A huge thank you to Stef and Lisa of Happy Parents BC for the feature on their guest blog post on Modern Mama Fraser Valley!
FROM www.modernmama.com/guest-blogger-5-baby-friendly-dining-options-in-the-fraser-valley/:
Guest Blogger: 5 Baby-Friendly Dining Options in the Fraser Valley
"We welcome guest bloggers Stefany and Lisa Lavik. These lovely ladies are the people behind Happy Parents BC. They are on a mission to make eating out accessible and affordable for young families. They believe in the importance of the family meal, and aren’t willing to sacrifice on flavor or fun. Join them to find more ways to “drink in the moments” of family life in and around the Fraser Valley! You can find them on Instagram and at www.happyparentsbc.ca
Before kids, eating out is simple. You’re free to go where you please, when you please. But have you thought about where you’ll be able to eat when your little bundle arrives? Are you destined for a life of take-out and “traditionally kid friendly” restaurants? Eating out with your baby may be a daunting thought for you, but we’re here to put your mind at ease. We’re Stef and Lisa and not too long ago we were right where you are, but we’ve discovered that although parenthood changes many things, there’s no reason you can’t still eat incredible food at fun, cool places. Here are a few of our baby-approved favourites to get you out of the house, and feeling like your old self again:
Food, games, fun, family. That’s what the Raving Gamer’s all about, and that’s why it’s the perfect place for a meal out with your new baby! In fact, this should be the first place you go if you’re feeling nervous about baby being baby at a restaurant. Here’s why!
First, Kathy. She’s an owner, manager, server, and host. But more importantly, she was a preschool teacher for 25 years, only leaving to pursue the dream of Raving Gamer with her husband, also chef, Ken. Kathy has a soft spot for the little ones and welcomes them with open arms. She’s spared no detail to make families comfortable. She’s even customized 2 high chairs to fit exactly at table height so your baby can be part of the fun. There’s adjustable booster seats to grow with your baby, special toys and blocks for little ones to enjoy (sanitized after every use for the next set of grubby hands), a great kid’s menu with some healthy options, and of course a change table.
Still nervous that your baby will fuss, or make too much noise? Fear not! This isn’t just a restaurant; this is a gaming café and being a little on the loud side is absolutely acceptable (some games demand it). They’ve got a massive selection of games to play, and will recommend a fit for your family and walk you through how to play (so don’t let the baby brain stop you!). This saves so much time and energy and if you are anything like us… it prevents a few arguments. 😉
Eating out in a comfortable environment for your new family should not require you to sacrifice good food. This is where Chef Ken step’s in. He’s passionate about family’s unplugging and connecting over a board game and a delicious, locally sourced meal. He takes his job seriously and has created a menu that pleases foodies and families alike (PS the fryer is gluten friendly and the entire menu is completely nut free). You know a chef means business when they have their own in-house smoker! We highly suggest anything smoked on this menu. Try the margarita pizza with handmade crust and smoked tomatoes, the juicy Water Buffalo burger (locally sourced from Abbotsford) with double smoked bacon, or smoked tomato soup… you get the idea. Next visit we’re trying the smoked olives.
Just looking for a drink and a snack? They’ve got a full bar stocked with locally sourced beer, wine and spirits and just recently started a happy hour. For snacks we highly recommend the 1,2, or 3lb hand cut fries with “butta-shoyu” sauce and Japanese seasoning-it is oh so good. Or how about a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies?
It won’t be long before your baby will be ready for their own meal, and you’ll be happy to clean up any leftovers here! The kids “I don’t care” Mac & Cheese is most definitely baby approved, and is made with real cheese sauce. Mom and Dad will have to fight to get a taste (seriously). The “I don’t know” grilled cheese is ooey, gooey perfection. We may have stolen a bite from our baby to dip in the smoked tomato soup. The kid’s menu also has a wonderful healthy “I’m not hungry” grilled chicken breast option with salad or fries (FYI kid’s fries don’t have the spicy seasoning unless requested-but our kids love it!).
Give yourself a break and try out The Raving Gamer. Thanks to Kathy, Chef Ken, and their amazing team, you’re sure to have a great time."