Don't have the most adventurous eaters? Don't worry -- they won't starve.
Dealing with picky little eaters can be frustrating, but when you are immersed in an amazing food culture it can be downright maddening. Here are some tips for making making sure that your kiddos get out of their chicken finger/mac-and-cheese/butter noodle comfort zone.
Snack, snack, snack: While I find grocery shopping at home to be tedious, there's something charming about food shopping in a different country. Pop in and let your child choose a snack or two to help curb the hangries later in the day.
Keep an eye on the clock: There's nothing more difficult than dealing with hungry kids and adults when you've stretched your day a bit further than expected and are hitting lunch and/or dinner later than anticipated. Adjust your sightseeing to build in time to eat, and be aware of local customs regarding dining. For example, in many northern European countries (Ireland, England, Germany, Austria, etc.), locals eat dinner on the earlier side -- 6pmish, while in Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, etc.), dinner is eaten much later. This can be a challenge with small children, but we've found that if we adjust naps to be later in the day, we can still enjoy a meal out.
Sharing is caring: Let's be realistic -- sometimes it's not worth falling on your sword over noodles. When we've experienced pushback from our kiddos about trying new foods, we occasionally have success convincing one of them to order something new and then the other will share the more familiar dish. We've also encouraged them to try a bite or two from our dishes. For example, our oldest tried steak tartare, foie gras and escargot while in Paris. Never would he have ordered that himself, but he was game to try a bite or two. The same trick got him to try liver dumpling soup in Salzburg--which he loved instantly! Now he'll order liver dumpling over just about any other soup.
Bar bites: Whether you find yourself in Galway, Rome or Munich, bar culture is undeniable -- coffee, tea or beer/wine. Don't be afraid to pop in for a needed pit-stop and enjoy not only a drink but a quick bite to eat. If you're traveling when the weather is comfortable, these establishments often have ample outdoor seating. They also generally serve small bites -- pastries, small sandwiches, sausages, cheese plates, etc. -- that you can easily stretch into a meal or help tide you over until lunch or dinner. Here are some AK favorites:
Il Piccolo, Rome
All'antico Vinaio, Florence
Andechser am Dom, Munich
Mamie Gateaux, Paris
Poulaillon, Colmar (Alsace, France)
Osteria al Portego, Venice
Osteria della Suburra, Rome
All of these are ideas, but you know best what will work for your family. Encourage your kiddos to try new things, but know that kids in all cultures can be difficult eaters so take comfort in that. As my grandmother would say repeatedly -- mangia, mangia, mangia.
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