Saturday, February 24, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Cranky Pants

We took Jack to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch today. It's a nice place, by no means a child-free restaurant. They bring the little kids sliced bananas and bread before their meals, and always have plenty of high chairs on hand. We got seated in the section where they have a long booth and then small tables and chairs facing the booth. The tables are pretty close together, so you kind of end up sitting awfully close to your neighbors. When we got there it wasn't very crowded and there was a family with a 2 year old sitting one table away from us. Darling little boy, very well behaved, smiled as soon as he saw Jack. Not long after we ordered Jack's meal, a young couple was seated at the table between us and the family with the little boy. According to B who was facing the woman, when Jack smiled at her (as he ALWAYS does with people) she actually ROLLED HER EYES at him! After about 2 more seconds, the guy turned towards the hostess and in a NOT VERY QUIET VOICE AT ALL asked:

"Is there any other place where we can sit? You know, because of all these kids?"

The hostess gave me a little- I'm so sorry he just said that- smile and led the couple to a table far, far, far away from any kids.

After they had been taken to their childfree table, the mom of the darling little boy leaned towards me and said "Did they ask to move just because of the kids?" I told her "yes, can you believe that?" We just shook our heads.

If you want an "adults only" meal experience- choose a place where that's the idea, not a relaxed and family oriented restaurant. And if you do end up at a restaurant where you're seated next to some kids- smile, say hello, and enjoy your meal. Being rude only makes you look like a jerk.

No comments: