FAMILY-STYLE dining is the latest trend now a days but Dining out with children is normally not as relaxing as it was before you had kids, still there are tips you can take to make the dining experience a bit more pleasant.
Teach Table manners: Introducing proper table manners at home goes a long way to making meals in restaurants a more relaxing experience for the whole family. Encourage children to use proper utensils at home so that they become familiar with their uses. Tell children how you expect them to behave before you enter the restaurant. Expose children at an early age to dining out and using manners in public. Encourage children to experience, experiment and enjoy new foods.
Choose the Right Restaurant: First of all, look for places that cater to families. You'll sacrifice a bit of the ambience you and your spouse enjoy in your no-kids dining, but there's something to be said for an establishment that has booster seats and high-chairs, and doesn't mind if your son or daughter throws French fries on the ground. Also make sure they have a children's menu.
Be an Early Bird: It's also a good idea to go before the dinner rush. Because most people go out to eat after 6 p.m., make sure you're there well before the others arrive. When you arrive ask for a corner table (if you haven't already made reservations for this) or an out of the way location.
Order online: Even if you arrive early, you're going to have to wait for your food. To minimize the time between sitting down and digging in, look at the menu online beforehand and order online.
Keep kids hungry: Do not let your kids to eat much before heading out to the restaurant. Keep them hungry. The more time they actually spend eating while at the restaurant, the better.
Pack your bag: Take some of your child's favourite small toys along with you. May be some crayons and a drawing book will keep kids busy. Also don't forget to take along a bib, bottles and a child's special cup for drinking
At the restaurant keep children away from hot dishes when they come to the table. Remove Candles or ensure that they are out of reach. Move breakables, cutlery and salt shakers etc. also out of reach.
Having children doesn't mean you have to give up eating at great restaurants. All you need to do is a bit of preparation and choose a child friendly restaurant.
La Siesta in Ealing is an authentic Spanish food restaurant. Whether you need a birthday restaurant, couples restaurant or a family restaurant they provide the best traditional Spanish food in London. They have special children's menu so you can enjoy traditional Spanish food and your kids can nibble on their favourite chicken fillets and chocolate ice cream.