Letter to the Food Editor

In response to the article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cue Section

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Dear Ms. Richards,

Many thanks for addressing an issue that is close to many of us who are raising children and also trying to maintain a lifestyle that is gratifying. Not saying that life without restaurants, socializing and Millefeuille D'oeufs isn't wonderful, but oh how much better it is with them!

I have one remark in regards to the restaurants that we, the child-plenty restaurant worshippers frequent. They frequently don't want us. On many occasions myself and my companions have expressed grief over the sour experience of visiting an establishment that isn't necessarily child-friendly. Often, not knowing what we're in for, we might happen into a cafe while on a walk, hoping to experience something new only to find that we aren't treated with open arms, even though we have a child that is unusually well behaved. We often go out to eat at early hours, knowing that our wee ones have limits. These places don't heat up until later hours and they may not have many customers, yet we've been disappointed with poor service (Bartolotta's, says one friend), virtually no service (Cafe on the Plaza, says me) and the myriad of other encounters that accompany going out with our children.

I completely understand that not everyone appreciates sitting at a table next to a rowdy group of toddlers flinging food. I was one of those people a few years ago. Those of us who are considerate, have children and want to dine out somewhere that serves more than mac n cheese, should be afforded some mercy. We are spending our money and we do make up the bottom line. I do hope your article points others in this direction.

Note: shameless plug: I write a blog dedicated to this population of parents with kids that eat well. http://eatsleeprepeat1.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Betty bon Vivant!