My wife and I are what someone in 2009 might call “foodies.” Our styles differ; she’s a look-at-the-menu-before-we-get-there person, I like to be surprised. Together, we are an excellent dining out team. As a known person who hates spending money on anything, shelling out cash on a worthwhile restaurant is one of the few financial transactions that doesn’t physically pain me.
Gong on three years into having children, our dining out experiences have been fundamentally altered. Here’s some ways going out to eat has changed with the kiddos in tow.
1. Restaurant Selection Criteria
Without Kids:
Steve raves about this place and he’s always on point with restaurant recs. The reviews are also pretty fantastic. A little pricier than I’d like, but fair for the quality of experience we’ll probably have. Afterwards, since the world and night are our oyster, we could hit up the cocktail bar down the block. I better make a reservation now.
With Kids:
Is the restaurant less than a 10 minute drive away? Do we have reason to believe attempting to eat there won’t take several years off our lives?
2. Getting Ready
Without Kids:
I guess I’ll just put on a new shirt and some deodorant. If I put too much on though my wife will probably make fun of me.
With Kids:
Ok, do we have Cookie Monster? The etch-a-sketch? We should probably bring goldfish just in case. And the bibs. Oh yea, and obviously the diaper bag. I think it’s stocked with diapers but I think we’re almost out of wipes. Ah no, something spilled in the diaper bag. I hope it’s just applesauce…
3. Ambience
Without Kids:
This place is kind of dead. Maybe it’ll get a little more crowded as the meal goes on? People must come here later. It is a Spanish restaurant after all.
With Kids:
It’s completely empty. Thank God.