lettertowaiter

By Asha Jameson for Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers

To My Waiter,

Thanks for working tonight and I'm sorry you're waiting on people instead of enjoying a meal out yourself! Oh, and sorry to have caused that little grimace on your face when you saw me and my baby at your table.

I'm a complete and utter foodie AND a new mother. I'm also an ex-waitress of 15 years. Let me assure you, I've read everything and will DO everything to make sure this experience is pleasant for you, me and the people around us.

I've made sure she's not tired. I've made sure she's not hungry. I've brought a plethora of toys, books and other distractions with me. If she melts down, I will leave, and most importantly, I have chosen this restaurant carefully! And while I don't agree that babies should be banned from fancy restaurants, like the chef for Alinea in Chicago expressed on Twitter, I definitely know which restaurants will work for us, and which won't.

Hope you don't think I'm rude, but here are some suggestions that might make this a little easier on everyone, including you…

1) Please bring me a menu right away, not 15 minutes after I've sat down. I only have approximately 17 minutes total, so that can make the difference between a smooth and enjoyable meal, and having to spend your time packing up untouched food to go!

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