Table For 2.5?

Eversince Asyraaf was fringing towards toddlerhood about a month back, we noticed that eating out was a next to impossible task to accomplish. It is easier to order a take-out and eat peacefully at home while he is playing/sleeping... He started with :

• Getting restless in his baby chair/ stroller
• Banging his toys on the dining table in front of us which invited a few looks from the people dining near us
• Shrieking at the top of his lungs ; and this time EVERYBODY was looking at us, some with sympathy and some with a frown on their foreheads
• Kicking onto the floor newly-bought hot chocolate and caramel macchiato from starbucks which we put on his stroller for about ...3 seconds.
• Which resulted to us vanishing from the scene shamefully.
• Asyraaf is cute...? Think again...* sigh

So we have concluded that Asyraaf is trying to send us this message...

I AM NOW THE ANNOYING TODDLER...SO HEAR ME ROAR...

...goodness gracious, the hardest part is finally here...so help us God...

Here are a few pointers I'd like to share with parents who face the same "Annoying Toddler Syndrome'...

Since we couldn't go to Chili's, we made Chili's come to us

The Dos and Don'ts of Eating Out

Dining out with baby doesn't have to be a disaster. Here's how to put fun on the menu.
Dining out with your little darling? Follow these dos and don'ts to make your meal magnificent (not just for your family, but for your fellow diners too).

DOs :

• Call ahead. This is one situation where you (and the restaurant) won't want surprises. Make reservations, find out the best (read: least busy) times to visit, make sure you can get a high chair, and check the children's menu. (The hostess's response to your queries will also give you a good idea of the establishment's attitude toward babies. If you sense a chilly vibe on the phone, you can expect an equally cool response in person.)
• Ask for an out-of-the-way table. This is not just to stay out of the way of other guests (who will nevertheless appreciate your consideration), but also to give you privacy should you need to nurse. But if you're visiting a spot that has built-in entertainment (flying pizza dough, for example), try to treat your baby to a front-row seat.Serve the little one first. Request that his food be brought out immediately (and be willing to ask for baby-friendly foods that aren't on the menu, such as plain steamed veggies or a fruit plate).
• Keep your diaper bag stocked. Bring a bib (and a spare), plenty of wipes, books, and other distractions, a sippy cup, and snacks (in case nothing on the menu appeals to him).

DON'Ts :

• Linger. Save long, leisurely meals for date night, when your baby's home with a sitter. The longer you take to order, eat, and sip your coffee, while he cools his heels in the high chair, the more you run the risk that he will hit his breaking point (which might become yours as well).
• Forget your fellow diners. If your baby starts to fuss or cry, take him out of the dining room until he calms down. One parent can stroll with him outside the dining room while the other finishes eating, then you can switch. Or ask for your food to go, and finish up at home (you'll still enjoy a nice meal and a clean kitchen!).

GOOD LUCK... :-)