Food warming?

[Jakeyblueblue]

Ds is 14 months and a good eater, although he really doesn't like cold dinners, eg sandwiches, salad, cous cous etc. He will eat yog, rice cakes, biscuits and stuff but I am yet to find anything he really likes, that I would class as a 'nutritious or filling' cold lunch. This isn't a problem at home as he just has warm lunches such as pasta, soup and rice etc. He then has another warm meal for tea such as stew, meat / fish, veg and pots, cottage pie etc. i am really quite happy with his diet and am happy to cook two hot meals a day but the problem is when we are out and about.
I find that no one will heat up baby food anymore! They jut give you a bowl of hot water and when baby is 14 months, it's a big portion you are trying to heat, it's useless!!
I just wondered if anyone out there had any solutions? I have tried those baby thermos flasks and the food was cold when I opened it so I took it back. Ive scoured the net looking for an alternative but can't find anything suitable. Could anyone recommend a product?
Dh reckons I should just let him fill up on yog and crisps for lunch but I have to admit that I am a bit anal about him having fresh and nutritious meals and it just doesn't sit right with me! Any ideas would be great!

Plus - is it actually a good idea to keep food warm?

Could you ask for a mug of hot water if you are at a cafe / restaurant? A plastic baby bowl would sit quite nicely in a mug. Or, if you are eating too, order a warm meal and give him a share of yours?

I've tried the hot water but because he's 14 months, his portions are quite big, it takes about 20 mins and about 10 changes of water.
If I am really struggling, then I order something he likes but sometimes that's difficult too as he really likes foods with sauce / gravy. He will eat lumps and chunks and quite alot of finger foods like chips and fruit but he wouldn't eat fish fingers or pizza etc.
He's a little devil I think because if we are feeding the ducks, he will eat bread until his hearts content, give him bread at the table and he refuses it!

I ordered DD a childs meal from about 12mo. She can eat most of it except the salads. Maybe they are refusing to heat up your food because they expect you to just buy a childs meal? I used to order an extra side, but a childs meal is about the same price as the sides anyway.

Oh if yours like jakeyblueblue's and won't eat fish fingers or pizza that can get difficult! Most children menu are fish fingers, chicken nuggets and pizzas. So if yours like these, it's fairly easy!