I just read about An Island Life’s favorite places to eat in Honolulu, so I better share some favorites on our island as well.... Well, except that only one is actually on an island. The rest are on the mainland. But all in the metro Miami area.

Since we don’t, ahem, have a chance to eat out by ourselves much anymore, I’m listing five toddler-friendly places, where people will glance your way -- but not actually ask you to leave -- when they realize one of your sons can channel a T-Rex.

1) Deli Lane: locations in Brickell’s Financial District and near Sunset Place in South Miami. Huge menu – everything I’ve ever eaten there is delicious. Great weekday breakfast specials, outdoor seating. Favorites: Deliccino coffee beverage, pressed duck sandwich, and Swiss apple melt sandwich.  This photo of Jonah's errant foot was taken at Deli Lane last week:

2) Boater’s Grill: overlooks No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne – you can drive, hike, bike, or boat right up to the restaurant. Very casual, fresh seafood. The ceviche and dolphin is always fresh and tasty.

3) La Estancia Argentina: gourmet market offering excellent Argentinean specialties, including wine. The Coral Gables location has big wooden tables that high chairs pull up to nicely. I always get the Lomo sandwich (filet mignon on baguette) with a couple of chicken empanadas as appetizers.

4) Pollo Tropical: many locations all over South Florida. Delicious and kid-friendly Cuban fast-food (but still pretty healthy). We just ate there a couple days ago. Benjamin channeled a T-Rex. People thought the boys were cute anyway. He’s lucky he’s a twin.

5) Sweet Tomatoes: a few locations throughout South Florida. All-you-can-eat salad, soup, pasta, breads, muffins, fruit, frozen yogurt, etc. A wide variety of fresh, tasty food! It’s self-serve so you avoid the dreaded After-Ordering-Food-Wait when you wish it had never occurred to you to have kids.