Moms and Dads, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, Aunts and Uncles. They take kids to all kinds of places. And, there are all kinds of "Take Your Kid to ____" days out there throughout the country. Some of them include: work/office, zoos, ball games, camps, movies, fishing, car shows, golf courses, concerts, theaters, colleges, lakes, parks... you get the point.
Well, what about making it a point to take a kid to a Meat and Three restaurant, cafe or diner? Either as the main course, so to speak, or as part of a trip to one of the previously mentioned places. As summer is nearing and the kids are getting out of school, you are bound to go "somewhere" in the next few months, and you will most likely need to eat on the way to or from your destination. So, why not add a little "
meat and three" to your trip and introduce the kids to one of these great little spots?
A meat-and-three restaurant can be a fun place to take the kids, especially the meat and threes that have some character to them, either in the building itself or the decor. They are sometimes located in unusual places, like an old industrial building or a little shack by the tracks. Many of them have interesting and/or unusual pictures or sayings on the walls, or old knick-knacks from days gone by, which can be great entertainment for the kids. And, you do not typically have to worry too much about bringing the kids to most of them because they are generally not too fancy ... and kids are almost always welcome. Kid's plates are generally cheaper and offer smaller portion sizes, so you won't be wasting much money or food. If a particular meat and three does not offer a kid's plate, just ask them. They may be able to work something out for you. Or, just add a vegetable or two "a la carte" and ask for an extra plate.
Sure, kids love fast food, and it is often much easier to just hit the drive-through or pop in to a fast-food chain and eat a quick burger and fries. I have been there with my three kids, so I know the drill.
But, think of what you and the kids are missing. Think of the memories you can make and even some history that can be taught while visiting a meat and three restaurant. They provide a great setting, given the type of food that is served, to reminisce a little about the food that you had when you were a kid. Maybe recall some meals that your grandma and/or mom used to make for you. Those times are great opportunities for stories - ways to pass along a little of the family heritage with edible object lessons right in front of you.
So, whether you visit the little cafe or diner a few blocks over, or make a few turns off the beaten path to visit a meat and three, in coordination with a short day trip,
make sure the kids are part of the plan. Take an extra 30 minutes to enjoy some great down-home, southern comfort food, and make some memories for your kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews. You will be glad you did, and your kids will develop memories that they will treasure in the years to come. You can find several hundred meat-and-three restaurants on
MEATandTHREE.com, the internet's first and only web site devoted exclusively to "one meat and three sides/veggies" restaurants.
Most humble regards,
Phil (mn3guy)
