"The big problem is not the children, but the parents. Insisting that children eat simple things is not education; what we have to do is let them have their own opinion." A lesson from two great restaurateurs on the subject of little guests in restaurants.
Cover photo: Alfredo Caliz
The News
In the world of haute cuisine, bringing children to restaurants can seem like an impossible challenge. Among refined menus and spaces not always designed for little ones, families often struggle. Yet some gourmet restaurants have decided to welcome the little ones with ad hoc gastronomic proposals, proving that even young palates can appreciate culinary excellence.
Even VelascoAbellà, a sign headed by Óscar Velasco and his wife -dessert queen- Montse Abellà, has created a proposal designed to fit children. Let's find out together some restaurants that, according to El Paìs' timely reconstruction, have embraced this philosophy, making the haute cuisine experience more accessible to families.
As mentioned, at the VelascoAbellà restaurant in Madrid, run by Montse Abellà and Óscar Velasco, children are welcomed with open arms. Here, little guests can move freely in a space specially designed for families, where cooking is transformed into an educational game. Dishes are sometimes adapted to children's tastes, without losing sight of the quality of the ingredients: “If someone doesn't like cilantro, we simply omit it,”, says Abellà. But be careful, no exaggeration: it is necessary to prepare the little ones for the experience and allow them to experiment. "We have a large pool of children who are prone to tasting: the big problem is not them, but the parents. Insisting that they eat simple things is not education; what we need to do is let them have their say, let them try, have fun with us." The menu is versatile and seasonal, with prices starting at 26 euros per plate.
Another example: in the Michelin-starred restaurant Arrels in Sagunto, chef Vicky Sevilla has no doubt: children are very welcomed guests. “I have a small child, it would be absurd if I didn't, “ she says. In her restaurant, little customers are invited to try healthy dishes, repurposed from the adult menu. "We don't want to fall into the cliché of chicken and chips," she explains, stressing the importance of educating the youngest about good food. The cost of these dishes ranges between 15 and 30 euros, depending on the meat or fish choices. Otherwise, the restaurant offers a tasting menu with options starting at 65 euros, maintaining a welcoming environment even for those who venture out with children in tow.
More: at Casa Solla, chef Pepe Solla welcomes children with a pragmatic approach. There is no real menu dedicated to the little ones, but the staff is ready to adapt tasting dishes or prepare something special, such as a burger upon request. “There is no point in creating a children's route if the requests are sporadic,” explains Solla, who sees flexibility as the key to satisfying families. The restaurant offers two tasting menus, Trasmallo and Piobardeira, starting at 148 euros, with an offering that celebrates the sea and land of Galicia.
In these restaurants, the idea of educating children about good food is central. It is not just about satisfying a need, but about engaging young customers in a unique culinary experience, opening the doors to a world of flavors, scents and traditions. These chefs, with passion and dedication, prove that haute cuisine is ageless, making their restaurants places where families can enjoy unforgettable moments.
