How to properly address the “parent’s dinner.”
- Tyler Goss
- Oct 8, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2019
For some reason in American culture (and quite likely in many others as well) there lives an undeniable staple upon the time of the year when the parents come to town. Perhaps you’ve recently moved away and are pursuing a career out of your hometown. Perhaps you’re a recent college graduate navigating the footholds of post graduation life apart from the guidance of Mom and Dad. Or maybe you still live under your progenitor’s roof and wednesday night has come again and it’s time to find your places in the car while the local Olive Garden quivers in anticipation. Wherever you may be in life, the inevitable parent’s dinner likely plays a role in it. It may not even be your own parents, perhaps you’ve fallen out of touch with them but your roommate’s rents are in town and need a compelling suggestion as to the finest steak or pasta around. Regardless of your status in life, when you’re with parents, you’re likely going to eat. That is why I’ve compiled a guided syllabus through which the Tampa trainee can steer their way to a successful parents-are-in-town dinner.
Avoid “modern”places. Now this rule doesn’t apply to everybody. Some parents are even too hip for their children's taste, and perhaps the more modern atmosphere is what they prefer. But more likely than not, they will prefer a place that offers some level of tranquility, quiet. Often more modern restaurants are loud, with a DJ in the corner, or the inaquous talking between nearby table occupants. This creates a non-ideal talking environment. Now for some this may be, on the contrary, ideal. Perhaps you wish not to hear the ramblings of your parents latest endeavors. Though in my experience parents are more interested in what you have to say than what they do, so it might be worth your time to find a place that allows you to do just that.
Remember, they’re more than likely going to pay. Now I’m not suggesting you take advantage of your parents likely more established financial portfolio, but merely offering that when there comes an opportunity for the “special occasion” meal, you might as well enjoy it thoroughly. Now this does come with a wide spectrum on which a financial status can live. For some, Bern’s steakhouse, a long praised steakhouse off South Howard Ave since 1956, would be a stretch considering their 100+ dollar aged steaks. For others, even Ulele, a newer age, mid to high class restaurant off 7th ave in downtown, which offers prices anywhere from reasonable to high, is even a stretch. But this is not something to deter your decision making, but rather, something to address when deciding. If you know it’s all or nothing, push the envelope, if it’s just your average dinner, make it a great one.
Finally, (and while there is far more to say, you’re more than likely going to have some places already in mind) make sure that the place you’re going fits your parents vibe, for lack of a better term. If they aren’t into all the flash and dining principle that a place like Malio’s, or Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar promotes than perhaps Ciccio Water will suffice. But if you’ve taken nothing else away from this than remember at least this rule, if they offer for you to bring your friends, always accept.
My top 10 suggestions in no specific order.
Ulele $$-$$$$
On Swan $$
SOHO Sushi $$
Bella’s Italian Cafe $$$
River’s Edge $$
Jackson’s Bistro $$$
Colombia Restaurant $$$
Bern’s Steakhouse $$$$
Ciccio Water $$
Boca $-$$$
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