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Family Friendly Restaurants: In and Around Larchmont

You can find the entire list of Larchmont restaurants in the Local Directory

( July 17 ) What makes a great family restaurant experience? It takes some planning and flexibility, but you'll find a number of places in the Larchmont area where you can enjoy a meal, even with active toddlers. Here are some points to consider.

The Equipment

Depending on your requirements, look for highchairs, booster seats, and booths big enough to accommodate them. Is there enough room to negotiate a stroller between tables?

The Wait

Long waits can be a disaster for your evening, especially for kids with short attention spans (probably most kids). A long wait before being seated in addition to further delays for service, and you can expect a few unhappy campers. To avoid delays, try to dine off-hours, let's say a little later for lunch or early for dinner.

The Acoustics

Yes, a lot of background noise can be nerve-wracking, but hearing only YOUR CHILD WHINING in a very quiet dining room is pure stress. So opt for just enough background noise to be covered.

Steer clear of classical notes or easy listening, and find a place that plays rock or golden oldies.

Try one of the Applebee's near Larchmont, in Mamaroneck, (640 E. Boston Post Road,) or another fun spot in New Roc City, (off Main Street in New Rochelle). The music and TV will provide some cover and entertainment. The wait can be trying, though, so go at off-hours. A suggestion: take in an afternoon movie at Regal Cinema and follow with a very early dinner at 4:30 or 5 o'clock.

The Kid's Meal

At Rockwell's (19 Chatsworth) there's an extensive children's menu with interesting items such as fajita's or baby back ribs which come with fries, drink and dessert, all for $5.99. The meals also come with coloring books, crayons, and a plastic take-home cup. They can be a terrific bargain, if your child can manage the portions.

If you have a tiny eater, you might want to share a sandwich or side order of fries. Make sure there is no extra plate charge when eating with your tot. Why pay extra?

Outdoor Dining

Another easy choice for family dinners is a casual restaurant with outdoor dining and a relaxed dress code. After a day at the pool or beach, just don a cover-up, shower later and head to On the Waterfront at 2 Pelham Road in New Rochelle (632-9625). You'll have to travel outside of Larchmont for a water view, but there are similar places on the Sound Shore to watch the sunset without having to change gears.

The Dress Code

This should be casual, of course. Forget your basic black or pearls when dining with grabby babies. In the summer, you can get away with less formal attire for fancier restaurants if you opt for outdoor seating. Even at up-scale Lusardi's (1885 Palmer Avenue) or Lime (154 Chatsworth), you'll find sidewalk diners in shorts seated next to toddlers in strollers.

The Service

Look for restaurants that cater to families. Some restaurants actually serve "family-style" portions, and encourage sharing. Augie's Restaurant at 2417 Boston Post Road is a great family destination. They feature hearty Italian portions for 2-4 and are "kid-friendly" and welcoming. At the home of the "Augie Doggie-bag," you may find you cannot finish the meal at one sitting. Rest assured, there are low-fat and salad choices.

Chinese Restaurants

Chinese restaurants deserve much consideration. Chinese cuisine became so popular with Americans during the baby boom years that many of the menu selections were invented right here in the USA. You don't have to worry about your child using the right utensils. Have you ever seen a knife in a Chinese restaurant?

A very popular local choice is Tung Hoy in Mamraroneck at 1160 Boston Post Road Tung Hoy is loud and boisterous and has tasty food tyou can share, of course. They have been delivering speedy service and your favorite Chinese dishes for years.

Dining "family-friendly" has a downside. Eating with young kids rarely makes for a relaxing or romantic evening out. Yet with a bit of planning, you can enjoy your children and your meal.

Mamaroneck resident Sandy Goodman is a Registered Dietitian and a free lance writer specializing in nutrition, parenting and health.