So "Bill" me will you? or 10 things that worked in our family restaurant dinner

Eating out in a restaurant with gorgeous but small children is enough to strike fear into the hearts and minds of even the most stoic of parenting adventurers. Throw in autism with sides of a very limited diet and sensitivity to crowds and noise and you have a recipe for a less than relaxing evening.

Unless, you find the right place. And find the right place we have. *

On Sunday we had a dining experience at our local Taco Bill restaurant and it was a huge success. Huge success as in happy kids eating and happy parents eating too. So here are the 10 things that worked about our Taco Bill's experience:

1. The welcome - the restaurant manager James greeted us like we were old friends, he found out the kids names and exchanged high fives with them.

2. The table. At 5pm on a Sunday night the restaurant was very quiet and we were able to choose our table. The table chosen by the Batsman was next to a window with a very conveniently located train line. We love to watch the trains and the Bowler had a stellar viewing position from his high chair.

3. The ambiance. There was music playing but it wasn't intrusive and even added to the experience of eating our family Mexican. Places with really loud music are way too overwhelming for the Batsman, you can see it in his eyes. He was happy, relaxed and chatty.

4. The entertainment. The very lovely James provided little entertainment bags from here filled with crayons, stickers, paper to draw on and colouring in sheets. Instant hit.

5. The service. Orders taken quickly, food and drinks arrived quickly and we were told, "have a good time, don't worry about the mess, that's our job". You gotta love that.

6. The food. The boys demolished chicken nuggets, wedges, and cheesey nachos. It was appealingly presented and tasty. The proof is in the eating.

7. The drinks. The Batsman and the Bowler shared a lovely caramel milkshake which was not overly sweet. There are some seriously sugary drinks on the menu at Taco Bill so buyer beware on that front.

8. Did I mention the trains going past the window every few minutes?

9. The IPod packed in my bag helped the Batsman make it through the last ten minutes of the dining experience. Angry Birds anyone?

10. The take-home gift and the good bye. There was a little toy to take home for both boys and a personal goodbye from James. The boys talked about him on the way home, such was the impression he made.

While we sat and ate our dinner, the Captain and I talked about how happy we were to be able to share dinner out as a family, with the two lights of our lives. It's something we hope to do more as they grow and we get better and better at reading the Batsman's cues that he is feeling overwhelmed. It all just worked tonight and while we know that not every family restaurant meal will be peaceful and successful,, we have had a lovely window into what's possible.

We have been so completely impressed by our Taco Bill experience. That's why I am blogging about it. This post is completely unsolicited and there is no benefit to Segovia in it being written.
I believe in credit where credit is due.

So Taco Bill Kensington and James. Thank you. You made our weekend.

What has been your most successful dining experience? Do you have any tips for making it all work? Where do you go to eat with your kids?

*unsolicited review