurant meal, it allows people who "give" and the people who "receive" to eat together and enjoy one another's company, humanizing them to each other and preserving everyone's dignity.

Who's Watching the Kids at Chuck E. Cheese?

JeanneSager — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:31:00 GMT

When a Texas area TV station took its cameras on an undercover operation into the Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants in the San Antonio area, they were trying to catch the "kid checkers" breaking bad. I hope they took their earplugs.

Chuck E. Cheese's is heaven for little kids. And like any good (albeit lapsed) Catholic, I firmly believe in heaven's eternal opposite. Yes, Chuck E. Cheese's is hell on Earth for parents. The rat himself is Satan, come to burn our tongues with oily cheese pizza and our ears with the searing sounds of shrieking children let loose on a play floor with a cup full of coins.

Let loose is exactly the problem. You really can't blame Chuck E. for the mass chaos that unfolds under his whiskers. But the mom who contacted WOAI says you can blame the company for advertising a kid check program that doesn't work. The premise (in case you've been one of those parents blessed by a child with a profound lack of interest in junk food and arcade games) is that no child will walk out of a Chuck E. Cheese's with an adult other than one who walked in with them. To monitor the ingress and egress, an attendant stands at the doorway to welcome families with a numbered stamp. Each member of a group walking in gets a matching number stamped on the hand in black-light-sensitive-ink. Babies get a numbered sticker to adhere to their clothing. When a child attempts to leave, the attendant is charged with running the black light first over their hand then that of the accompanying adult. If the numbers don't match, no one leaves.

At least that's the plan. In San Antonio, not one of the restaurants passed the WOAI test. Every child sent in with an adult left with a different adult. Some of the "checkers" never even checked. Others tried to find the stamps, but gave up without a fuss.

It's annoying, but ultimately, who cares? Do people really expect the teenager at the door of Chuck E. Cheese's to keep their kids in line or protect them from a pedophile? My last trip to Chuck E. Cheese's (entered and left with someone kicking and screaming both ways - any guesses on which member of the family pitched which fit?) was for a birthday party for my three-year-old's little buddy. There were five adults and three kids under three-and-a-half. We spent the entire time on our feet, running after kids. We did our very best not to let them out of our sight for a second, and we were exhausted by the end of the day.

But letting a kid out of my sight in a busy restaurant (can you call Chuck E. Cheese's a restaurant?) was out of the question. Scanners at the door or no scanners, people can still walk in the door with all sorts of ulterior motives. Short of rolling out the bubble, keeping kids safe means maintaining control of the situation . . . and the kid.

So you can call foul on Chuck E. Cheese's for poor hiring choices, poor advertising, what have you. But can you really blame them for losing your kid?

Image: Chuck E. Cheese's

A Twilight Tutorial for Moms (and Dads)

Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

They Say: Fat-Eating Pregos Make for Fat-Loving Kids

They Say: Fast-Food Ads Contribute to Child Obesity

Save Money: Kids Eat Free at Restaurants . . . Well, Some of Them

JeanneSager — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Apparently, I live in the land of cheapskate restaurateurs. The only place my kid has ever eaten free of charge is the pancake breakfast at the volunteer fire department up the street. Yes, I love my town's bravest.Trying to raise money and still giving back to the community. But I digress. Back to these people who are feeding kids for free.

I'm not sending you out on the bread lines to make do in the economic downturn. You can leave the Dumpster diving to dogs in Disney films. Because Kids Meal Deals lets you search your 'hood for the deals and steals for the food they pack away. Expect it to be heavy on fast food - a flashing bar of participating restaurants on the lefthand side repeatedly shows off the golden arches. A search of my fair city (read rural nosepick town) came up with bupkus at the widest expanse of "search within 30 miles."

Other friends told me they looked and found deals that weren't really deals. Still, it's the thought that counts. And restaurateurs are apparently thinking kid-friendly these days. Considering meals on the town are usually the first thing to go during an economic downturn, I could see this tempting parents out of the house to start spending again.

Or maybe it's just wishful thinking. My Danimals and chicken nuggets bill is climbing.

Image: Purdue

Has Parenting Made You Neurotic? Join the Club

They Say: Best Place to Raise Kids is Chicago Suburb

Saks Fifth Ave Deep Sixes Libby Lu, Tween Girls Weep Rhinestone Tears

Restaurant Wars: What's OK Kid Behavior?

Amy Kuras — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:32:00 GMT

We don’t take the kids out to dinner a lot because, well, they are typical little kids and while they behave pretty well, they make noise and wiggle and try to stare at people over the backs of booths and so on. We try to reinforce proper behavior, but repeating "Sit down. Now. Don’t lie down on the booth. Indoor voices please," 900 times in an hourlong restaurant visit makes it not very much fun for my husband and I either. And we've all gotten The Look when we walk into a restaurant with small children, from servers or other patrons, that says "oh no, not a little kid" before they have so much as a chance to spill something.

Worse, we sometimes feel like the only parents who do enforce restaurant manners. My huge pet peeve is people who let their kids sit and play video games after the meal has been served (I saw this at a nice restaurant recently and wondered why the mom even bothered to bring her son along), followed closely by people who let their kids run around like maniacs.

Chow's Table Manners column tackled the question of whether or not restaurateurs should shut down disruptive behavor if the parent's won't recently, and while no one came forward in defense of oblivious parents, it didn’t turn into as much of a baby bashing as I expected (although I am deeply surprised at the number of people offended by public nursing or who won't eat somewhere if small children are present, no matter how well behaved).

What behavior do you expect of your kids at a restaurant, and do you ever feel judged when you walk in with your kids?

Joe Francis Will Make "MILFs Gone Wild" Film

Kelly Mills — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:03:00 GMT

Joe Francis, creator of the frat house staple, the "Girls Gone Wild" video series, announced he's gonna make a new video. This time, the subject isn't coeds on spring break, but instead, hot moms breastfeeding their babies. Hmm, why the new subject matter? Francis says, "The sexy mom is every guy's fantasy." Okaaay, but could it have anything to do with the fact that Francis was convicted last month of filming underage girls, and banned from shooting in the Florida spring break locales of choice?

Some in the media have already expressed outrage that Francis would use footage of mothers openly nursing their kids in public, claiming that it further fetishizes breasts and makes it harder for women to gain legitimacy for nursing in public. I totally disagree, and now I'm all irritated by the hysteria. Look, I doubt Francis' motives are pure, but puh-leeze. The more times we see boobies in public and on video and television and so on, the more likely it is that folks in restaurants and airplanes will stop trying to ban the moms who are simply doing the most natural thing in the world. The "Girls Gone Wild" series has already made tit-flashing kind of expected in many circles, and if lactating mothers get to go out for a nice dinner because of a sucessful video series, then so be it. And we can't very well moan about being banned for breastfeeding on one hand and decry the Francis ta-ta focus on the other. Repeat after me: There's nothing wrong with surviving on naked breasts, whether the person who profits is Joe Francis or an infant.

Diet Coke With A Twist - Of E-Coli

Amy S.F. Lutz — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:54:00 GMT

Ever consider those ubiquitous lemon wedges perched on the rim of the water, soda and alcoholic beverages you order in restaurants?

Me neither, until I heard about this study by microbiologist Anne Lagrange Loving.

Loving tested 76 lemons from 21 different restaurants. Almost 70% tested positive for bacteria, including e-coli. Loving also found traces of human fecal matter, skin and saliva on the lemons - which most likely come from lots of different grubby fingers cutting and handling the lemons. Contaminated cutting boards probably also contribute to the bacteria load.

Experts point out that, unless you have a compromised immune system, the lemons are unlikely to make you sick.

Still . . . gross.

Tall Kids Can't Eat As Kids, But I Have Your Revenge Strategy Right Here

Kelly Mills — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:14:00 GMT

We all know the all-you-can-eat buffet is essentially a no-holds-barred contest between restaurant owners and patrons. As a customer, it is your job to try and get more than your money's worth from the buffet by eating so much that you have to be wheeled out on a guerney, weakly pumping your fist in the air in honor of your victory. Restaurants often try and counter this by slowly refilling the platters in the hopes that you will get full, or giving you wee little plates to pile with food, or serving nasty-ass stuff, or just giving you dirty looks as you make your fifth round with your napkin tucked into your shirt and slightly askew. I know I've hit an all-you-can-eat sushi place so gladiator that I believe they tried to charge me the polar bear entry fee the next time I went.

One restaurant went below the belt in their mission. They posted a "you must be no taller than this sign" thingie as a means of qualifying kids for the child price. So basically, if you are taller than 4' 6", you are not a child at Sushi Park. Such was the case for eleven-year-old Nikki Kaplan, whose family left when they learned she would have to pay like an adult.

Nikki's mom is trying to get the laws changed (it's legal to charge by height) but I have a much better idea. I suggest gathering a very large group of smaller-statured folks of varying ages and convening on Sushi Park. Hell, you can borrow a couple of my grown cousins. Then have each person claim child status, and obligingly demonstrate by standing next to the sign. Then go to town on the spicy tuna rolls until the restaurant cries "Uncle!" and agrees to change the policy. Problem solved.

The Worst Kids Meal Packs 1,200 Calories in a Bowl

Madeline Holler — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:18:00 GMT

Remember when the Center for Science in the Public Interest came out with a devastating report on movie theater popcorn? How it was loaded with calories and fat in numbers so high we could hardly imagine it?

We kept on eating it, sure, but it was also a nice tap on the shoulder that we even if we read labels in the store, we’re kind of flapping in the wind when it comes to eating outside our homes.

Then some 10 years later, we get people who want to pass laws forcing that kind of information to be available in restaurants too! But we cry out! “Idiots,” we say, “fast food is fattening! Get over it!” And then we try to order salads and stuff. Make good choices. Attempt to be a little healthier without new laws or the help of anyone.

That’s why I love stories like this, “16 Secrets Restaurants Don’t Want you to Know,” because, sure, while we know that fries are a caloric indulgence, did we know we’re feeding those hungry thighs with just a few dips of salad dressing? That our little antioxidant smoothie pick-me-up is going straight to the muffin-top and using up a huge percentage of our daily calorie needs?

Here’s a list of the 20 worst foods in America, according to Men's Health. It includes the worst kids meal of all restaurant kids meals. Any guesses? Burger and shake? No. Chicken nuggets and a big juicy Coke? No. The freaking macaroni and cheese kids meal at Macaroni Grill! (That’ll teach you to eat there!) It's like eating a box and a half of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. In one sitting. More than 1,200 calories. For a little kid.

Oddly, one of the healthiest kids meals is also there: grilled chicken, pasta and broccoli. What they don’t mention is that Macaroni Grill also doles out ice-cream with chocolate sauce with the kid’s meals too. Which, if little Aiden and Sophia had the mac ‘n’ cheese, they’re going to be rolling out to the car for sure after dessert.

I’m a label reader at the grocery store and, personally, I’d love full disclosure in chain restaurants too. Not just a little heart icon next to the menu items, but an actual number.

What about you? Prefer denial?

On the Road? Kids Can Still Eat Free

Karen Murphy — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 16:54:00 GMT

Although kids' menus in most chain restaurants continue to leave a whole lot to be desired, if chicken strips are going to be in the cards for your kid anyway, and you're on a road trip and have no idea "what's good" and it's 7 pm any way and you smell imminent meltdown, you might as well check into the places that still give away free kids' meals. There are always caveats to this, however: for instance it's wise to know just what constitutes a "kid" (sometimes up to 12; often 10; in one place only 3 and under!). Plus, an adult meal typically has to be purchased to accompany the freebie, so if you're a breatharian you may be out of luck. I've always thought that ordering a drink should count as a meal, especially if it comes with a little paper umbrella, but maybe that's just me. Drink my dinner when I'm out traveling with the family? Why not ease the pain somehow if you can?

Again, the list on Motley Fool isn't stellar or gourmet by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're on the road with the family and need to refuel and maybe save a couple of bucks at the same time, check into these chain restaurants: Roadhouse Grill, Lonestar Steakhouse, Ceci's Pizza, and some others, one of which rhymes with "Lenny's" but I can't quite make myself utter it here.

Ordering From the Kid's Menu: Yes or No?

Patti — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:31:00 GMT

I have a love-hate relationship with children's menus at restaurants. On the one hand, my kids eat small amounts and could never manage even half of the giant portions of an adult entree, and the smaller portions offered on the kids' menu mean less waste of both food and money. On the other hand, there is no earthly reason why a bean burrito should come with French fries, especially since French fries aren't even on the adult menu.

I'm not the only one who's noticed. This article notes some of the offerings on major chain restaurant children's menus, and it is kind of depressing. Chicken fingers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fried this and fried that. I've been lucky enough to find some restaurants with better options—the California-based Pasta Pomodoro has simple, but tasty pasta and meat options that complement the grownup fare nicely, and despite the totally confusing fries-with-everything policy, Chevy's kids' fare is a big hit with my girls. There's always the option to simply order side dishes and bread anywhere you go. A perfectly fine meal can be made of rice and vegetables with part of Mama's over-sized steak or Daddy's giant American-sized fish fillet. But I admit, I tend to save the side-order meals for places that really don't have a separate children's menu and otherwise just try to guide my children toward the best options on their little cartoon coloring sheet.

At home, I cook what I want to cook, and the kids are expected to eat at least a small serving of everything. But at restaurants we each order what we please, and while I would love them to voluntarily ask for a plate of steamed vegetables, I also want them to feel the enjoyment of getting to order whatever sounds delicious to them. We model good habits both at home and when we dine out, but feel that part of the dining-out experience is the freedom to choose.

How do you navigate this particular pitfall of dining out with kids?

image credit: Artellaland.com

Applebees Dumps Trans Fats at US Locations

Patti — Mon, 21 May 2007 14:03:00 GMT

I don't know if this qualifies as good news, but it's not terrible news: Applebee's has stopped the use of trans fats at all of their US restaurant locations. The chain, which bills itself as a family-oriented neighborhood destination, is the latest in a growing line of food service businesses to eschew trans fat products in favor of somewhat healthier alternatives.

It isn't supposed to be cool to patronize chain restaurants like this, but I'm more of a food democrat than a food snob, and growing up in a sea of strip malls left me with a soft spot for Applebee's and its kind. Next time we visit Grammy in Phoenix, it won't be so hard to choose between Applebee's and Chili's, at least until Chili's catches up with the curve. Meanwhile, we'll be eating a little good-er in the neighborhood. Er.

Fancy Restaurant to Mom: This is No Place for Kids

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:18:00 GMT

A family in Bend, Oregon was refused service at a local restaurant because they brought a baby along. The servers at upscale restaurant Baltazar told Yvette Nishikawa they didn't have a high chair for her baby because they didn't 'specialize in children.' After leaving the restaurant, Ms. Nishikawa called the owner who reiterated that he didn't want to encourage patrons to bring their kids to dine.

Then, she blogged about it. And the furor took off from there. Angry posts went up encouraging families with kids to boycott Baltazar's, and pretty soon the other side started weighing in.

In my view, there are times and places for children. A fancy restaurant and a spa are two occasions when the presence of children is disruptive and inappropriate. There are plenty of kid-friendly dining experiences you can have with your kids in nearly every city. Why do you need to go to a white-table cloth establishment in order to enjoy a family night out? And truly, is anything more annoying than having a nice mommy break at a spa overrun by misbehaving kids who scream and carry-on?

New in Family-Friendly Dining News: Girls Gone Wild, The Restaurant!

Alisyn — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:07:00 GMT

Finally. It's here! A family-friendly, inviting and sure to be delicious new chain of eating establishments that has something for everyone. Everyone who likes their buffalo wings served a side of boobs, that is.

Joe Francis, creator of the popular Girls Gone Wild video empire, is launching a chain of GGW restaurants, the first two of which are expected to open mid-summer in Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, Mexico. (Also in the works: GGW clothing and swimwear lines. Ugh.) Sources say Francis insists that there will be no stripping or filming in the restaurants, where he hopes women will feel "sexy, exciting and edgy."

At this point in my life, going out to dinner is pretty much my only source of entertainment, save for the occasional night at the movies or at a show. And seventy-five percent of my eating out is done with my two young daughters, so I am beyond thrilled that GGW: The Restaurant will be opening its doors soon (outside of Mexico, Francis projects that more restaurants will be welcomed with open arms in other resort and/or college towns around the U.S.). Because burgers and beers are so much more "edgy" and "exciting" when the waitress who brings them to the table is shaking her boobs in mommy's face like it's the first night of spring break in Key West, 2007!! Yeah!!! WOOOOOO!!!!

Every, single parent I know laments the lack of child-friendly restaurants in their area. But not anymore. Thanks, Joe Francis. We owe you one.

[Via MamaPop]