by Brie For a long time we never ventured out to restaurants with our kids. When the boy was a baby, the girl was two and in that stage where she never wanted to sit quietly. Now that she is almost four she is a perfect restaurant companion. It is her little brother who won't sit still for longer than he has too.

We have started eating out anyway, but we are careful in choosing our locations. Food courts are great for a quick meal. I avoid any where with table clothes. And my restaurant of choice is always The Green Door.

Located at 198 Main Street in Old Ottawa East, The Green Door is perfect for kids. The wait time to eat is only as long as it takes to serve yourself from the buffet and pay which means kids aren't cranky by the time the food hits the table. There are always a few dozen different dishes to choose from, guaranteeing that there will be something that every family member will like. The options are healthy and made, when possible, with locally grown ingredient so you can feel good about what you are feeding your kids.

On our last visit the kids ate some of their favorites. The girl loves the spanakopita and will eat an entire one herself.