Why On Earth Do People Go Out For a Meal?

[P. G. Tipps]

I'm rather shocked at how down on children some of you people are! You wouldn't last a minute in a restaurant in southern Europe. On the other hand, I've never come across such a negative attitude on the part of restaurants (and not only these) towards children as in France, especially in the cities. I really don't have a problem with children in restaurants. Most children behave themselves better than a lot of adults do. On the other hand I'm revolted by the sight of a dog in a restaurant, there should be a ban on allowing the filthy things inside if you ask me.

At least if they are well-trained they do exactly as they are told ... unlike women and children who are quite beyond training..

And they are not at all fussy about the food they are served or complain about the service.

[Alain Maréchal]

On the other hand, I've never come across such a negative attitude on the part of restaurants (and not only these) towards children as in France, especially in the cities.

My experience is, if I have correctly negotiated your syntax, precisely the contrary.

[Nick Armstrong]

The late AA Gill said (I paraphrase) the best restaurant in the world is the one local to you where you go regularly, you know the staff by name and they you, they're pleased to see you and (of course) the food is good.

In my case, the local Greek. Rammed at lunch and dinner time, but for a late luncheon c. 3.30pm, perfect - welcomed by Madame who has run it since the 60s, I am known by a Greek diminutive nickname and don't even have to order. Going in with a book or with friends is an absolute treat.

Re solitary dining, I know what Petrushka means; not sure I'd go to an unfamiliar restaurant solo and be entirely comfortable. But one of the great pleasures of retirement has been turning up for lunch or dinner 30 mns or more early, again with book, and having a read and an apéritif till eating companions arrive; or staying after they have left for an extra coffee or digestif, to finish a chapter or two

[pastoralguy]

The most blatant lack of hand hygiene I've seen recently involved the man who collects the trolleys at our local Tesco. He walked in to the loo, relieved himself then exited without washing his hands. The next time I saw him, he was gathering discarded trolleys and was pushing them by handling the trolley's handles with his unwashed hands! So the next person to use that trolley would be touching his germs before handling vegetables, milk and bakery products!

I now keep anti-bacterial wipes in my pockets for such occasions!

[ahinton]

I'm rather shocked at how down on children some of you people are! You wouldn't last a minute in a restaurant in southern Europe. On the other hand, I've never come across such a negative attitude on the part of restaurants (and not only these) towards children as in France, especially in the cities. I really don't have a problem with children in restaurants. Most children behave themselves better than a lot of adults do. On the other hand I'm revolted by the sight of a dog in a restaurant, there should be a ban on allowing the filthy things inside if you ask me.

Hear, hear! on all counts!

[ahinton]

At least if they are well-trained they do exactly as they are told ... unlike women and children who are quite beyond training..

And they are not at all fussy about the food they are served or complain about the service.

You risk sounding like Jacob Rees-Tipps!

[french frank]

I'm rather shocked at how down on children some of you people are!

Guilty, m'lud. Very. Other people's cats and other people's children, in my case. I haven't very often encountered people bringing dogs into restaurants.

You wouldn't last a minute in a restaurant in southern Europe.

I have many times lasted hours in restaurants in Southern Europe. Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and many other countries in Europe. It hasn't been my experience that children are allowed to be so noisy. Some people will take their children outside if they're screaming and shouting - which is hugely appreciated, and shows sensitivity to other people. I'm not familiar with the situation in Germany.

On the other hand, I think child-friendly places are a wondeful idea. I'm glad they exist.

[jean]

You risk sounding like Jacob Rees-Tipps!

They are probably one and the same.

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[french frank]

They are probably one and the same.

I assume you're speaking of Tipps and Mogg?

[jean]

I am. Your post hadn't intervened when I posted mine!

[Richard Barrett]

It hasn't been my experience that children are allowed to be so noisy.

In other words it's inconsiderate parents that you're objecting to.

[Lat-Literal]

This is all going terrifically well.

I have read every word and am very pleased.

Many thanks indeed!

[vinteuil]

This is all going terrifically well.
I have read every word and am very pleased.
Many thanks indeed!

... I hope you have seen how many of us 'authentically' enjoy eating out, and will perhaps revise your earlier Pronouncement :

... eating out is a societal fetish based on top-down indoctrination.

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[Richard Barrett]

... I hope you have seen how many of us 'authentically' enjoy eating out, and will perhaps revise your earlier Pronouncement

He knows it's nonsense of course, he just wanted to get people talking. At least I hope so!

[oddoneout]

The most blatant lack of hand hygiene I've seen recently involved the man who collects the trolleys at our local Tesco. He walked in to the loo, relieved himself then exited without washing his hands. The next time I saw him, he was gathering discarded trolleys and was pushing them by handling the trolley's handles with his unwashed hands! So the next person to use that trolley would be touching his germs before handling vegetables, milk and bakery products!

I now keep anti-bacterial wipes in my pockets for such occasions!

Well even if he washed his hands what about all the people who haven't and will be also using those trolleys? And the items you take off the shelf are unlikely to be germ-free - vegetables certainly aren't if they are in any way 'au naturel'. Your solution is the only way to get round that one if it's something that is a concern, whether for medical or other reasons.


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