There is a place in our neighborhood which cannot be found anywhere else in the city of Dallas. It is an unusual hang out where kids can play in a giant sandlot that is completely enclosed and even dogs have their own spot away from screaming little humans. For those who prefer neither children nor dogs, they have the “civilized” section right in the middle as well as the option of dining/drinking either indoors or out. With the exception of the dog days of summer (no pun intended) it is absolute heaven. Their food, in my opinion, far surpasses typical “bar fare” and their huevos rancheros give New Mexico a run for their money. What I love most is there is a true place for everyone where all are able to go and relax. If you don’t want to eat next to Fido, don’t. If you don’t want to hear kiddos shrieking in the sand, don’t. Recently a local Facebook page published something I found hilarious. It was an actual picture of a woman who had her toddler on a leash but her dog was not. There is, sadly, another restaurant in the area where children have been allowed to run amok. And I mean out of control to the point where a multi-tiered fountain had to be made into a planter. I’m telling you my father would have taken me out and beaten me for even thinking about some of the things these kids have been allowed to get away with. I am an older mother, so prior to having a baby I think people assumed I was just a crazy animal lover and/or child hater. I AM in fact a crazy animal lover but I always wanted to have my own child. There seems to be a growing trend toward children running the proverbial show. Mine knows we will simply pack up IMMEDIATELY if she ever starts something like that. And yes, once we had to leave our favorite Tex-Mex place because, at one and a half, I had let her drink five bowls of salsa straight and thought perhaps I should cut her off. I remember she was so enraged the soft spot on her head was pulsing. Have I ever been guilty of letting my little one have an iPad at a restaurant? Yes … but only to enjoy that second margarita. *grinning* Stepping out of the confessional and back onto my high horse I will say I pride myself on our family enjoying an actual conversation during most of dinner. Whenever I see a kid in a restaurant watching a movie with their headphones on I feel like they should be in an airplane. When I was a child I was expected to just SIT there and behave. However, I don’t mind our little one bringing her My Little Ponies with her so she can quietly entertain herself after she is done eating. The British writer Tom Hodgkinson said:
“Festivals are fun for kids, fun for parents and offer a welcome break from the stresses of the nuclear family. The sheer quantities of people make life easier: loads of adults for the adults to talk to and loads of kids for the kids to play with.”
That is how I feel about this particular spot. It makes life easier and kids are able to freely play with other kids. As for essentially any other restaurant? I believe it is the rotten parents who should be barred.
