Why Do We Have A Kids' Menu At Restaurants?
A culinary absurdity, even though it may save you a couple of bucks.
As I prepare to book a table at the renowned One White Street, a three-Michelin-starred gem nestled in the heart of Tribeca, NYC, my anticipation is palpable not just because of the acclaimed gastronomic wonders that awaits but because my daughter just started working there. It's a place where a burger – a masterpiece of simplicity – costs a measly $30. "Worth every penny," they say. We’ll find out. I tend to believe it, but here's the twist in the tale: this high end restaurant has a kids' menu. Yes, at a temple of haute cuisine, where my daughter wields her culinary wand, there lurks a menu designed for the palate of a 6-year-old.
The kids' menu. Why do such high-end eateries need to infantilize the dining experience with a separate menu? After all, shouldn't they explore the rich tapestry of flavors the adult menu offers once kids graduate from purees and mashed bananas?
I’m not sure this exists in many other cultures around the world but I’m pretty sure Americans have perfected this phenomenon. From what I understand, in most cultures, children eat what the adults eat, just in smaller portions. But here in the States, we segregate our dining experiences. We relegate our children to a world of chicken nuggets, pizzas, and, yes, the quintessential kids' burger – American cheese, sesame bun, and a dollop of ketchup. Are we dulling the culinary senses of our future generations, programming them to play it safe rather than explore and savor?
Let's circle back to One White Street. Here I am, contemplating whether to break the bank over the adult burger or take the fiscal escape route and opt for the kids' version. I sure can save a few bucks, right? Will they even serve me this kids meal?
It find it a little absurd. It’s like giving kids a coloring book at an art gallery. We're talking about a place where each dish tells a story, a place where my daughter pours her heart and soul into creating culinary masterpieces.
Speaking of my daughter, when she was young, I rarely, if ever ordered food for them from the kid’s section. I had them expand their palette at a very young age. It's probably why my daughter is a cook now and the reason why my son loves to always try new foods.
Let's take a leaf from the global culinary playbook and scrap the kids' menu. Can we not dumb down our children's palates, but instead, elevate them? Imagine a world where children are as familiar with Ratatouille as they are with mac and cheese. It's not just about saving $25 on a burger; it's about opening up a world of flavors, textures, and experiences.
As we scrape leftover food into dumpsters, I say we toss out this outdated concept of the kids' menu and embrace culinary inclusivity—where families share dishes, explore new flavors, and embark on gastronomic adventures together. Who knows, perhaps the next time I visit One White Street, I'll see a table with a family sharing a single menu, their faces lit up with the joy of discovery and food.
And maybe, just maybe, my daughter will look over from her chef's station, give a knowing nod, and think, "Finally, they get it."
Have you ever considered ordering from the kid's menu for yourself? Or do you often choose meals from this section for your children when dining out? If so, what are your reasons for doing so?
Clayton Craddock is a devoted father of two, an accomplished musician, and a thought-provoker dedicated to Socratic questioning, challenging the status quo, and encouraging a deeper contemplation on a range of issues. Subscribe to Think Things Through HERE, and for inquiries and to connect, email him here: Clayton@claytoncraddock.com