by Kirstan B
(Currents June 2002, Children's Corner Column)

Many of you seasoned residents in the Fatherland know exactly what I am going to write. You know all too well what a hassle it can be to take the family out to dinner in Hamburg, especially for the under-six crowd.

Some of the most lovely aspects of Hamburg's beauty can be enjoyed as a twosome, holding hands and sampling some diverse European cuisine or a night out on the town. The biggest hassle of the evening is simply going to be parking, and perhaps choosing your meal. Along comes baby, when you will quickly discover things will have dramatically changed. Dining can simply become a nightmare, unless you come prepared.

Let's begin your evening or lunch out with entry to the restaurant. If you can find a non-smoking table, you are in the minority. Perhaps a few newcomers to the industry have tried to allot a non-smoking section, but it would be quite tiny and pretty ineffectual in your mission to provide the kids with some clear air. So at least try and settle for something far away from the bar and other pockets of air stagnancy. Near the door and kitchen might be better, but you have to weigh your assets of no smoke versus noise and drafts. (In Germany, diners have a tendency to light up after a meal: if smoke is blowing right at you, by all means speak up and ask if they can put it out, at least until you finish your meal.)

You will find that a limited amount of restaurants have highchairs handy. Booster seats are just not done here, either. So consider bringing the car seat in for an infant, as it can usually be put in a chair or floor nearby. Strollers are a toss-up, but the smaller the better. Otherwise, be prepared to hold the baby and eat in shifts.

Menus for children are also a challenge, especially for picky eaters, but you can hopefully scout out an order of fries, at the least. Also worth a try are noodles/spaghetti, fried potatoes (Bratkartoffeln), and fried eggs (Spiegeleier). If your kids are good eaters, then let them indulge, but keep in mind that the portions are adult, so two kids can always share. Ask for an extra plate. Order kids' food quickly, if possible. The longer they wait for the food, the more the potential for mischief and noise. Drinks are best ordered with a straw (Strohhalm), and ask the waiter to fill it half full if you have toddlers. Apple juice or Apfelschorle (apple juice and seltzer water) are almost always available, if you want to avoid colas.

If you need to breastfeed, you will have to use your own judgement. Although Europe in general is much more relaxed about feeding baby in public, it is not always appropriate.

If you need to open a jar of baby food, ask for a teaspoon (Teelöffel) for feeding your baby, or a cake fork (Kuchengabel) for feeding a toddler. Best bet is to leave the house with a well packed diaper bag or tote. Some things to make it easier on you are bibs, baby spoons, baby food or bottle, pacifier, changing pack with PLENTY of wipes (great for spills and stains, too), kids' no-spill sippy cups or straws, a ziplock bag or two, crayons and paper.

Usually the children will finish the meal first, and if they are getting antsy sitting at the table, you may have to pull out the emergency toy! Always keep something especially occupying (in its newness or absorbtion level) in the tote until after they finish. This might buy you a relaxing block of time to finish your plate and begin digesting!

Most of this is pretty much common sense, but what I am trying to convey is that in a country where dogs are often more accepted at the tableside than children, it is best to nip potential dining snafus in the bud by being prepared. I have enjoyed some of my finest meals in Germany, and eating is such a big part of a national culture that it would be a shame to sit it out because of kids. Just remember, especially if you have been spoiled in kid-friendly restaurants in America, that you may be taking those little extras for granted. Those little joys such as kiddie menus with chix strips and p b & j's, kiddy prices, crayons, coloring placemats, free ice cream, cranberry juice served in cups with lids and free refills, changing tables and great service are sorely missed, but hopefully Germany will catch up soon.

Here are a few places to try that lean towards a child friendly experience.

• Fit for Fun, off of Milchstrasse in Pöseldorf: Has a Sunday brunch with children's video corner.
• Mövenpick, in Hansaviertel in city center: Children under 110 cm eat for free. Balloons and child activity area. Also, changing tables in ladies room.
• Suzy Wong on Milchstrasse in Pöseldorf: Most Chinese restaurants are very willing to adapt menu items for kids. Shrimp chips and noodles or rice are usually good choices. Kids often like crispy duck!
• Ethnic: Greek, Asian and Italian are unusually child friendly and tend to cater to your needs very well.
• IKEA: Ok, so it is not gourmet, but the cafeteria has a play corner with IKEA toys and a non-smoking section plus there is a baby changing room. Bonus: you can drop off the kids over 3 yrs at the entrance playcenter (supervised) while you shop.

Please send me a brief review of any other place that you would like to recommend to the readers with kids in tow. We'd all love to know somewhere besides McDonald's drive-thru that can please moms and kids alike!