We've gotta tell you, if we have to go to another American-themed restaurant simply because we've got the kids in tow, we're going to start looking for a flag to burn. Why does parenthood have to mean hot dogs, fries, and limp iceberg lettuce?

It doesn't, not since we've found Kabuki. This perfectly acceptable Japanese restaurant zooms over the top when it comes to the kids. Ours were happily greeted (we even tried a return visit with a large group of parents and tots, to see if the first time was an aberration — it wasn't) and ensconced in a comfy booth with crayons and kid-friendly cups with bendy straws.

The menu at this place is our favorite part: For a more-than-fair price, Junior will get a huge plate of food including a main dish like tempura or teriyaki (or both) and, best of all, a garden salad and fruit salad. The adult selections are wide, whether you choose from the sushi bar or the tamer cooked items.

The kids can't wait to return — and neither can we, a huge feat in family dining. We lift our chopsticks in salute!