FOOD: Going to the Dogs
By Kathleen Nixon
October 26, 2012
Falls Church Times Staff
As has been shared in many of the comments of the articles over the last few months, there is a very strong interest to bring Man (or woman’s) Best Friend with us on our dining excursions. While this is readily acceptable throughout Europe, America is still playing catch up. There are many cities and communities that are extremely dog friendly, while others are not. Alexandria – Del Ray in particular — and Arlington boast many dog friendly restaurants and retail venues.
I have been dining with my dogs for 10 years all throughout the US and find it very relaxing and enjoyable when I am at an establishment that is accepting of dogs. However there are challenges that we need to address which focus more on the people aspect rather than the canine. Dogs are easily trainable, people not so much, so it is usually more the owners who create a problem than the canine who is just following their owner.
Some simple rules about dining with your dog:
- Please be sure your friend has done his/her “business” at home before you take them out.
- Please be sure you have fed and watered your dog before going out.
- Make sure that your dog is comfortable in crowded noisy environments.
If you are someone who is near a dog that is joining his people for a meal, please remember to ask before approaching the dog rather than running up to the canine friend saying “oh what a cute puppy”. I share these tidbits for everyone’s dining pleasure.
There are several dining establishments in and around The Little City that I have found to be a wonderful experience for me and my puppy, Bentley.
Argia’s has a nice patio and they do bring a water bowl out for you.
Clare and Don’s does have a hamburger and rice available for canine guests. Lunch has worked out better for us rather than happy hour and dinner just because of the crowd and music.
MadFox Brewery will allow dogs only on the patio outside the chain.
Pizzeria Orso has a nice patio that has lots of room which is more comfortable for Bentley and other customers who are on the patio and may not be dog friendly. Chef Will is the only chef I know of who has several rescue dogs, and Bentley loves the pizza crusts.
Buzz Bakery and Café is nice for a coffee and scones for humans while puppies can munch on carrot, peanut butter, low fat cream cheese and bacon muffins.
Le Marché is a nice walk from our house for Bentley and he loves the international flavor along with a nibble of croissant and ham and cheese omelet.
By Kathleen Nixon
October 26, 2012
Big smile, tail wag. “Got the list. Finally I know where to herd my two-legged cows to so that I can keep tabs on them — and dine out, too.” — Shiloh (Australian cattle dog).
No dogs here but I guess dogs on a patio would be ok. I do not think dogs should be allowed inside a restaurant except, of course, service dogs.
TFC,
There are plenty of restaurants that need service dogs to improve their poor service.
LOL
Here in Austria dogs are welcome inside many (non-grocery) stores and restaurants, as well as on public transportation. I think the “Dogs Welcome/Dogs Not Welcome” issue is mostly one of personal responsibility; a well behaved dog is far less bothersome to me than an unruly child. A dog lying quietly beneath a restaurant table next to mine (or under mine, if it’s our Foxhound) makes for a far more enjoyable dining experience than does a bratty child making noise while I try to enjoy my meal. (On an aside, I’ve seen more dog water bowls in restaurants here than I have children’s menus!)
There is a cleanliness component, to be sure, and so there are dog hitching posts outside the grocery stores and butcher shops. And, maybe because there are so few chain restaurants here, the decision of whether dogs are permitted is more personal rather than corporate (although I have seen dogs in line with their owners at the McDonald’s and Starbucks here.)
Finally, the presence of so many dogs in public here really makes for a friendlier environment. As my dog stops to socialize with a passing canine, I’ve been more likely to exchange a pleasantry with its owner. Perhaps Falls Church could experiment with “Bring Your Dog With You” Day? Who knows what changes that might bring about.
seriously, follow the rules of health and safety, leave your mutt at home.
(considering, many dog owners in this city are without a clue and most should NOT have a animal in the first place.)