vegetarian Archives - Page 7 of 7

Butter Lane Cupcakes: Kid-Friendly Bakeries, Park Slope, New York

June 6, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, New York, New York Food, Park Slope / 0 comment

All I need is to hear the word “cupcakes” and “new location”, and I’m there, basically the next weekend. This was the case with the new Park Slope opening of Butter Lane, a cupcakery based, until now, just in the East Village. Butter Lane is known for having something for everyone—you can mix and match your cake base and frostings, meaning that even the pickiest eater can “design” (kind of—they’re pre-made, but you get my point) their perfect cupcake.

Butter Lane - kid-friendly bakeries, Park Slope, New York - via brunchwithmybaby.com — Cheese loved drawing on the chalk table.

Our afternoon tea break at Butter Lane came on a steamy hot Sunday, after a day in nearby Prospect Park. The cafe is a decent size, with high counters and kitchen stools, decorated with pastel KitchenAid mixers. Nestled in between the tables is a kids’ table and chair set, the perfect size for toddlers. The table is embedded with a chalk drawing area and there is a box of large chalk pieces for little kids to busy themselves while parents line up for cupcakes—and then devour them.

As I mentioned earlier, Butter Lane let you choose your perfect cupcake combination. Choose your base cake (vanilla, chocolate, banana), then your frosting. Try a seasonal special (we had options like chocolate malt and key lime) or a classic favourite like caramel, raspberry (my favourite!) and sea salt chocolate.

I find it hard to chose a single cupcake with so many options before me, so I had to get two (one for now, one for later!). I picked up a vanilla cupcake with raspberry frosting, and a banana cupcake with caramel. The first was definitely my favorite, just because I love raspberry so much. The vanilla cake base was light and fluffy, and the frosting just tasted like a whole bunch of raspberries crushed up and spread all over it. Holy moly, amazing. The banana cupcake I saved till later, and it was also really delicious. A dense base with big chunks of banana, and the caramel frosting was light and fluffy—probably not the best combination, in retrospect—next time I’d do banana with cream cheese, or vanilla with caramel, I think.

Butter Lane also do baking classes (in both locations) for both adults and kids. What could be sweeter than that?!

Last bite: The perfect place to stop off for a sweet treat before or after (or before AND after!) a trip to Prospect Park with your kids. Pick your perfect base and frosting to create your dream cupcake.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes, plenty of room for strollers.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No. But, come on. CUPCAKES!

Butter Lane Cupcakes Park Slope
240 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 369 0466
Prices:$
Hours: Daily 11am-8pm

Get directions.

Bareburger, Cobble Hill: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Brooklyn, New York

June 4, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill / 1 Comment

As a vegetarian and fussy eater in general, I really struggle to find good burgers. My husband has been a fan of Bareburger for a while, but I’ve never had the opportunity to go until the new branch opened recently in Cobble Hill. There are about a gazillion burger joints in New York—so what makes Bareburger special? They partner with local artisans and organic farmers to give diners the tastiest, locally-grown and humanely-sourced food possible. The result is healthy and delicious food that will fill you up and make you feel good in the inside—happy tummy, happy soul.

The new Bareburger in Cobble Hill is a little tight inside—be prepared to wiggle between tables. We rocked up at prime lunch time and were sat immediately. They have minimal space for strollers, so our jumbo one had to wait patiently for us on the sidewalk. They had room for folding stroller, however, so bring your umbrella stroller or carrier where possible.

Our friendly server couldn’t do enough to make Cheese happy. Crayons, colouring paper and a cute little cup filled with iced water. “Would she like anything else? Juice?” The thoughtfulness was great and made us feel super welcome.

My favourite burger is very simple – patty, tomato, cheese and ketchup. Since I always get the veggie patty, it’s difficult for me to just get the simple burgers I love so much. Anywhere I can build my own burger is guaranteed to become a firm favourite of mine, very fast.

Alec and I split a banana shake—it was huge, and half each was the perfect amount. We also loved that it arrived with two glasses and straws, so we could each have our own half-sized shake, meaning less fighting over who drank the most shake.

We also ordered a big side of fries. It came with a bunch of dipping sauces—Cheese tried them all and declared the curry ketchup her favorite.

My vege burger was fantastic. A hint of spice, tasty cheese, and a whole grain bun. Delicious and filling, and possibly even, dare I say it, healthy?

My friend who came with us has a gluten and dairy allergy. If you have any similar special dietary requirements, Bareburger is the place for you. My friend had what she described as an amazing burger, with vegan cheese and a tapioca rice bun.

Last bite: Bring your kids and a big appetite for a great burger, shake, fries or salad. Leave your big stroller at home, and enjoy the Bare experience!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes – but minimal. Bring a folding stroller if possible.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Bareburger Cobble Hill
145 Court St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 529 6673
Hours: Sun-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Get directions.

Best Restaurants near the American Museum of Natural History

May 21, 2013 / Eat & Explore, Manhattan Munchies, Museums & Galleries, Upper West Side / 2 Comments

One of the best places to take kids of all ages is the American Museum of Natural History. We’ve been taking Cheese there since she was in utero – true story. Whether you’re taking your baby, toddler or bigger kid, there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy. Babies are happy to look at ceiling fans, so the constant changing scenery of exhibits makes them happy to just watch everything pass by. Toddlers love the dinosaurs and giant whales, and bigger kids can get involved in the exhibits.

Before a trip to the museum, you really need to food up to get through the day. Instead of eating at the museum cafe, check out these nearby restaurants that you and the kids will all enjoy.

Sarabeth's UWS — Cheese enjoying her grilled cheese and fries at Sarabeth’s West.

Best elegant dining: Sarabeth’s West
Book a table for a finer dining experience at Sarabeth’s West, where kids are welcome (and usually present, in abundance!). Try their four flower juice and the ricotta pancakes or omelette. No need to order for toddlers – they’ll steal your delicious brunch right off your plate. Ask for a kid’s sippy cup to entertain young ones and buy you a bit more time.

Sarabeth’s West
423 Amsterdam Avenue (80th Street)
New York
Phone: (212) 496 6280
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-10:30pm, Sun 8am–10pm

Isabella's, Upper West Side. Kid-friendly restaurants, New York. — Me and my Cheese at Isabella’s.

Best Friendly Staff: Isabella’s
Not only is the food amazing at Isabella’s, but the staff really go above and beyond to make families feel at home. Waitstaff happily entertained Cheese when we last visited, as well as delivering fast service and perfectly cooked food. FYI I had an omelette and it was devine. Last tip: be sure to book a table as they’re super popular and get busy on weekends.

Isabella’s
359 Columbus Ave
New York
Phone: (212) 724 2100
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm Sat-Sun 10am-11pm

Sugar and Plumm, kid-friendly New York — Bright, roomy interior.

Most appealing to little (and big!) kids: Sugar and Plumm
“Purveyors of yumm”, Sugar and Plumm are bright, cheerful and full of treats. They deliver a great brunch menu, sure to delight everyone in the party, regardless of their age. Kids are catered for with an innovative menu, sippy cups, crayons and a menu to colour in. The drawback: no reservations, so expect a long wait on weekends.

Sugar and Plumm
377 Amsterdam Ave
New York
Phone: (212) 787 8778
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8:15am-11pm

Shake Shack UWS, New York — Don’t take the shake from the baby. It’s bad.

Best fast food option: Shake Shack UWS
Fast food doesn’t necessarily mean bad food, as proven by the ever-popular Shake Shack. Right outside the museum, and only a block from Central Park, this is the best bet if you’re in a hurry. Solid burgers, fries and shakes will please most fussy eaters. The shakes are an especially big hit with the toddler crowd. They have high chairs and change tables, plus a downstairs rec room with extra seating, so be sure to check it out if the street level area is packed.

Shake Shack, UWS
366 Columbus Avenue
(at West 77th St)
New York
Phone: (646) 747 8770
Hours: Daily, 10:45am-11pm

Sugar and Plumm: Kid-friendly Restaurants, UWS, New York

May 13, 2013 / Manhattan Munchies, Upper West Side / 1 Comment

Entering Sugar and Plumm is like stepping into a a modern day Willy Wonka Land. Bright, cheerful and colourful, with delicious-looking sweets. Even as an adult, the candy land that is Sugar And Plumm has a strong allure for me, evoking memories of childhood candy stores, long summer days and running wild with friends.

Sugar And Plumm is divided into two sections – the restaurant and store. On weekends expect to wait for a table, so get there early or leave your name and hope you get seated before the kids lose the plot (or talk you into buying a pile of candy from the store).

The good news is that they serve treats like ice-cream, macarons and cake in the store section, so if they’re crazy busy on the day you visit, you can always grab something sweet to eat in the park, and come back another day to sit down in the restaurant.

Once seated, everything runs smoothly. Cheese is brought a sippy cup with water, crayons, and a kids’ menu she could colour in.

One tip – if your kid is eating with cutlery and not yet ready for an adult fork, bring a toddler fork with you. Cheese stole my fork and tried to stab herself in the throat with it, trying to feed herself scrambled eggs.

We ordered a range of dishes, including burgers, the crunch toast, wholegrain salad (vegan and gluten-free) and a vanilla Plain Jane shake. Everything came out quickly and was well-cooked, as you’d expect from a quality restaurant. Cheese was given the eggs-in-a-basket, scrambled eggs in brioche toast, which came with another sippy cup (filled with milk this time). She loved the eggs but found the brioche toast too hard and crispy to eat.

Last bite: A crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages, get in early to secure a table, and enjoy a family-friendly meal that will leave everyone with a sweet taste in their mouth.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes – on a weekday, plenty of room for giant strollers. On weekends, stick to one that folds.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Sugar and Plumm
377 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 787 8778
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8:15am-11pm

Ted & Honey: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

October 9, 2012 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 5 Comments

This little neighbourhood cafe is frequented by local families for a very good reason – despite having no room for strollers, it’s right next door to Cobble Hill Park. Their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are the perfect thing to chow down on while sitting in the pretty park with your offspring. The breakfast sandwiches are delicious – large, full of egg, fresh tomato and cheese. Just the thing to kickstart your day.

On cold days, snuggle up inside with your little one on your lap and let them play with some of the books and toys that are in the cafe just for this purpose, while you indulge in a grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes (one step).
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Ted & Honey
264 Clinton St, Brooklyn 11201
(At Verandah Pl)
Phone: (718) 852 2212
Prices: $$
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-7pm
Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm
Get directions.

Peace Harmony

December 21, 2007 / Sydney Food, Sydney Life / 1 Comment

I tried a new vegetarian Thai place for lunch today with some friends from work. It’s super close to the office, and is really cheap – it cost me $10 for a can of Sprite, spring roll and fried rice. The food was a bit oily, but it was really tasty. Anything deep fried is tasty!

My very tolerant friends.

My fried rice.

I don’t remember what it was, but Isis loved it.

Alice had this – I don’t remember what it was either, but it has crushed cashews on top.

Curry puff.

A great way to end work for the year! I’m looking forward to Christmas and a holiday.

Green Gourmet

December 10, 2007 / Sydney Food, Sydney Life / 1 Comment

I discovered this restaurant on Happy Cow, which has vege restaurants all around the world. Green Gourmet is actually vegan, and has all kinds of funny meat substitutes, and has “not chicken” and so on dishes. Very funny.

Everything was green, including the chopsticks.

The shop front. I risked life – literally – to get this silly pic. I was in the middle of dashing across the Pacific Highway and turned around to take it – in front of on-coming traffic.

Fried rice.

Veges (we got takeaway).

Alec’s noodles and tofu.

It was pretty good! We ordered WAY too much food, including chestnut sang choy bow, which was really great. We scoffed it before having a chance to take pictures…

Green Gourmet
http://www.greengourmet.com.au
538 Pacific Hwy
St Leonards, NSW 2065
(02) 9439 6533

Green Thoughts

November 22, 2007 / Sydney Life / 0 comment

Is it possible to be vegetarian if you don’t like vegetables?

I’ve been dwindling further and further away from eating meat for the last year, and have just read a book called Committed by Dan Mathews, the VP of PETA, that has made me want to give up all meat.

The dilemma – I don’t like/can’t tolerate a lot of foods. And vegetables – I only like a handful of them. While I would love to be able to easily replace meat with alternatives, it’s a bit of a struggle to find things I can eat. I’m trying new foods to give myself a more balanced diet, and giving it my best shot, because I would be really proud if I could call myself a vegetarian.