DC Restaurants Roll Out the Red Carpet for Kids

Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez
June 2010

Kids learn a love of cooking and food at Destination DC's Restaurant Week for Kids - photo courtesy of Destination DC

This week DC plays host to Kids Restaurant Week, where young and budding foodies will have a chance to kick off the start of their summer with special kid-friendly menus from various restaurants.

Destination DC has brought back this week for children (ages 11 and younger) to encourage healthy eating initiatives and family bonds with the aid of some of Washington’s most prized restaurants.  The restaurants have kept parents in mind by offering special fixed-price adult menus, too.

Fun and food for DC Metro Area families - photo courtesy of Destination DC

Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, said that this week is meant as a “fun and meaningful way for parents to introduce their kids to new foods and dining experiences while enjoying a delicious meal themselves.”

Besides trying to turn tiny tykes into petit gourmands with palate-pleasing kid menus, some area restaurants feature unique family-friendly experiences.  Taberna del Alabardero offers children a tour of the kitchen and a picture with Executive Chef Javier Romero.  Some restaurants are taking the experiences to the kids by going “back to school”.  Chefs will visit third-grade classrooms, offering cooking presentations and tastings through a partnership with DC public schools.

“It’s a different way to introduce families to our establishment,” said Nicole Restivo, spokesperson at Taberna del Albardero.  “We want to show that we’re not just fine dining, we’re open to families and kids as well.”

Other participating restaurants include Acadiana, Art and Soul, Beacon Bar & Grill, Belga Café, Bistro 525, BlackSalt, Café Dupont, Clyde’s of Gallery Place, Fourth Estate at the National Press Club, Georgia Brown’s, Jaleo, Juniper, Kellari Taverna, Kemble Park Tavern, La Tasca, M Street bar & Grill, Mie N Yu, Oyamel, Palette, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Rosa Mexicano, and Zola.  Special kids menus are available for lunch and early dinner, 5-6:30 PM.

For more information on Kids Restaurant Week, please visit www.restaurantweekforkids.org.