Just because a couple can reproduce, it doesn't necessarily make them good parents....unfortunately

I haven't experienced what you did....maybe the restaurants I like don't attract the rich-and-rude parent crowd!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!

But if I had been in your shoes, and you both were on the road, I would not have confronted the selfish parents at all. I would have asked the waiter or captain to bring the manager or owner of the restaurant. I would have him/her listen to that screach and say that this is ruining the ambience of the meal and see what the manager/owner offers to do to remedy the situation. If I am unsatisfied with the answer (especially if that answer is to do nothing), then I would threaten to write a letter to the BBB about how the restaurant does not live up to its advertisment of an upscale and elegant environment. If the restaurant were in tourist guide books, I would also threaten to write to them a letter panning not only the experience but the inept way in which the manager/owner refused to resolve it.

And then I would follow through and write those letters as well as send copies to the owners.