(TriBeCa)

China Blue

135 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013

Tel. 212-431-0111

High Chair/ Stroller Parking

As you might know, we are big fans of dim sum in this household (see here).  That said, we're not always fans of mega chaos (shocking, I know), usually there's plenty of that around the house that generates on it's own.  As hubby says every time I tell him we're doing dim sum, "it's going to be a shambles," he sighs.

So imagine my delight when a colleague recently informed me about China Blue in TriBeCa!!! The name isn't great (Chinese version is better), but inside is evocative of old world Shanghai, all velvet, red lanterns, drapery, and even a mega saxophone to boot.

(Gramercy)

Craftbar

900 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Tel. 212-461-4300

High Chair/ Stroller Parking

Weekend brunching is always a delicate balance between finding the right spot for littles and seeking the most optimal culinary experience for grown-ups.  Lucky for us establishments for Craftbar exists (e.g., just enough sophistication for grown-ups, but without so much fanfare that you need to worry about toting around a mini-me, or two, or three!!).  For info: there are Craft locations in New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles, and Craftbars in New York and Los Angeles.

As it happened… we were a party of seven (four adults, three little ones under the age of three… yeep! That’s right, there were two two-year olds, and one miniature munchkin who’s just about four months old, nutso right, it’s a wonder we even left the house.

That said, the dining experience at Craftbar, fun by the celebrity-TV chef Tom Colicchio à la Tom Chef struck all of the right notes – the food was the right blend of up-market cuisine creativity suitable for your typical foodie, the ambience was slightly upscale/sophisticated but definitely casual, the space was open and very bright (it helped too that we were seated right next to the windows), and the price point was just suitably affordable so as to not scare away your dining companions (though calibrated much higher it might just turn away some!).

(Tribeca)

Tribeca Grill

375 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013

Tel. 212-941-3900

High Chair/ Stroller Parking

After some time away from the NYC scene (we spent much of the winter in Florida, and then spent much of January catching up and coming to terms with it being 2016) – it is officially time to hit the scene back in New York City!

We caught up with some friends of ours over at the Tribeca Grill, which has been a long-standing establishment in the neighborhood best known for Robert De Niro (who is the co-owner).  For some reason, I’ve never been here (strange but true), so when doing my research (our friends lived in the area), it hit me that this would be the perfect venue for a meet-up.  It’s tucked away on Greenwich Street (arguably one of the prettier streets in Tribeca), and boasts some very impressive personal touches. For starters, the exposed brick walls showcase artwork done by De Niro’s father (since my father is an artist, I have a particular affinity towards these fine details).

(Lower East Side)

Konditori

182 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002

Tel. 646-350-3973

We've always had a fondness for our neighborhood coffee shops, and Konditori on Allen is no exception.  It's a charming little nook to pop by for some delicious coffee and pastry.  Note the word Konitori means café/baked goods & confection in Swedish, pronounced “Khan- da- tor- ree.”  Not “Khan-di-tor-rye,” which was apparently how I pronounced it for the very first time, much to hubby’s ceaseless amusement.

(Tribeca)

Tribeca Grand Hotel

2 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013

Tel. 212-519-6677

High Chair/ Changing Table/ Stroller Parking

A friend and colleague recently asked me for brunch recommendations in Tribeca.  Well I say – as far as options go, you are spoiled for choices! (Tribeca being the most baby-friendly neighborhood in all of downtown Manhattan and all).  However, one place that I would always endorse, as you really cannot go wrong any way you slice it, is Sunday brunch at the Tribeca Grand.  With a well-curated, classic American buffet menu that includes both sweets from Doughnut Plant and lox from Russ & Daughters, plus live jazz and complimentary children’s film screening – it really is foodie heaven for both grown-ups and kiddos alike.

(Soho)

Little Prince

199 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012

Tel. 212) 335-0566

Stroller Parking

We swung by the Little Prince (cleverly located on Prince Street) some time ago, right after a fun hour at Baby Disco at La Poisson Rouge (which we recommend that you check out at least once btw!).

I've traditionally had the habit of "cooing" every time I pass by the Little Prince.  Put simply, it’s just got one of these beautiful veneers that draws the ladies in with its “cuteness.”  Perhaps it’s the large open doors, or the white-washed walls, the plants perfectly perched outside, or the staunch commitment to pretty (right down to the clientele).  Whatever the case, I’ve always wanted to venture inside and see what it’s like for myself.

(West Village)

The Happiest Hour

121 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10011

Tel. 212-243-2827

Stroller Parking

Generally speaking, 3-6pm is a big gap to fill for us in the late afternoons… so what better way to occupy the time than with happy hour at the Happiest Hour?  Our friends recommended the new Tulum-inspired cocktail-den/restaurant in the West Village, brought to you by the same folks behind Acme, NoMad, and Pegu Club (aka the dream team).  So off we went – mamma and crew, and I couldn't be happier with our experience there.