Dining out overseas with kids: Real tips from a month in Europe
Share
It is never easy to dine with kids, particularly when travelling. They are tired, out of routine, out of ipad battery and probably, out of patience.
We have just returned from a family trip to Europe (first for the kids) and here are some of our top tips for dining out with kids when travelling overseas:
1. Be Aware of Opening Hours
We just came back from a trip to Europe. Our kids are used to a 5:30 or 6pm dinner at home. In a lot of places in Europe for example, many restaurants close between 3pm and 7pm. We tended to work around this by having our main sit down meal at lunch rather than dinner. We found that it kept everyone fuller for longer (thus no need for unhealthy snacks between meals) and also allowed for a pleasant respite from a full day of walking around – not to mention avoiding over tired kids at the dinner table!
When it came to dinner we would either cook up some omelettes in our kitchenette, or if in a hotel, we would grab a slice of pizza or crepe from takeaway stores that were open continuously without closure for a lighter and cheaper bite after a restaurant lunch. Sometimes we would even purchase a quiche or ham and cheese croissant from a boulangerie earlier in the day and pop it in the fridge for later in the evening when we were hungry and too tired to venture out. Worked a treat with a moviue on for the kids and a local wine picked up on the way to accompany it. Family night in!
2. But…. there is no kids menu!?!
When travelling with the kids, I try to avoid McDonalds as much as humanly possible. Sure, there are days when it is the best or only option, but I like my kids to get the full cultural experience when travelling – and that includes my picky eater!
In many countries, kids’ menus loaded up with fried nuggets and chips aren’t an option. And if they are, I try and steer clear. Some countries like Italy and Japan we can get through easily by loading up on pasta and pizza or sushi and chicken teriyaki, but other countries have required some more foresight. One of the ways we do this is to order meals ‘family style’. That is, we tend to order main dishes and sides and share. This gives the kids a chance to try and taste new things without the pressure of needing to eat a whole meal of a new food which may not be to their tastes.
In France for example, we might order a Boeuf Bourguignon (slow cooked melt in your mouth beef stew with a mild flavour, often served with mashed potato) or Coq au vin (Chicken cooked in wine and vegetables) for protein and mild but delicious flavours, a grilled fish fillet, prawns or other mild familiar protein and a few sides or of veg or a salad and an entrée dish like boiled eggs and mayonnaise or a vegetable soup. Plus there is always plenty of bread to soak up delicious sauces and spread with butter. This has worked for us as the kids are excited to try a bit of all the grown up food and then have a little of whatever it is that they like on their own plates. Voila! A food immersion, cultural experience and nutritional sustenance feat completed in one.
3. Come prepared.
In Europe, you will be hard pressed to find a kid on an ipad in a restaurant. It just isn’t done. Kids are invited to be a part of the meal and conversation from an early age and devices at the table are usually discouraged. Having said that, there is no judgement here – so do what you gotta do to get through! Sometimes though, a different environment during a new adventure, is enough to break old patterns and maybe even start some new habits. New sounds, new smells, new surroundings and family conversations about the wonderful things you saw and the new things you have on the agenda to experience tomorrow, may end up being all you need to keep the kids occupied while you tuck in to new and exciting foods.
As ideal as that all sounds though, I am still a realist. And while we did have occasions on our month long trip where this was the case, some times I had to succumb to my bag of tricks to keep the peace.
I always carry small, discreet activities in my bag for occasions such as these. I love to have my kids engage in activities at the table do not depend on screens and if possible, encourage a quiet and calm connection between them while hubby and I finish our meals.
4. Here are some of our favourite packable dinner table activities:
· Magic colouring books and sticker books
Happy gastronomic adventures!