A Boston adventure with Colin

When my first born grandson, Colin, was a little boy about four, we were visiting the city of his birth, Boston.  We had walked the city, end to end, enjoying Colin's vibrant personality.  There's an old country rule, speak to everyone you meet.  This is not necessarily true in larger cities. Colin's gregarious personality was so endearing.  He would walk down Tremont Street,Newbury Street, Union Park; checking out everything and speaking to anyone making eye contact.  Failing to get eye contact, he would sometimes stretch as far as he could from the hand holding him..."Hello," he would brightly speak to some hurried person.  He would engage in conversation if the person responded, if they did not and kept moving he would say, Mommie, that guy was rude, he didn't say hello.  Colin would ask questions, give answers and always amaze the unwitting participant with his polite manners. Nice to meet you, he would say at the end of his interview. 

On this particular weekend in Boston, my son suggested we all go to brunch.  He had in mind to take us to a gospel singing brunch......This proved to be one of the most exciting meals we ever had in Boston.  Boston restaurants have been among my top table experiences in the ten+ years we've been visiting our family in New England.  This restaurant was not a hidden jewel but a most touted place to have Sunday brunch. We walked across town and fell into a rather  long line....Colin was ready for breakfast and clearly  undecided about long waits.  We were moved along rapidly to a spot in line near the front entrance.  By that time, we could hear the music and see inside.  Colin was enthralled.  He was greeted and treated to everything this establishment had to offer.  

We took turns eating and taking Colin up close to the performers.  Colin was such a hit, with his curly red hair and blue eyes.......the performers would wave and wink, dedicating their  full attention on this fun loving little boy.  If I remember correctly, the food was good, but the experience was great. We left with goodbyes of great gusto.  I haven't thought of that morning for years, but yesterday when WFS and I were out doing our assorted Sunday fun things, we stopped by our friends(and a favorite), restaurant, The PATRON, for brunch. A mere stroll around the corner from our home, it is a very, very good restaurant. To our surprise, my blogging partner and his family were there enjoying French Toast and the fried egg sandwich.  The Patron does a biscuit and chorizo gravy that is killer.  I am not reviewing the food.  This blog is about kids and restaurants. It makes me appreciate the places that do a great job with food and can accommodate kids.  The three year old diner was right at home, although I might add she is a very seasoned traveler and foodie.  My other grandson, age almost seven, loves the Patron, Amber makes him a special pizza each time we go to visit. This is a blog about the pleasure of dining with kids.  Often maligned, and sometimes deservedly so, children are hard acts in the dining world.  But if you can find a gospel restaurant on a crisp autumn morning or a brunch served by skilled hands using fresh, local ingredients and the kids are welcome.........then, as a grandmother to all three of the above mentioned young diners, you've had a perfect day.