Gwyneth does something useful

Thank you, Gwyneth for doing a Goop list of kid-friendly restaurants. I'm going to print it out and keep it with me always so that I will know which restaurants to avoid. I always find that I have a better chance of keeping my food down when I'm not confronted by toddlers sticking aparagus spears up their snotty noses.

How often do we long to take our kids somewhere where the food is as good for us as it is for them? I have experienced one too many gut bombs while my kids happily munch away on their themed pizza. I have almost lost it trying to make them sit still while I partake in something more grown-up. Below you will find a few real finds, restaurants that are good for them and delish for us. Bring the mini-pack of colored pencils and order a real drink. So that's how parents do it. They get drunk while watching their kids eat. It explains a lot. Here’s to togetherness. Yes, my favourite thing.

New York, Sweetiepie: I begin this letter with Sweetiepie, my new favorite find for grown-up/kid hybrid paradise. This place harkens back to the days of Rumplemeyer’s (an old, elegant, ice cream parlor/lunch spot on Central Park South). My kids were in heaven with the menu (tater tots, pancakes, the biggest ice cream sundae on the planet) and so was I (chopped salad, gravlax, beet risotto). They tie balloons to the kiddies’ chairs and have a full bar. Heaven. Or as some of us call it: Hell.

New York, Alice’s Tea Cup: Although I have never been here myself, my fellow mothers love the friendly atmosphere, delicious lunches and yummy cakes. So, really, you don't know. It could be total poop. Which rhymes with Goop, come to think of it.

Los Angeles, Hugo’s: Hugo’s is an L.A. staple. A perfect combo of organic, healthy food, an expansive kids’ menu and a relaxed atmosphere makes it the ideal family outing. They always bring crayons and paper to the table too. That's great. The kids prefer those to the organic, healthy food. Everybody wins.

Santa Monica, Giorgio Baldi: Giorgio’s is one of Los Angeles’ best restaurants. I swoon over the polenta, the tuna carpaccio and the fresh handmade ravioli, not to mention the Dover sole and langoustine pasta. It is owned and run by an Italian family, so children are always on the scene. Bring your own crayons. To stick in your ears.

Chicago, The Athenian Room: The Athenian Room is fantastic, super kid-friendly, and casual. It attracts a nice family crowd and has the most outrageous Greek food – spanakopita, Greek salads, tzatziki and the best cheeseburger in town. Yes, that sounds crazy outrageous. I wish I could experience outrageous food like that.

Chicago, Uncommon Ground: Situated near Wrigley Field, Uncommon Ground serves mostly organic and local fare. Their other location on West Devon Avenue has a rooftop organic garden where kids can take classes on urban agriculture. If I had a nickel for every time I've head a child plead with their parents to please let them learn about urban agriculture...

Next week we get insider beauty tips for both men and women alike from the pros. Here is one: Always have a make-up artist on call. Easy. I don't understand why everyone doesn't do it.