Restaurant partner Hank Clark of Marlow’s Tavern isn’t surprised when he overhears kids asking a server, “What is the amuse bouche today?” The rise of celebrity chefs and cooking shows on TV has exposed more children to the world of cuisine.

“Kids understand more than ever and they’re watching dishes come together in high def,” Clark said. “Of course there are still plenty of chicken-tenders-only kids. So, menu customization is important for children who dine out, too.”

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The kid’s salmon plate at Marlow’s Tavern is served with broccoli and fruit salad.

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Clark, the father of five children ranging from 17 years to six months, led the redevelopment of the children’s menu at Marlow’s Tavern, which has six Atlanta-area locations. You’ll find the usual favorites such as hamburgers, pizza and fish sticks. But look closer and you’ll see the hamburgers are small slider sized, the pizza is on whole wheat pita bread with house-made marinara sauce, and the fish sticks are tempura-battered strips of tilapia. Side dishes of fresh fruit, smaller salads and fresh steamed vegetables are available, too. And for those food-savvy kids looking to sample dishes off the adult menu, Marlow’s offers pint-sized portions of some entrée items (such as grilled salmon with steamed broccoli and flatbread) at kids’ menu prices.

Healthy ideas for kids

• Skip the sodas. Ask for lowfat or nonfat milk. Or make your own special “soda” by asking for a combination of orange juice with club soda. Marlow’s bartender added a dash of antioxidant rich pomegranate juice for an even more festive look.

• Good things in small packages. Every bite counts and every bite should be delivering healthy nutrients for young bodies and minds. Filling up on tortilla chips or fried appetizers before the “real food” arrives is a bad habit for two reasons: they’ll often consume too many calories and they won’t have room for the healthy items. Order a side order of fruit or cut-up vegetables right away to keep them occupied and contribute to the minimum five servings of produce they need per day.

• Mind your manners. Dining out is a social occasion, so it’s a good time to teach how to act in a crowd. “Let your kids know what behavior is expected,” says Sanna Delmonico, a childhood nutrition specialist and registered dietitian. “Of course it is hard to be quiet and sit still, but restaurants are good places to practice ‘indoor voices’ and try out grown-up table manners.”

Carolyn O’Neil is a registered dietitian and co-author of “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!” E-mail her at carolyn(at)carolynoneil.com.