National's Ballpark

My mama's eyes anally scan the menu last night at Nationals' ballpark. She really struggles to eat at a place like this. Which then again also seems to be the point of a place like this.

Nationals' ballpark is a great place for families, even babies. Children under 2 are not required to have a ticket to enter. To the right of the gate they have a well-choreographed Concierge Service who will check your stroller, backpack, breast pump, whatever you don't want to bring to the seats. Check out their site for more info.

Also if it is your first game, go to the office to the right of the stroller check where you will be presented with your very own First Baseball Game Certificate (Moms and Dads, I challenge you to find a baby book or some other way to save this gigantic piece of paper). Needless it is a special keepsake, and if you are older than me, an award you are at least cognizant of "winning"(?).

As for food, turns out with a little preparation everyone can food, drink and baseball. While the Little Rookies food stand to the left of the entrance offers slightly smaller portion sizes, the hot dogs, pizza, soda and popcorn were still out of my league, so Mom had packed me a bagel, blueberries and a Plum Organics. Food was used as both nutrition and an activity which kept me entertained for a good two innings. Dad in the meantime went with a Ben's Chili Bowl half smoke chili dog and beers for Mom and him.

Next time they at least owe me a hot dog.

Learn ABOUT ME and check out some of my BEST PRACTICES for eating out.

Rasika: Fine dining for parents

Believe it or not, I dared even Rasika West End (1190 New Hampshire Avenue, NW/Foggy Bottom metro). I arrived in a stroller and left in a Moby, and the dining experience was unanimously pleasant for my mom and two friends.

There was a little panic when I awoke from my nap, but as an overall experience, certainly better than sitting at home watching Modern Family re-runs.

I was eight weeks old and had eaten a big meal prior to the walk there. When I did wake up in my stroller, Mom whisked me off to the spacious Ladies' (albeit sans changing table) to transfer me to the Moby where she wrapped me tightly and bounced me back to sleep.

In addition to being Mom's favorite DC restaurant, the up-scale Rasika is remarkably baby-friendly. Tables are spaced wide distances apart allowing for easy stroller maneuvering. There is quite a bit of background noise, making the random scream, moan or babble indistinguishable. The hosts and wait staff are unpretentious and amenable as well. When I arrived, they escorted us to a convenient, spacious table with ample space to park my stroller. A waiter even offered my mama a pillow. That would have made nursing even easier in their already-comfortable chairs.

Why mention if I didn't even nurse? Knowing I can nurse at any second definitely takes the edge off me and more so my mama. She never wants to be caught in a social situation where she can't give me exactly what I want the moment I want it. Otherwise it can spiral into ugly very quickly.

Back to Rasika. Another added bonus - as I scoped out the joint, not one dirty look from employees or fellow patrons. And I even saw two other kids. Good for their parents and their palate.

I'd actually be curious to return as a toddler to test out the high chair situation and explore the menu a little more in detail. I mean the naan, vegetable biryani and chickpeas would probably work, but what about the chutneys? Would my parents' favorite okra dish and scallop appetizer be too adventurous?

I guess I need to go back....