MiniMunchers

The worst part about dining out with your kid in NYC is when you stroll into a supposedly kid friendly establishment and immediately know you’re not really welcome by the glare you get from the haughty hostess when you ask if they have a high chair. MiniMunchers — think Menu Pages for kids — heads off this problem at the pass. You can search by price, cuisine, neighborhood, destination, and especially for kids before stepping out your front door. It definitely makes life easier.

Carla and kids … and yes, she looks this amazing and takes care of two small kidsYou know we’re onto a trend, when we’re featuring someone who was just featured in Daily Candy, last Monday to be exact. MiniMunchers — the brainchild of Manhattan Mom and former PR guru, Carla Sullivan, and soon to be PixiePeep once we get that page up and running — searches for and researches Manhattan’s restaurants specifically for their children’s menus. MiniMunchers provides comprehensive information about kid-friendly dining establishments throughout New York City. Plus they also offer reviews about the LEVEL of kid-friendliness — from high chairs to kid’s cups and crayons.

Speaking of crayons, that’s what Carla uses to rank restaurants. The absolute criteria for all restaurants included on MiniMunchers.com is that they have a separate children’s menu or are dedicated children’s restaurants. Here are her other criteria:

  1. Stroller-friendly entrance?
  2. Easy access to table (With stroller)?
  3. Highchairs and/or Booster seats?
  4. Bathroom? (Location, Changing table, Handicap stall)
  5. Crayons or other entertainment?
  6. Kid’s cups? Straws? Kid’s drinks?
  7. Varied Menu?
  8. Reasonably priced/good value?
  9. Timely Service? (How long does the food take? How long before check comes?)

Restaurants that meet 8-9 of the criteria receive 4 crayons; 6-7 receive 3 crayons; 3-5 receive 2 crayons, 1-2 receive 1 crayon, and 0 is a piece of broccoli. Although, ironically, broccoli is one of the only vegetables my picky two year old will eat. Perhaps she ought to include haughty hostesses as minus 1 crayon. As for quality of the food, you’ll have to double check with Menu Pages because she’s not a food critic. She’s just a mom trying to make other moms’ lives a little easier. Obviously, something we’re all for and useful for all personality types!