AIBU - Child friendly kids menu...

[Blearymorningeyes]

Is there such a thing as a "child friendly" kids menu? Surely all kids menus are child friendly?!

I invited my SIL to my favourite Mexican restaurant for my birthday. She has 2 DC, ages 4 and 7.

I sent her the kids menu to look at, which has mini versions of Mexican fare such as fajitas, nachos and enchiladas, plus some "plainer" things too, such as chicken breast with mash. She just messaged me saying "Hi Bleary, can we please choose a different restaurant, because the kids menu doesn't really look very child friendly?". I feel sad as I and was so looking forward to going to this particular restaurant for my birthday and I don't see why her kids wouldn't like at least one thing on the menu - it's pretty standard, isn't it?! By "child friendly" does that translate to "It doesn't have sausages/fish fingers and chips"?

AIBU in thinking that my birthday restaurant choice shouldn't be changed because of this?

I hate confrontation... Help!

[JoeExoticsTiger]

It’s your birthday!! Absolutely don’t move the booking, cheeky fucker that your SIL is!

[formerbabe]

Very unreasonable of her. Even with the fussiest kids, you can find something to feed them in a restaurant, even if it's just chips.

[AristotleAteMyHamster]

Is the problem that she doesn’t like Mexican food and is blaming the kids?

[Blearymorningeyes]

@formerbabe I feel like the issue is because chips aren't actually an option. It's either a side order of rice, mash or tortilla chips!

[Blearymorningeyes]

@AristotleAteMyHamster No, I happen to know that she makes fajitas at home regularly!

[Stompythedinosaur]

I'd just say that you and your other guests particularly wanted to eat there, but you can celebrate with her another time if it isn't her thing.

[Fanthorpe]

I’m thinking she doesn’t want to go there.

It’s incredibly bad manners though unless you asked for input on where to go.

[AristotleAteMyHamster]

Well, if she makes fajitas at home why can’t the kids have that?

YANBU at all

[SanFranBear]

Is it Chiquitos? Their kids menu is awesome - my two really don't do spice but we had a fantastic meal there not long ago. I will admit, my friends had chosen the restaurant and were already sat down when we arrived as I would never have chosen it. I was also unsure even when I ordered their food but it was absolutely fine and we had a great time as the atmosphere was great and the staff were so friendly...

Its your birthday - even if her kids have to survive on a bowl of chips, it's hardly going to push them into starvation... YANBU at all!

[MidnightCitrus]

Your birthday! You choose the restaurant!!

[formerbabe]

She should feed them before you all go to the restaurant then they could just eat a pudding there. There must be something they'll eat...gosh, what a pain.

[SerenityNowwwww]

When exactly are kids supposed to start eating ‘adult food’? When do they stop asking for fish fingers and chips and demand couscous salad and grilled salmon?

It sounds great and - from my experience of kids parties - the children will enjoy the food.

[Seeline]

My DCs wouldn't have eaten anything remotely spicey at that age.

And yes, I would include chips as child friendly - that was part of the treat of eating out for them. And nearly every child I have ever met will eat chips.

[SanFranBear]

Just seen your update.. ok, a bowl of nachos then which I'd have loved as a kid!

Stand your ground - I like Stompy's response.

[Blearymorningeyes]

Thanks everyone!

I believe she makes fajitas for herself and the kids but doesn't use any spice mix in the kids' meals.

An alarm was screaming "CF!!!" in my head, but then I started doubting myself...

[MaryShelley1818]

I'm lucky as have a toddler who'll eat anything but it must be a nightmare if you have fussy kids and very stressful to take them out to a restaurant knowing they won't eat anything. My nephews and niece would really struggle there.
I don't think YABU to go to the place you want for your Birthday but I don't think she's being unreasonable either to not go somewhere where her kids won't eat anything.

[Nibblingoncrumpets]

This is ridiculous. Every single place you go to will have SOMETHING a child can eat. This menu sounds completely fine.

I once saw a trip advisor slagging off a local cafe here for not having a kids menu - they do sandwiches, jacket potatoes, eggs, beans, sausages etc...certainly there has to be something a child is able/willing to eat out of that! Some people pander too much

[SimonJT]

In my view a child friendly menu should offer smaller versions of the adult meals.

Not shite consisting of chips, beans, nuggets and sausages. Why should children be offered the same five crap meals when eating out?

She doesn’t get to decide the venue, the Birthday girl does 🎉

[Blearymorningeyes]

@SanFranBear Not Chiquitos, an Indie restaurant, but similar fare!

[Twizbe]

My DS has a food allergy that sometimes isn't well catered for in children's menus. That said I can usually find something he can and will eat and if I'm unsure I'll take food for him.
I think food allergies are the only acceptable reason to change restaurant, not fussy kids

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

That sounds perfectly normal 'childrens food' to me. Sounds perfect for my chip hating child!

[Blearymorningeyes]

@MaryShelley1818 But surely she could come anyway after feeding something at home - and get her kids some nachos and a lovely dessert?!

[Mumto1andthetinybun]

Yes but how authentic are her fajitas?My friend makes 'Mexican' food a lot but no one else would ever suspect it was even inspired by mexican food, they are often spiceless with ketchup for salsa.

Its very rude to ask you to change. I agree with PP to say that's where you want to go but you're happy to celebrate with her and kids separately later.
There is always something to feed kids. One of mine had a severe milk allergy and we very rarely had issues finding something she could eat no matter where we went.

[VettiyaIruken]

"children's menus" are why so many adults won't eat much apart from chicken nuggets and chips!

Just tell her it is what it is and she pleases herself whether they come or not. More tactfully of course 😁

[kenandbarbie]

Mine are pretty fussy and might not eat mash and a chicken breast, but tough!!! They can have a piece of toast when they get home. It's your birthday!!