Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for August 14, 2024

One of my brothers-in-law would take us out to dinner, usually to a very nice restaurant. He and his family were welcomed by name. The first time I was embarrassed because his kids, toddlers, made absolutely incredible messes at and under the table. When the bill arrived he made these enormous cash tips to the staff especially to the busboys. I realized then why he was so welcome.

Yes, he was in sales….

When my daughter was a baby a group of us went to Locke-Ober’s, an upscale Boston restaurant. (It’s closed now.) The maitre d’ saw the baby and said, “Would you like a private room?” It was a great dinner. :)

I think this would be a good restaurant to avoid in the future, kids or no kids.

That guy has a snoot like an anteater. Looking down his nose so bad that he needs a set of spectacles.

Get the clue, Joan?

I’d go to the burger place across the street where they aren’t so hoighty toighty.

Talk about insulting.

Dang, that’s savage

I once took my family and my sister out to eat. We saw a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and I had always wanted to try it. We were seated, and looking at the menu, I realized it would have cost over $400 for our party. We had already been served beverages. My 18 month old spilled two sodas on the table. I approached the server and said “I can’t do this to all these good people. We’ll go to a more family friendly place.” I asked for the check and he said “don’t worry about it.” I don’t know which of us was more relieved as we left!

“I am French. Why do you think I have this out-ray-geous accent?” – Monty Python and the Holy Grail

With an attitude like that I’d take my business and tip elsewhere.

They definitely should skip this place if they have the kid with them and save it for a more romantic evening with just the 2 of them.

Although of course in France restaurants etc are welcoming to small children…continental Europe is, on the whole, quite child-orientated.