The Incinerator Cafe is, frankly, a haven for families who want to eat out somewhere decent. House on the ground floor of the Willoughby Incinerator building that was designed in the 1930s by Walter Burley Griffin, the cafe has become extremely popular with local parents who are after a relaxing brunch with friends where their kids are welcome, too.
As well as being a cafe, The Incinerator is also an art space. Large works are around the entrance, and also on the lower level if you take the elevator down to see them. The elevator actually is an artwork itself.
Around the Incinerator building lay picnic tables with small roof covering. Enough to beat off the hot summer sun and make dining outdoors possible without a sunburn. Families also throw down a picnic rug on the grass and grab coffee and a bite to eat from the takeaway stand.
Drinks first: I ordered a Tim Tam milkshake ($8) and a kid’s chocolate milkshake ($4). Mine came in a glass jar, and Cheese’s came in a takeaway cup with a straw. Very thoughtful.
We ordered a Kids Pancakes (x2) with apple and ice cream ($8), the Sweet Potato Rosti (with haloumi, beetroot relish and poached eggs, $17.50), and a “Have It Your Way” 2 free range eggs poached with toast ($9), with sides of mushrooms ($4) and avocado ($5).
The food came quickly, and was well cooked. My egg dish was a delight to my tastebuds. The sweet potato combined with the eggs and beetroot was absolutely delicious. The Tim Tam shake was so good I could have drunk about 10 more.
After we finished breakfast we walked down the path to Halstrom Park (about 10 metres away). I really like this park because it offers a lot of shade. It also has decent bathroom facilities.
On a chilly Saturday morning we had a craving for bacon and eggs without much fuss so we decided to head to Hospitality Est. in Caringbah to fulfil our needs. The spacious interior and welcoming staff are the first impressions you get when entering this kid-friendly café. Tables are well laid out, there is a play corner with books, colouring and assorted toys, plus a big comfy lounge to house plenty of children if sitting still at your table isn’t happening.
We made sure we arrived in time for brunch, so the breakfast menu was still available and took our picks from the menu. I chose the Breakfast Panini ($10.50), Ross the Standard Bacon & Eggs ($11.50) and pleasingly Jenson was also well catered for with the ‘Little Est. Menu’ Ham & Cheese Melt ($3). This kid-friendly café has put some thought in to caring for the little ones, with a clever play on their name for the menu and all options under $6. Large coffees warmed up the adults ($4) and the signature milkshake order was not going to be missed. At $2.50 for a small size, this is the most affordable milkshake for kids I have found to date.
Breakfast Panini ($10.50)Standard Bacon & Eggs ($11.50) Photo by Ross BarkerHam & Cheese Melt ($3.00) Photo by Ross Barker
Jenson loves reading, so he selected a book and surprisingly waited quite patiently for our food to arrive. (Although he did nearly take out the waitress running back to our table when he realised his milkshake arrived). Little things like bringing the milkshake out first are the things which really add to a kid-friendly experience.
Patiently waiting for food, for once! Photo by Katia BarkerThe milkshake! Photo by Katia Barker
Hospitality Est. pleasantly surprised us. As soon as you enter you feel like you can relax, and turning up with a big group, or with several spirited children, would not be a problem. It can also accommodate several strollers, just what every family or parents’ group is after in a kid-friendly café!
Last Bite: Hospitality Est. serves good quality, no fuss food for breakfast and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Food arrives fast, which is important when dining with little people. We’ll be back soon to try out the lunch menu!
Highchairs: Yes. Stroller storage: Yes Easy access: Yes, although restrooms are located down a small flight of stairs Change tables: No Kids’ menu: Yes
The rumour mill has been spinning with whispers that Nan’s Place, a new café in Zetland, serves up food like your nan’s but only (gasp) better and with a twist. Never one not to investigate a promising food rumour, Baby Lukas, my husband and I decided to check out Nan’s this past Saturday.
Looking into Nan’s from the outside.
Expecting gaudy, lacy tablecloths on which comfort food like heavily buttered scrambled eggs are served, the first thing that strikes you as you walk up t0 the understated corner café, is a reminder that this is the inner-city: Nan-inspired it may be, but the décor is trendy with food offerings to match.
The interior is small, with a main circular table for communal eating. We decided to eat outside, next to a family enjoying what looked to be a dynamite breakfast. Plus, we figured if Lukas started acting up, his noise would blend with the other kids’.
Looking at the menu, I was intrigued by the offerings and knew I had to try the Half Ruby Grapefruit, Coconut Sugar and Toasted Almonds ($6) with Brickfield’s Sourdough Toast with Preserves ($5). Like any clever wife, I convinced my husband to order another dish I wanted to try: Poached Rock Chic Hen Eggs ($10) with Tuscan Kale, Green Garlic and Garden Herbs ($5).
Poached eggs ($10) with Tuscan kale, green garlic and fresh herbs ($5).Brickfield’s toast with butter and strawberry jam ($5).Ruby grapefruit with toasted almonds and coconut sugar ($6).
While we waited for our food, Baby Lukas made friends with the kids at the next table, as well as the dog tied to the post nearby. By making friends I mean stealing their toys, attempted food theft and pulling the poor dog’s tail. The staff weren’t phased by weaving between children to deliver breakfasts to patrons, which was nice to see, and were more than happy to interact with them in between orders.
Our food came, and I’m pleased to confirm the rumours were true: served on mismatched plates (just like at your grandma’s!), the food was fantastic. The eggs were poached just right (runny but not liquid) and the strawberry jam had real chunks of berry. As for the coconut sugar on the grapefruit – well, let’s just say there’s no going back.
The boys eating breakfast.
The one thing missing from making this a total coup was that there weren’t any highchairs, which meant that we had to take turns eating. No big deal, as any seasoned parent knows, but worth considering if you can’t do without one.
Last bite: if you’re looking for a fabulous new kid-friendly café where the food is great and your kids are treated well, look no farther than Nan’s Place.
Highchairs: No. Stroller storage: Limited. If you don’t need one, don’t bring one. Easy access: Yes. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No, but kids won’t starve.
Nan’s Place
2a Portman Street, Zetland
Phone: (02) 8084 0731
Prices: $$
Hours: Tues-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm and Sat 8am-3pm Get Directions
You know, cramped joints never used to bug me when I was young, carefree, and single. “How cool!”, I’d think, “It’s so hole-in-the-wall and niche.”
Places like that now completely stump me.
What? No high chair?
What do you mean we have to squeeze together at a too-small table?
So, where’s the area where the kids can run around?
Please oh please, let my waiter be nice and not give me the ol’ stinkeye…
The simple pleasure of dining out gets a tad trickier when you have young children in tow. We’re now pretty picky, particularly because we have a 9-month-old and a 2-year-old.
Places that we love to visit as a family boast the following:
Easy access – I like your cafe. I want to go into your cafe. Why, oh why, must you make it SO DAMN HARD for me to get in?! I’m talking about those evil things called stairs. You know, those sneaky two or three steps lurking at the entrance. WHY? It means I either have to guiltily call a waiter over to give me a hand, or carry the whole stroller up in the most unglam way. While we’re on the topic of strollers, I really appreciate it when I’m given a hand in collapsing the stroller and squirreled away somewhere safe, or, even better, able to have the stroller by my table (never know when the stars align and a kid knocks out for a nap!) if the cafe has the next feature…
Lots of space – ever poked your head into a small cupboard and screamed at the top of your lungs? Similar effect to sticking kids into a confined space. Even worse if there are diners close-by that proceed to turn and give you the you-are-a-crap-mum-and-can’t-control-your-kid STARE. Tops if the eatery has lots of ambient noise/music to… errr… drown out random kiddy noise.
Kid-friendly staff and amenities – oh the relief when you have patient, friendly staff that make the effort to say hi to your kid, instead of giving you the stinkeye. Much appreciated if they proceed to place kids cutlery and a cup of water on the table. Bonus points if they include some paper and crayons! I guess I should also mention here that it makes me want to hyperventilate when I’m told “Oh, we only have one high chair here, which is in use.” You might as well just be done with it and tell me “You’re fine with chasing your kid around the place like a lunatic, while ignoring your meal, right?”
You see, we eat out every single day for lunch. In fact, we’ve dined-out well over 800 times in the past two years for either lunch or dinner, since we relocated to Singapore. What are my fave family eateries? There are the obvious and well-known ones such as:
But there are also some lesser-known family-friendly cafes that I love:
GRUB at Bishan Park (510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1) – this family and dog-friendly cafe boasts killer food (it’s helmed by Mervyn Phan of Cookyn Inc), but go early or expect to be wait-listed. That actually isn’t such a bad thing, because it gives you some time to chuck your little ones into the park and let them stretch their legs. They buzz you on your mobile phone when your table is ready and you get to fill all your bellies with fabulous grub at reasonable prices. Their burgers are stunning, ranging from an impressive Fish burger (you’ll know what I mean when you see it!) to a succulent, insanely tender Pork steak burger. If you’re the healthy type, their Pan-seared salmon with risotto and chimichurri is a winner. Their Churros are also hits; the kids will love dipping these fingers of crispy goodness into the creme anglais and dark chocolate sauces!
Get your GRUB on at the tranquil Bishan Park.
Tanjong Beach Club (Sentosa) – if you love your dose of fresh air, water and sunshine, you can’t go wrong with this. Lovely food and great cocktails (with prices to match), but the real draw is the pool which you have full view of if you sit at the outdoor tables. Grab a lounge afterwards (iced water is complimentary!) to relax whilst the kids have a dip, or jump in there yourself to cool off. The ocean is mere steps away if your kids are the sand-and-sea type. Or if you want to take funny pictures of your baby’s expression when their feet touches the sand.
Chilling out at Tanjong Beach Club
Kith Cafe (7 Rodyk Street, #01-33) – outstanding for coffee, if you’re that sort of person that can’t function until they’ve had a shot or three of caffeine in them (I won’t judge). This tiny cafe is mostly el fresco, so come dressed appropriately. Sit by the Singapore River and imagine you’re in some far-flung place instead, with crystal clear waters lapping nearby and the air is crisp and cool. In the meantime, the kids can rummage through the box of toys and books, and play on the toy animals in the mini garden. Very kid-friendly brunch food and a Strawberry yogurt milkshake that is very popular.
Play area by the river at Kith Cafe
Nook DIY House of Pancakes (21 Lorong Kilat, #01-03) – make your kid work for their meal. Nook provides you with a pancake grill, 2 bottles of pancake batter (of your chosen flavours), and 3 toppings. You simply bring your artistic expertise to the table. Squeeze the bottle and make your own pancake! Admire your artwork, or confuse everyone with what it’s actually supposed to be. Go nuts making different shapes and objects, and watch the kids gleefully consume an inhumane amount of DIY pancakes. There are also regular a la carte options but honestly, who would bother with those when you can make your own pancakes?
Delight the kids at Nook DIY House of Pancakes
Spruce at the Old Fire Station (260 Upper Bukit Timah Road) – everyone’s familiar with Spruce at Phoenix Park, but its newer sister at the old (and beautifully restored) fire station is also worth a visit. It boasts high ceilings with excellent natural lighting, cheery and obliging staff, and space for kids to wander around. Better yet, there’s a playroom off the side for kids to amuse themselves in. And on weekends, there is the occasional fair/markets just outside, as well as a fun bouncy castle. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get to see a bunch of wild monkeys jumping around in the trees outside!
Fresh ingredients and lots of space make Spruce great for families
We dropped by our local bakery, Betty’s, this morning to pick up some delicious Easter snacks. If you’re like us, you enjoy eating your way through Easter. Yum! Happy Easter everyone!
Marzipan Bunnies – Betty’s Bakery, Boerum HIllEaster cake and cookies – Betty’s Bakery, Boerum Hill.Easter Cookies – Betty’s Bakery, Boerum Hill.Petits Fours – Betty’s Bakery, Boerum Hill.
Highchairs: No. Stroller storage: No. There is space for a few strollers in the store however – we’ve fit three at once and still had room for other customers. Easy access: No. There is only one step, but it’s a narrow door frame and tricky to manoeuvre the stroller in. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
Betty Bakery
448 Atlantic Ave,
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 246 2402
Hours: Tues-Thurs 7:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays.
Betty Bakery is the place to stop in Boerum Hill when your sweet tooth is getting the better of you. The bakery was opened in 2006, by renowned cake designers Cheryl Kleinman and Ellen Baumwoll. A touch retro, a touch modern, it’s the go-to place n the neighbourhood for cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies and hot chocolate.
Betty Bakery, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.Kids hoping for snacks. Betty Bakery, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
What to try: In summer, you absolutely have to have their strawberry lemonade. They also do a strawberry lemonade cupcake that will delight your tastebuds. In winter, get a hot chocolate and mini palmier to go – or perch on a stool in the bakery and take cover from the nasty elements outside.
Mini palmiers. Betty’s Bakery, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
Betty’s loves to celebrate special occasions and seasons, so it’s the perfect place to drop in and pick up last-minute Easter and passover treats.
Highchairs: No. Stroller storage: No. There is space for a few strollers in the store however – we’ve fit three at once and still had room for other customers. Easy access: No. There is only one step, but it’s a narrow door frame and tricky to manoeuvre the stroller in. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
Betty Bakery
448 Atlantic Ave,
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 246 2402
Prices: $$
Hours: Tues-Thurs 7:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Get directions.
With an unseasonably warm forecast, we head down to DUMBO for lunch at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Since we’ve been craving sunshine for months, we decided to pick up a sandwich at Foragers City Grocer and head on down to the park to eat and let the Cheese run free.
Foragers have a great range of locally-sourced breads, groceries and snacks, as well sandwich and smoothie bars. While you can perch on stools and eat in, we prefer to take everything to go.
The area of Brooklyn Bridge Park directly under the Manhattan Bridge has possibly the best views of both bridges and Manhattan that you’ll see anywhere. It also has a huge grassy area, so bring a ball for the kids to kick around, or a blanket to sit on. The pirate playground that sits in this area of the park was severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy – we were thrilled to see that it has been repaired and is due to re-open next month.
Brie and Granny Smith apple with watercress on a baguette.Cheese runs amok.
Admission: I have a huge chocolate addiction. After a sunny day turned cold, we head to our go-to place for delicious chocolate in DUMBO, Jacques Torres. Here’s what you need to know about Jacques Torres. The hot chocolate is so think it’s like mud. Delicious, but there is a high chance you’ll feel ill after drinking it. Don’t be weak though, order it while the weather is still crisp. The signature cookies are amazing – huge chunks of chocolate and minimal actual cookie. Planning to take home some chocolate for later? Try our favourites, the chocolate-covered almonds. They’re so moreish that they won’t last the subway ride home.
Cookies!Take home hot chocolate mix or a giant Easter bunny.
Highchairs: No. Stroller storage: No. Easy access: No. There are a few steep steps to get in. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
Jacques Torres
62 Water St,
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 875 1269
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm
