Originally Posted by
Helena Handbaskets
We'll be in Paris in October, and his mother and I REALLY do not want to miss the Parisian dining experience. I've learned that in general, kids are well-accepted in Parisian restaurants, and we're planning to dine at 7 pm, so as to be on our way out by the time the place starts to fill up. But I still think it would be best for all concerned if we could keep him reliably entertained after he's finished his meal. So we're contemplating bringing along the portable DVD player and headphones.
I've never seen that in a restaurant before, so I wonder if it strikes anyone as exceptionally tacky, or would it be appreciated for its effectiveness?
From everything I've seen/heard/read, just taking a 2 year old into a fine Parisian restaurant is frowned upon, forget the DVD player. My in-laws took their 11 year old to one, and the host suggested to them at the door that "this isn't a restaurant for children." The girl, after a year in an English boarding school, had impeccable manners but was treated rudely the entire meal by the staff.
The best way to keep the toddler entertained and not bothering other restaurant patrons is a babysitter. I've used them when we travel since my son was an infant, and still do, although he has long since learned proper restaurant manners.
As for a DVD player in a restaurant, ugh. If I wanted to see cartoons when I dine, we'd go to Chuck E. Cheese -
and we don't. I also have no confidence in the DVD player keeping the kid happy and stationary long enough for the parents to eat.