Dining out as a child used to mean chicken nuggets, fish fingers and chips, or spaghetti and meatballs. However, according to new research by OpenTable, children in the UK are developing a taste for the gourmet, with an impressive 80% of British kids now preferring to order food from the adult menu.
More sophisticated palate
The nationwide study by OpenTable revealed that over three quarters (76%) of British parents admit their choosy children eat a much broader range of food than they did when they were young, and prefer the choices that adult restaurant menus offer up.
The survey also found that children are clearly developing a more sophisticated palate, with almost a quarter of child connoisseurs having eaten sushi (24%), while almost one in five have eaten lobster (21%), macaroons (21%) and scallops (22%). Other surprisingly gourmet dishes proved popular, including soufflé (14%), venison (18%) and squid (19%).
Children eating out and costing more
In addition to dining gourmet, parents have also admitted their children eat out more often than they did growing up. On average, UK kids are dining out 2.3 times a month and this habit isn’t wallet friendly as British parents admit to covering the cost of their children’s meal until they’re 18 years of age. With the average spend per child coming out at £12.43 per meal; Brits are potentially forking out £4,803 on their children’s dining, more than they will spend on school dinners throughout their entire compulsory education.
Aubaine takes action
Following the findings, traditional French neighbourhood restaurant Aubaine has decided to re-launch their children’s menu to cater to the increasingly sophisticated tastes of Generation Gourmet. From Monday 7th December children will be able to choose from a delicious and high-quality affordable menu of lobster spaghetti, quinoa superfood salad, crispy fried squid, chicken and avocado sandwich and a selection of macaroons.
Aubaine’s Founder Hani Nakkach said of the re-launch:
“We’re increasingly finding that parents order food for their children from the adult menu in order to give them more choice. Often restaurants underestimate the broad tastes of today’s children and therefore we wanted to revolutionise our children’s menu with an offering you’d be hard pushed to find elsewhere. From OpenTable’s research, it’s clear to see there is a real demand for innovation in this area and we’re excited to see what people think.”
Aubaine’s Generation Gourmet Kid’s Menu
Lobster spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil £9.50
Spaghetti in a cherry tomato and fresh basil sauce £5
Baked salmon, cracked wheat and Mediterranean vegetables with pesto £7.25
Superfood salad with grilled halloumi £5.50
Quinoa, beetroot, roast butternut squash, mung beans, alfalfa, broccoli,
spinach, peas, pomegranate, mixed nuts & seeds
Chicken and avocado sandwich on cereal bread £8
Crispy fried squid, rocket and cherry tomato salad £5.50
Fish goujons, French fries £5
Dessert
Aubaine selection macaroons (x2) £2.50
Seasonal fruits, yoghurt and honey £2.50
Two scoops of ice cream or sorbet £2.50
For more information about Aubaine click here
For more information about OpenTable click here