Can kids sub salad for appy at TS?

[EMom]

I've looked at so many kids' menus that my head hurts.

So many of the appetizers are problematic for DD because she has an orthodontic appliance. (Palate expander with a crib.) There is a long list of what she cannot eat because those foods could bend/break the appliance or the wires that run across the roof of her mouth. Carrot and celery sticks are on that list. Basically, anything very crunchy or chewy. After she got it, it took her 25 minutes to eat a (big) slice of pizza at Sam's because she could only chew it with her front teeth. That's the last time we had pizza at Sam's.

If that were not enough....and shouldn't it be? ....she's lactose intolerant. If she eats a couple of Lactaid chewables, she can have one dairy product a day and I can bet she'll pick ice cream most days. That rules out pizza for an entree, poor kid.

Since carrot/celery sticks are on many menus and they're out, and she'll be sick of fries in no time at all, do you think most TS would sub a plain green salad....just lettuce....for an appetizer? I'm trying to come up with something that is an easy thing for them to sub and is a reasonable request. (Of course, we'd look at the menu to see if there's an appy she CAN order first, like the watermelon at WCC.)

Then there is the ubiquitous ice cream for dessert. Her one lone dairy for the day. If she is pining away for pizza or some entree with dairy, the ice cream is a no go. But looking at all the places we have booked for dinner, she can either have a fruit cup or a cookie or something that she'll eat, so I'm not too concerned about dessert choices. BTW, can someone please tell me what is in a fruit cup? Is there grapefruit?

Thanks a lot. She has to wear this thing for 10 months minimum and we're having to get used to a lot of changes, such as shredded carrots in her school lunch instead of baby carrots. But I had to hunt for tasty lactose free cheese before that, so a mommy does what a mommy has to do. (Finlandia cheese rules! )

 

[atisikitabasket]

I know some TS allow a soup as a app for a kid how old is she if she is 10 or older (I think) she would be considered and adult on the dining plan and she gets to order off the adult menu which in many places offer a salad, soup or like chicken wings and stuff like that. If she is 9 and under some places do have softer food. LeCellier does offer the cheese soup as a kids app. If you don't see anything on the menu then as your server explain the situation about the appliance and restrictions and the lactose and they will peobably bring her out something special. Make sure when you are seated you inform them you have someone dining with resrictions and you might need a little help. Sometimes the chef will come out and discuss what they can do.

Also most of the fruit cups DS got were grapes, cantalope and apples I think.


Have a great trip!!!

 

[salmoneous]

Don't have an answer for you - just want to say "good luck" and point out that you can always trade food with her - i.e. you eat the carrot sticks and give her some of your salad.

 

[EMom]

ACK! I'm not trading a yummy appy for carrot sticks.

She'll be almost 8. We're celebrating her 8th birthday at DW. The fruit cup sounds right up her alley. Thanks for that info on the contents.

Obviously, cheese soup is forbidden due to lactose intolerance. I'm sure she'd love it though. She's a cheese freak. For sympathy, I guess I can just have her open her mouth and show them the lovely metal she is sporting across the roof....sort of shaped like a potato masher. It cost half as much as a trip to DW, so we take great care not to abuse it. The irony is, she really LOVES carrot sticks....

She's not supposed to have popcorn either (too crunchy) but I sometimes let her have a little so long as she sucks it instead of chewing it. Isn't that sad?

 

[Anc96]

Just tell them about your daughter's dietary limitations... I'm sure they will have no problem accommodating them! I have no doubt they'll let your order a salad if that's your choice.. but I'd be surprised if they don't offer more choices.
If you're at Boma.. let them know your daughter's special needs.. I think they will practically jump at the chance to help her out! It's the most awesome place! Not enough good things can be said about their Chefs, TJ & Frank!!

 

[atisikitabasket]

Sorry Emom I guess Cheese soup wouldn't help much unless it was lactose free but I doubt it. Maybe they have another kind like chicken noodle available. Now that I said that I think some place did have chicken noodle soup for a app on the kids meal but I can't remember where. Then again I have been known to imagine things. ha-ha

Hope you all have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[bicker]

The full service TS restaurants are typically VERY accommodating to any special requests like that. Just ask to speak with the chef about her special needs and you'll have no problem.

 

[brymolmom]

If dd wants to get her dairy with pizza one day, don't forget about the yummy and refreshing popsicles you can get from cart vendors for a snack credit. This is a great alternative to ice cream as it cools just as well and it is great. If the dessert where you're eating doesn't offer a lactose-free option, just skip it and hit up a snack cart on your way out.

And, Sorry to state this again, but I think sharing would be your best option at some locations. Many parents are planning to do this if their kids won't 'do' celery and carrots OR if they just think they'll be sick of that option after a day or two. Have you done the DP before? If not - you might not know that it is a TON of food so I doubt you'll mind after the first day or two - giving up some or even all of your app to your dd. No way anyone can eat all of the food themselves - app, entree, dessert without being really stuffed on the way out.

And even if you dd skips the app for some of the meals, she will be full anyway - it's a lot even for kids when you take dessert into account.

 

[EMom]

We did the DP back in the good old days when they let you have WINE for your beverage. Woo-hoo! Back then, we didn't know she was lactose intolerant, she had no metal in her mouth and life was easier. And as far as I can remember, the TS meals were VERY varied for children back then. The child ate like a little queen. She didn't even know what a chicken strip was in March 2005. Not that I paid that much attention....I was too busy guarding my stash of mussels and white wine.