Educate their palates: Exposing children early to variety of tastes helps them become more adventurous eaters

Published March 16, 2011 in the Commercial Appeal

There wasn't a single chicken nugget to be found at Juliana Judge's 7th birthday dinner in February. She had a seven-course chef's dinner at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen to celebrate her big day. The menu included gorgonzola sformato soufflé, lamb heart, agnolotti and pheasant confit, green bean tortellini with cheese sauce, Newman Farms pork with risotto in olive sauce, black cod with roasted and pickled cauliflower and chestnut sauce, lamb with roasted root vegetables, fried cherry pie and a milkshake.

Juliana's father, Charles Judge, who is director of client services at Career Talent, reports that she ate everything, but notes that her little sister, Camille, was a bit more reserved. The birthday dinner was actually Juliana's first meal at Andrew Michael. "She has always wanted to go and have their preparation of a Newman Farms pork dish as it's one of her favorite staples at our house," says Judge. "She is also a huge fan of lamb and heard my wife and I talk about how great Andrew Michael prepared it." (Read more).