NeoPatrick

Another way to look at the screaming kids issue (I've known some toddlers able to sit at the table for hours behaving while we adults had intelligent conversations) is that the parents don't take the kids out enough. They usually hire a baby sitter so when the kids finally do go out to a nice place they have no idea how to act. Meanwhile of course, I'm convinced that the reason kids run around the table screaming in a restaurant is because they do that at home. The issue isn't allowing kids to do that in a restaurant, the issue is allowing kids to do that at all.

trippinkpj

NeoP has a good point, and it worked for the most part with our children. Our first, who we probably took out more, was better at restaurants than the second one.

Lori

I said it way earlier in this thread that toddlers and upscale don't make for a good mix and I'll say it again but add that perhaps some toddlers should not be in any restaurant until they are taught manners/good behavior at home first.

We just returned from Vegas and we were eating breakfast Thurs. a.m. at the Caribe Cafe at the Mirage. A father brought his toddler in (thankfully not very close to our table, but close enough to see) and the kid immediately started crying, then grabbing the sugar packets and silverware and throwing them on the floor (pity the waitress who had to gather them all up). Kid finally shut up for 2 minutes and then poured his glass of milk all over the table. Gee what a fun experience !!!!!

Lori

I forgot to mention that the "Dad" did not seem to notice/care what his little darling was doing. Luckily we were almost finished eating and we left before the kid demolished the table completely.

NeoPatrick

By the way, how many of you have overheard the parents of kids being unruly in restaurants ay "behave, we're not at home now"? I guess that means "wait till you get home and then you can run around the table and scream your head off". We grew up having to behave at the table at home the same as if we were in a public place.

MelissaHI

I just called to be extra double sure they accept children under 5 and they said, 'sure! babies, toddlers, no problem.' we are doing a buffet for Christmas Eve.

I'm sure these kids eat out a lot, now that you bring it up. And probably that's why I was OK dining in Vegas as a child (from 4! patting myself on the back), since my parents made a point of raising me to be restaurant-ready. Good point, Patrick!

MelissaHI

I'm pleased to tell you that Christmas dinner at Bouchon was great! We did buffets the last couple of nights and the girls were very well behaved (they get super reserved when surrounded by strangers) and only got loud & hyper after chocolate dessert. And--ahem--it didn't help that Aunty Melissa fed them TWO bowls of chocolate ice cream the first night!! Once the sugar kicked in, Granny would quickly whisk them off the table and somewhere outside.

Anyway ... Bouchon is noisy enough that children don't make a difference. The girls were great, they ate their food nicely, had two glasses of milk each and helped themselves to tons of bread & butter (you know how kids love the carby stuff). Our table was near the window, so we had a built in corner where the girls could play nicely with their dolls once they had their meal. we timed dessert with the waitress so that it was served at the very last moment, so we could book it out of the restaurant before the chocolate sunk in! all in all, it was a special, upscale meal and perfect for all our needs. Tomorrow is our last day in Vegas, we are probably going to finish with a light casual meal.

Thanks all for your suggestions, on behalf of me and my cousin. Merry Christmas!

Little_Man

Thanks for reporting back, Melissa! Glad you liked Bouchon, we may be trying it next week ourselves. And congrats on well behaved kids! I love to see kids that are well behaved out and about!
And recommendations on what to order at Bouchon?

MelissaHI

Hi frankie, I held off on posting because we had dinner at The Commanders Palace last night and I wanted to see how that went. as it turned out, the girls konked out and did not wake through the whole dinner!

Anyway, I adore mushrooms so the salmon and mushrooms at Bouchon was nice. The lamb is always good, and I know the bartender recommends it to his out of town guests. the escargot, if they have it, is very tender. I also am a fan of frisee salad so I ordered that.

Have a great time!