Junior's First Oyster

Bluefin tuna tartare, curried corn bisque, and loin of rabbit are not typical lunch fare for a 7-year-old, but that's what youngsters will able to feast on this Friday at the second annual Four Seasons restaurant's "Almost Grown Up Luncheon."

A managing partner of the hotel's restaurant, Alex von Bidder, came up with the idea for the luncheon to introduce local children ages 5 to 14 to haute cuisine. "This is an opportunity for a young girl or a young boy to taste his or her first oyster or duck," he said, of the sold-out luncheon.

The 223 people who registered for the occasion can enjoy selections from the restaurant's à la carte menu, which includes a $32 bison carpaccio appetizer, and a $55 sirloin steak with béarnaise or green peppercorn sauce.

A mother from Ridgewood, N.J., Joan Avegliano, brought her twin sons, Peter and James, to the luncheon last year when they were 8 so they could taste cuisine beyond finger foods. "It's very difficult with young children to do that, but I believe they tried the salmon — and they loved it," she said.

Still, for those youngsters who are not quite ready for such fancy fare, there will be a few menu additions, such as spaghetti with red sauce and a plain hamburger.