A few months ago, I went to dinner with my family at Seattle Art Museum's restaurant, Taste. The food was good, although the atmosphere was a little sterile for an intimate dinner, but I had been meaning to go back for lunch with Gub, since the kids' menu is decent. We finally made it over there this week, in the middle of lunch rush, with Gub way past hungry and overtired. We had a lovely time -- seriously. No one batted a lash when I asked for a table for one and a half, and they immediately offered a coloring book with crayons. A clean high chair was produced right away, and Gub sat happily playing with the activity book while we waited to order. The kids' menu keeps it simple, but everything looks well prepared. The options -- PB&J, mac and cheese, hot dog, hamburger, pizza or grilled cheese with tomato soup -- are all five bucks.

Gub's sandwich and soup were delicious, though the soup was way too spicy for her, and this kid loves pepper. When I mentioned that fact to the waiter, he said they had been told that innumerable times, so I don't know what is up with the chefs. She enjoyed dunking the sandwich, but I had to polish off the bowl for her, and even my mouth remained warm after each bite. Even so, I think the kids' menu looks like it would appeal to most young ones.

I enjoyed my soup and salad, which were fresh and flavorful, and we even shared a dessert: the homemade s'mores with salted caramel ice cream hit the right note with both of us. (Translation: Gub had half a graham cracker while I scarfed the rest.) With dessert it was a little pricey for a casual lunch, but the atmosphere was nice, and I felt a little more like an adult than I sometimes do when I am eating out with the babe.

When she isn't writing about kids and families, Lilium Pierson can be found adventuring in Seattle with her young daughter, "Gub." Their favorite activities include library visits, Sundays at the West Seattle farmers market and exploring their neighborhood. Pierson's work has appeared in Seattle Business Monthly.

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