Smorgasburg is our absolute fave food market every year — not just because the 100 or so vendors are local and absolutely delish, but also because it’s literally in our backyards. A quick stroll and we are able to grab a tasty lunch or snack on the Brooklyn waterfront — not a bad view either.
This year, the location has changed (it’s now located at Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park), but the vibe and food remains the same. We stopped by on opening day to pick up our favorite Dough doughnuts, and also a corn on a stick — which Missy E absolutely loved, by the way.
Plan to get there when it opens or in the late afternoon for less queuing. If you arrive at peak lunch time you’ll spend most of your day in a line for that Buttermilk Channel fried chicken. At least there are plenty of playgrounds nearby to let the kids run around while you’re lining up!
In our Brunch Special posts, we bring you local moms who are leaders in their fields, and ask them how they navigate the food scene in New York City with their kids.
This week’s Brunch Special is courtesy of Ann Cantrell, who is well-known around Brooklyn as the owner of the adorable corner store, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, in Boerum Hill. Ann and her husband, Rob Cantrell, are parents to Charlotte (whom they call Coco), who will be turning two in July. Ann has lived in Brooklyn Heights for eight years, so she’s a local with some great insights into where to take kids in the neighbourhood.
We caught up with Ann to talk about eating out at restaurants with Coco, and some of her favorite local places to grab a bite.
Where do you like eating out with Coco?
“We don’t go out to eat a ton,” says Ann, “but our first outing was a good place to phase in to it – we went to the Lobster Shack down at the Dumbo Pier when we had relatives visiting when Coco was a month old”.
Does it get easier to take Coco to restaurants as she gets older?
As Coco gets older, Ann says she finds eating out with her both easier and harder, at the same time. “This weekend we went to Iris Cafe (one of my favorites) but they don’t have high chairs so Coco was sitting on the chair by herself,” says Ann. “I also had her on my lap – she got really squirmy and rolled off! Ouch!”.
Ann and Coco.
Favourite kid-friendly local hangout?
“We go to Clark’s (a diner on the corner of Clark and Henry in Brooklyn Heights) a lot because they are sooo nice and good to kids,” says Ann. “They’re very helpful, entertaining and patient.”
Fave kid-friendly pizza?
“We eat a ton of pizza in the Cantrell House so we have been to almost every pizza place in NW Brooklyn,” Says Ann. “One of our favorites for an upscale pizza outing is Dellarocco’s on Hicks off of Montague.”
Fave kid-friendly treats?
The Cantrells love their sweets. “One Girl Cookie, Betty’s Bakery, and my husband loves Crumbs because it’s never crowded,” says Ann. “We just went to The Treats Truck in Carroll Gardens for the first time. It gets four thumbs up from me and Coco! More than anything, I liked that there was a place for kids to play.”
What are some of your favorite family eating traditions?
Ann and her family are huge pizza lovers, so her fave family eating ritual is eating out at Monty Q’s for lunch every Saturday. “I like their artichoke slices, but mostly we stick to cheese,” says Annie.
What is your favorite spot for special family occasions?
“If we have friends in town we go to Clarks or Iris for breakfast and then somewhere chill for lunch,” says Ann. The family also cooks a lot at home and love to make big family meals at their apartment.
“My husband makes amazing banana pancakes for yummy brunches, and I love to cook too so we usually have our big, special meals at home,” says Ann. She also finds that eating at home with visiting family makes it easier for Coco too, as Ann finds that she doesn’t eat as much when they’re out (except for pizza!). “We actually had several conversations before Coco was born about taking kids out to eat and we do it for sure,” says Ann, “but we’ll do it a lot more when she is older and can sit and be an active participant in our convos and truly enjoy the experience”.
Number one tip for other parents when eating out with kids?
“Going out to eat is a special occasion so I try to emphasize that to Coco,” says Ann. “I don’t really bring a lot of crazy toys or anything, but instead try to include her in our conversations and keep her entertained that way.” Ann also says that keeping the meals short is key, “and it always helps to start with some Cheddar Bunnies as an appetizer!” she adds. “My friend said wallets work really well for entertaining, we’ll need to try that,” says Ann. “And as I was reading in one of Alexis’ posts too, if all else fails, there’s always the iPhone!”
What’s your must-have item for restaurant outings with Coco?
“One thing I always have with me for outings of all kinds are our Tegu Blocks,” says Ann. “They’re magnetic wooden blocks and Coco is obsessed! They’re fun for adults to play with too. They come in a felt pouch and are easy to pop in your purse, pocket or diaper bag. Several customers asked me for them before we started carrying them (they told me you can keep a toddler occupied for a full meal with them, it’s true!).”
If you’re in Brooklyn, be sure to check out Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for loved ones – or for yourself!
Something miraculous happened over winter. Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park, opened to the public on a suitably arctic day, too cold for most New Yorkers to check it out.
We had a chance to take a look soon after it opened, and fell in love with the sweet little toddler play area, perfect for kids Cheese’s age (she’s currently 19 months old).
New playground at Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
As well as the little toddler area, there is a playground for slightly older kids, with a spiders web to climb.
Not a bad view. Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The new pier also features a 200,000 square feet sporting field and a picnic peninsula with tables, grills and umbrellas for some much needed shade come summer.
What to eat: After Memorial Day weekend, Prospect Heights’ Ample Hills Creamery will be serving crazy flavours like Maple Baon and Ooey Goey Butter Cake at the pier. You’ll also be able to walk to Pier 6 next door and grab a slice of pizza from Fornino, who are opening up for the season. Enough of this cold already, bring on the summer!
The River Deli is run by Sardinian expats Giovanna Fadda and her husband, Andrea Mocci. It’s a cosy, family-oriented restaurant, serving delicious, pan-regional Italian food.
We weren’t thrilled about leaving our stroller on the sidewalk, but we sat by the window so we could keep an eye on it and had no problems.
The food was really tasty, the staff friendly, and the baby happily entertained by other local families sitting around us. She made new fans, we had a great brunch – a winning situation all around.
Please, sir, can I have some more?Traditional Sardinian breakfast dish. Yum!
Highchairs: Yes. Stroller storage: Strollers are parked out the front. There is no room inside for strollers. Easy access: Yes – wide entrance door and one step in. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
River Deli
32 Joralemon Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 254 9200
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm–11pm Sat-Sun 11am – 11pm Get directions.
Deep-fried pizza, deep-fried burgers, deep-fried chocolate. You want it, they fry it. Seriously. If this sounds like the sort of heart attack-inducing lunch you’re after, step on down to the ChipShop for authentic British fare like Haggis, baked beans on toast, fried fish and British-style chips (thick wedges of potato – fried, of course), mushy peas and fried mac and cheese (the menu says “sounds weird but it’s bloody lovely”).
We ventured into the ChipShop after feeling homesick for some British-style chips. This divey little pub feels a bit grotty (sticky tables, sticky chairs, sticky everything!), but on the plus side, no-one cares if your toddler throws their entire meal on the floor.
All this food, for 2.5 people?!
Highchairs: Yes. They also have booster seats. Stroller storage: Yes – room for strollers. Bring a folding stroller, however, if you’re coming at a busy time, just to be on the safe side. Easy access: Yes – one step to enter. Change tables: Yes. Kids’ menu: Yes.
The Atlantic ChipShop
129 Atlantic Ave (Between Clinton and Henry),
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 855 7775
Prices: $$
Hours:
Mon-Fri 12pm-12am (bar until midnight)
Sat-Sun 10am-12am (bar until 12am) Get directions.
Colonie is a known date-night favourite. On the weekends however, it’s a brunch mecca for families. While the restaurant doesn’t feature a lot of baby-friendly amenities, it makes up for it with truly fine food and friendly staff who welcome kids of all ages. No reservations for brunch. Get there when it opens to avoid the queues.
