Attack of the Dinosaur Nuggets- A search for the real kids meal

By:  Josette Edouard

As parents we quickly find ourselves stressing over a decent family meal, as dining with the family soon becomes a dreaded chore instead of a favorite pass time. Unfortunately, restaurants have taken kid’s dining to an insulting level that is incomprehensible to most parents. After going through hundreds of restaurants it was astounding to me to see the amount of restaurants whose kid’s menus consisted of PB&J sandwiches, chicken fingers, pizza, hot dogs, and mac n’ cheese. And when asked the daring question of "What healthy choices do you offer children?" Almost all the restaurants proudly answered, "Oh yes! Instead of fries, children have the option of getting carrot sticks or a fruit cup…" The bold ones would add, "We even serve milk and chocolate milk!"

It has become the norm for children to see eating a meal as a source of entertainment, rather than a necessary part of life. For unknown reasons, chicken can only taste good if it’s shaped like a dinosaur staring up at you and pasta is only appetizing when Spongebob and his friends are swimming in a bowl of marinara sauce.

So many children are learning these horrible habits that they will eventually carry into their adult life. Can you imagine, a 25-year-old ordering star-shaped chicken nuggets with carrot sticks shaped like wands? It looks pretty ridiculous; but what’s more ridiculous is that we think it’s cute for a 3-year-old to do it.

With such limitations in food options not only at restaurants but at home also, children don’t acquire a taste for flavorful, well-prepared, healthy foods. As parents it is our responsibility to teach children how to eat not only healthy but to eat well balanced meals.

The amount of obese children in this country is mind-boggling and a large part of this problem is due to the fact that instead of eating baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies with the rest of the family; many moms are catering to this ridiculous "children’s food" fad and heating up frozen nuggets and crinkled French fries in the microwave instead. Children should learn to eat all kinds of foods.

As I discovered how prevalent this issue has become, I was on a quest to find the few restaurants around town that wasn’t afraid of standing up against the status quo. These restaurants actually feature real kid’s menus. The meals all look fairly similar to adult meals but are portioned to fit the limited belly of a child.

While I’m sure I didn’t find everything the Bay Area had to offer. It was impressive to find that these establishments actually existed.

Grill Smith, is a refreshing modern, city-chic, restaurant that stands out in comparison to the traditional palm tree and thong sandal infested restaurants we see here in Florida. Easily, going from an excellent environment for the family to a romantic evening alone for mom and dad; Grill Smith fits it all. The dim lighting and contemporary décor makes for a truly comfortable experience. They carry their unique contemporary style into their chef –inspired meals. The menu is loaded with not only traditional American meals but each entrée has its own exceptional ethnic twist. The most remarkable however, is of course, their kid’s menu. It beats out the usual PB&J, mac n’ cheese, and carrots that most restaurants call "children-friendly" picks. Their menu has great kid’s choices like, steak, mashed potatoes, and veggies, chicken marsala, and even chicken penne pasta served with garlic bread! When dining here you can be sure that your child is eating a hearty, filling, and nutritious meal, just like you would make at home. Grill Smith has several locations in the Bay Area.

You cannot enter this establishment without hearing the popular greeting, "Welcome to Moe’s!" Known for their enormous burritos, Moe’s Southwest Grill is a family favorite. Dining in this fun and engaging atmosphere, it’s hard to refrain yourself from a second helping. Their wide selection of fresh, made-to-order ingredients keeps people coming in routinely. Moe’s has received plenty of media coverage and awards due to their healthy and fresh options and just about everything on their menu is available for children in smaller portions. Quesadillas, tacos, and burritos; children have their choice of health-conscious, homemade whole wheat tortillas, light sour cream, and guacamole. The veggies are unlimited and you can dress your meal anyway you choose. The Dale Mabry and Columbus location offers a promotional night on Wednesdays, where children eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Mimi’s Café, located in Carrollwood off of North Dale Mabry, is the place to dine when you’re looking for a really unique dining experience. Its French Cottage exterior décor makes a statement even as you drive past it on the street but what is truly alluring is its French Café interior décor that is molded with a hint of New Orleans extravagance and color. Aside from its stunning looks, its mouthwatering cuisine wins you over with just the descriptions in the menu. Beginning each incredible meal with their tasty assortment of breads you almost hate to have to end the meal. They offer excellent choices for children such as spaghetti and grilled chicken breast. While it may not be very health-conscious, this entrée was recognized by Food Network as the place for getting the best grilled cheese sandwich. Oozing with cheesy goodness, the five-cheese inspired sandwich is a big hit among adults and children.

Hao Wah Chinese Restaurant is filled with culture. Accurately, depicting its name, which translates as "gorgeous" in English, the restaurant is lavish, spacious, and comforting. With a wide assortment of authentic Chinese cuisine the restaurant not only embraces great meals for children but it promotes it. Featuring popular foods like General Tso’s Chicken, fried rice, egg rolls, shrimp and Chinese vegetables; this restaurant is nothing compared to the usual Chinese food establishment located in your neighborhood. Your children will not only develop a more sophisticated palate but they will have an appreciation for international cuisines and become more open-minded.

So, hang up that ratty apron and stop slaving over the stove. Your children will enjoy the meals at these locations so much that they’ll have a hard time getting through that last bag of frozen nuggets wedged in your freezer door.

DO YOU KNOW OF A GREAT PLACE THAT OFFERS HEALTHY, YUMMY KIDS MEALS?  EMAIL THEIR INFORMATION TO INFO@TBPARENTING.COM

Attack of the Dinosaur Nuggets- A search for the real kids meal

By:  Josette Edouard

As parents we quickly find ourselves stressing over a decent family meal, as dining with the family soon becomes a dreaded chore instead of a favorite pass time. Unfortunately, restaurants have taken kid’s dining to an insulting level that is incomprehensible to most parents. After going through hundreds of restaurants it was astounding to me to see the amount of restaurants whose kid’s menus consisted of PB&J sandwiches, chicken fingers, pizza, hot dogs, and mac n’ cheese. And when asked the daring question of "What healthy choices do you offer children?" Almost all the restaurants proudly answered, "Oh yes! Instead of fries, children have the option of getting carrot sticks or a fruit cup…" The bold ones would add, "We even serve milk and chocolate milk!"

It has become the norm for children to see eating a meal as a source of entertainment, rather than a necessary part of life. For unknown reasons, chicken can only taste good if it’s shaped like a dinosaur staring up at you and pasta is only appetizing when Spongebob and his friends are swimming in a bowl of marinara sauce.

So many children are learning these horrible habits that they will eventually carry into their adult life. Can you imagine, a 25-year-old ordering star-shaped chicken nuggets with carrot sticks shaped like wands? It looks pretty ridiculous; but what’s more ridiculous is that we think it’s cute for a 3-year-old to do it.

With such limitations in food options not only at restaurants but at home also, children don’t acquire a taste for flavorful, well-prepared, healthy foods. As parents it is our responsibility to teach children how to eat not only healthy but to eat well balanced meals.

The amount of obese children in this country is mind-boggling and a large part of this problem is due to the fact that instead of eating baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies with the rest of the family; many moms are catering to this ridiculous "children’s food" fad and heating up frozen nuggets and crinkled French fries in the microwave instead. Children should learn to eat all kinds of foods.

As I discovered how prevalent this issue has become, I was on a quest to find the few restaurants around town that wasn’t afraid of standing up against the status quo. These restaurants actually feature real kid’s menus. The meals all look fairly similar to adult meals but are portioned to fit the limited belly of a child.

While I’m sure I didn’t find everything the Bay Area had to offer. It was impressive to find that these establishments actually existed.

Grill Smith, is a refreshing modern, city-chic, restaurant that stands out in comparison to the traditional palm tree and thong sandal infested restaurants we see here in Florida. Easily, going from an excellent environment for the family to a romantic evening alone for mom and dad; Grill Smith fits it all. The dim lighting and contemporary décor makes for a truly comfortable experience. They carry their unique contemporary style into their chef –inspired meals. The menu is loaded with not only traditional American meals but each entrée has its own exceptional ethnic twist. The most remarkable however, is of course, their kid’s menu. It beats out the usual PB&J, mac n’ cheese, and carrots that most restaurants call "children-friendly" picks. Their menu has great kid’s choices like, steak, mashed potatoes, and veggies, chicken marsala, and even chicken penne pasta served with garlic bread! When dining here you can be sure that your child is eating a hearty, filling, and nutritious meal, just like you would make at home. Grill Smith has several locations in the Bay Area.

You cannot enter this establishment without hearing the popular greeting, "Welcome to Moe’s!" Known for their enormous burritos, Moe’s Southwest Grill is a family favorite. Dining in this fun and engaging atmosphere, it’s hard to refrain yourself from a second helping. Their wide selection of fresh, made-to-order ingredients keeps people coming in routinely. Moe’s has received plenty of media coverage and awards due to their healthy and fresh options and just about everything on their menu is available for children in smaller portions. Quesadillas, tacos, and burritos; children have their choice of health-conscious, homemade whole wheat tortillas, light sour cream, and guacamole. The veggies are unlimited and you can dress your meal anyway you choose. The Dale Mabry and Columbus location offers a promotional night on Wednesdays, where children eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Mimi’s Café, located in Carrollwood off of North Dale Mabry, is the place to dine when you’re looking for a really unique dining experience. Its French Cottage exterior décor makes a statement even as you drive past it on the street but what is truly alluring is its French Café interior décor that is molded with a hint of New Orleans extravagance and color. Aside from its stunning looks, its mouthwatering cuisine wins you over with just the descriptions in the menu. Beginning each incredible meal with their tasty assortment of breads you almost hate to have to end the meal. They offer excellent choices for children such as spaghetti and grilled chicken breast. While it may not be very health-conscious, this entrée was recognized by Food Network as the place for getting the best grilled cheese sandwich. Oozing with cheesy goodness, the five-cheese inspired sandwich is a big hit among adults and children.

Hao Wah Chinese Restaurant is filled with culture. Accurately, depicting its name, which translates as "gorgeous" in English, the restaurant is lavish, spacious, and comforting. With a wide assortment of authentic Chinese cuisine the restaurant not only embraces great meals for children but it promotes it. Featuring popular foods like General Tso’s Chicken, fried rice, egg rolls, shrimp and Chinese vegetables; this restaurant is nothing compared to the usual Chinese food establishment located in your neighborhood. Your children will not only develop a more sophisticated palate but they will have an appreciation for international cuisines and become more open-minded.

So, hang up that ratty apron and stop slaving over the stove. Your children will enjoy the meals at these locations so much that they’ll have a hard time getting through that last bag of frozen nuggets wedged in your freezer door.

DO YOU KNOW OF A GREAT PLACE THAT OFFERS HEALTHY, YUMMY KIDS MEALS?  EMAIL THEIR INFORMATION TO INFO@TBPARENTING.COM

TAMPA BAY RESTAURANTS  OFFER REAL KIDS MEAL

TAMPA BAY RESTAURANTS  OFFER REAL KIDS MEAL