Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>. I never had a chance to dine there as my folks (rightly) didn't view it as 'a place you take kids' <<<< <<I whole heartedly disagree, my kids really enjoy 3 hour dining experiences, and would always opt for the parma ham and asparagus over the chicken fingers. It depends how you raise them. McDonald's is largely a waste of money for us as the kids don't really like the food.>> Your kids are largely an exception, which likely speaks to their parenting. And being born in the UK and traveling as much as they have also is a factor. Your angels certainly aren't the average American kids! That said, I still believe there should be locations that cater to adults and am very happy V&A's are a '10 and over' location ... and that most fine dining in Vegas have usually an 'over 5 or 6' policy. I don't want to be subjected to someone trying to teach their kids how you act at a fine restaurant when I'm spending $150-200 a person. And I really don't enjoy watching kids crawling under tables and screetching while I'm trying to enjoy a hard-earned meal at the California Grill.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<That said, I still believe there should be locations that cater to adults and am very happy V&A's are a '10 and over' location ... and that most fine dining in Vegas have usually an 'over 5 or 6' policy.>> Policies like that are great. And I've already made the decision that I won't take my kids to Disney or Universal or any place like it until they're over 6. I've seen too many little snots making their parents miserable at that place to take my kids before they know how to behave themselves.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo well, I am bringing the kids up the way I was brought up in the US. There is no excuse, it is down to parenting. I grew up dining in some of the finest restaurants in the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and Vegas. And I was taught how to act at home. When i went on my first cruise at age 2, there were no kids clubs, and I apparently really enjoyed the dining experience too. My son had a friend over for dinner last week, who asked us what his napkin was for. I was shocked. I have been to plenty of "adult" places where there are borish adult drunks and blow hards I would rather not be around. Frankly, I rather there be a code of conduct. I gauge my kids' behaviour. If the mood is not right, we simply skip the table meal, but if it is, we have wonderful experiences. They were taught how to behave, and while not perfect, I would like to think they put some adults to shame in the dacorum department.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I knew you'd have a comment for that, but I don't agree.>> How did ya know that? Have we talked about it before? (really can't recall) <<I've had better meals at Le Cellier than steak places that were supposed to be "top of the line". I mean I've had better, but Le Cellier is still a great steak place.>> Great is subjective. I've had some very good meals there, but much less so as it's popularity grew (for all the drooling you hear about the breadsticks, I'd love to have the sourdough loaf with real garlic that came before for instance). I think it's largely popular because WDW attracts a 'steak and taters' crowd and Le Cellier is the steakhouse at EPCOT. Other than Coral Reef and the two French locations, I don't think I've ever had steak anywhere else ... I don't think it's bad. Just very overrated and, now, VERY overpriced. If IOA can offer me a filet with sides for $15.99 and add soup or salad for $2.99 before my discount, then why should be be paying $40 for a filet alone at Le Cellier ... if I booked it three months out?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I whole heartedly disagree, my kids really enjoy 3 hour dining experiences, and would always opt for the parma ham and asparagus over the chicken fingers. It depends how you raise them. McDonald's is largely a waste of money for us as the kids don't really like the food. ---- I too raised my kids to enjoy quality eating as well as how to act in certain places. They have been a lot of places for events some would deem 'not for kids' including the White House for a meal..... it's how they are brought up and the palates they develop. The only down side is at they are very expensive as they get older and you are traveling..LOL!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I have only dined at Le Cellier once, but I have to say, it is one of the best meals we have had in WDW and was unique in many ways (never had cheddar cheese soup before or loganberry and blueberry cobbler before - both were awesome).>> Yeah, but again I think that's largely because of where you are coming from. The soup is good, but similar versions are now served elsewhere across property. And the cobbler isn't exactly unique either ... had a very similar one Monday night at my local Grand Lux Cafe (higher end Cheesecake Factory concept/chain). I think you're just trapped in a country with bad food ;-)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Policies like that are great. And I've already made the decision that I won't take my kids to Disney or Universal or any place like it until they're over 6. I've seen too many little snots making their parents miserable at that place to take my kids before they know how to behave themselves. <<< wow, I would feel sorry for you and your kids. My daughter turns 6 on Friday. So far she has been to: DLP x 17 times Disneyland and California for 3 weeks (including dining at the Top of the Mark, Steakhouse 55, Blue Bayou, The Ivy, and a few other nice places) WDW for 12 days Spain 3 times Germany France in other areas many times Luxembourg Belgium a couple of times Mallorca Scotland Wales and about 19 non Disney Parks around the globe. She may not remember every trip, but I do, and the memories are great. First hair cut at WDW, being held as a baby by Mickey Mouse, the awe of the experience of It's a Small World for the first time age 12 weeks. There is more to the Disney park experience than rides. And there is more to life. Those first 5 years are the formative ones, and because of her experience, she is happy to learn foreign languages (she tries Spanish, French, German and Manderin) and she will try any foods.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>The only down side is at they are very expensive as they get older and you are traveling..LOL! <<< Isn't that the truth!!!!
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<How did ya know that? Have we talked about it before? (really can't recall)>> I don't think we've ever had the discussion, but I've seen you express your view on LC before. <<I don't think it's bad. Just very overrated and, now, VERY overpriced. If IOA can offer me a filet with sides for $15.99 and add soup or salad for $2.99 before my discount, then why should be be paying $40 for a filet alone at Le Cellier ... if I booked it three months out?>> I agree it's overpriced, and while I love Mythos, it's quality is no where near Le Celleir's.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<They were taught how to behave, and while not perfect, I would like to think they put some adults to shame in the dacorum department.>> I'm sure they do ... way too many boorish people in the world ... and adults, unlike kids, have no excuse. That said, I have complained about adults in restaurants who were over the top and ruining my meal ... with kids, you almost always get a 'I wish we could do something but ...' reaction from management. And why am I talking about food yet again? Is that all you people think about? Mmm ... Jimmy John's ...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>I think you're just trapped in a country with bad food ;-)<<< Hmmmm, funny, I remember you remarking how great the food was over here. Oh well, I think I might have to make you druel now over some of the cullinary treats we have been enjoying lately.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<wow, I would feel sorry for you and your kids. My daughter turns 6 on Friday. So far she has been to:>> I'll take them on vactation! Haha. Just don't think it'll be to theme parks. I'll probably end up changing my mind when I actually have kids, but from what I've seen, kids younger than 5-6 don't enjoy the parks in a large part. The amount of happy kids I see that are under that age in the parks is seriously out numbered by the unhappy ones.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Mmm ... Jimmy John's ...>> You enjoy fake, imitation hoagies? I'm disappointed, Spirit.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 same here Dave- we are kindred spirits on this.... my kids at very young ages have eaten at a White House meal, Charlie trotters in Chicago, Rick Bayless' Topolobampo here in Chicago, at many an IBM function with me at places ranging from the art Institute to the 95th at the top of the Hancock building here...Brennan's in New Orleans, Sarno's in New York etc... Always got compliments on their behaviour as well as some of the different foods they not only try and really like. But they were raised to know how to behave if they wanted to be a part of everything. I got this from wanting to go with my parents when things like this arose. AS I have documented before we grew up poor- so usually the only time something 'fancy' came up it was through the company my dad worked for- and I wanted to go. I learned to behave at functions like that..and found out what a great time I usually had. Also like you I have seen pkenty of supposedly respectible older clientele totally bombed on their ass - acting the fool... class knows no age limit. Of course if some families are out somewhere and the kids have never been anywhere classier than Denny's because the parents won't take the time to teach them - then what you get is what you'd expect
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>I think you're just trapped in a country with bad food ;-)<<< <<Hmmmm, funny, I remember you remarking how great the food was over here. Oh well, I think I might have to make you druel now over some of the cullinary treats we have been enjoying lately.>> I always get strange looks and comments when I say I've never had bad food in the UK and have enjoyed quite a lot of it. I'm talking more about the lack of variety that I have heard you comment on in the past with regards to certain ethnic cuisines that are common (like Mexican) in the USA, but not across the Pond.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>I'll probably end up changing my mind when I actually have kids, but from what I've seen, kids younger than 5-6 don't enjoy the parks in a large part.<<< Wow, tell that to my daughter, she loves them, and always have. Difference is, we take things at their pace. But she has been to: Disneyland DCA Knott's Berry Farm Sea World San Diego Legoland Califonia San Diego Zoo Magic Kingdom Epcot DHS DAK Legoland Windsor (x18 times) Chessington World of Adventures (x8 times) Alton Towers (x4) times Warwick Castle (x4 times) Blackpool Pleasure Beach Southend Adventure Parc Asterix DLP (probably spent 30 days there) WDSP (about 15 days there) Europa Park (her fav) Phantasialand Like I say, she will be 6 on Friday. We have had an amazing time, every time. And it is exciting as they reach new milestones (first Big Thunder trip, first Tower of Terror etc.).
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Le Cellier is better than some here give it credit for - and while some will say I can find places to get the same quality for less- good luck in New York/Chicago etc... And I have paid much more for much less as well... and for the record I've never had the steak at Le Cellier - usually do a seafood item -- the salmon being at the top of my list
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^Again, I'll probably change my mind, because I know myself haha. But yea, that does sound great.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Mmm ... Jimmy John's ...>> <<You enjoy fake, imitation hoagies? I'm disappointed, Spirit. >> We just got our first location. I hadn't really heard of them ... and compared to Subway, they're gourmet ... and also not pricey.
