Weekend lunch w/ baby
My wife and I had our first child three weeks ago! We plan to eat out for lunch on weekends now. Only place we tried so far was Red Farm which was excellent and accommodating. Have some places with Prix Fixe lunches on my list that I'd like to try, but am worried they may be too fancy to bring a baby. To others that have been, do you think this would be okay at Tocquville, Junoon, Marea, Sushi Yasuda or Azabu?
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Congratulations!!
I probably wouldn't do Tocqueville or Marea with mine, either, but actually Yasuda would be fine, I think.
If you're looking for other ideas, places we've found to be reasonably young baby friendly for brunch or lunch: Wilfie & Nell (the place right next to Empellon Taqueria), Whitehall, Joseph Leonard, Spasso, Morandi, Wallse, The Highlands. Most places with sidewalk seating tend to be tolerant of babies, it seems.
Thanks for the tip about Red Farm. We haven't attempted that with baby in tow, yet.
Do you bring your baby in a stroller / separate carrier, by the way? I should probably note that I tend to "wear" mine to restaurants in NYC, since space is usually tight. Wallse does have tiny amount of space for a stroller or carrier next to outdoor tables, Morandi has room inside and out.
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re: michelleats
Thank you. With Kathryn's post below I realize Yasuda isn't open for lunch on weekends, but maybe I'll check them out on Memorial Day if open. Was planning to head back to Danji on Monday for lunch (went pre-baby) but they will be closed.
Your list of ideas is definitely helpful. Which of those do you think has the best food? I've heard the best things about Joseph Leonard and Wallse, but sometimes I completely miss places.
Only eaten out twice with him so far. We took a cab to Red Farm and only brought the car seat and sat it on the floor next to us. (BTW if you go for weekend brunch and don't want to wait try to get there within 15 minutes of when they open.) Yesterday we walked down to Empellon with stroller and it worked out well as they had plenty of room for us to keep the stroller at the table. Plan to start using the carrier more eventually, just haven't gotten into the habit of it yet.
I also think Frankies Spuntino would work well.
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re: uncledunkel
Yep, trust Kathryn to catch those details. She's good.
I personally love Joseph Leonard best for its casual, comfort food on the weekend -- they make great grits and hash browns -- but if you are looking for something more refined (as I think you might be given the restaurants you mentioned in your OP), Wallse might be a better fit. Wallse also has a bit more of a low key vibe, so that's something you might want to take into account. JL is noisier, more crowded and more energetic. A car seat type carrier might be more difficult to swing.
I haven't had as many meals at Spasso, but I've been very pleasantly surprised by all of the savory selections I've tried at brunch, especially the pastas. The bottarga-laced orecchiette is fantastic. Based on what I've tried, it seems to be an underrated restaurant on this board. I don't see it mentioned very often. I wouldn't say there was plenty of room for strollers, but if they can fit one in at Empellon, they can squeeze one in at Spasso, inside or out.
I've never tried Frankies Spuntino! Ttoommyy posted a review a while ago that made me want to go... but I'm sure you empathize: It's been difficult to find the time and energy.
Did you end up anywhere interesting this weekend?
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re: uncledunkel
You just have to be prepared to leave if he becomes impossible. Our second little bundle of bliss (bless her heart) not only fussed, but fussed in the high key of an opera diva. Very painful, and certainly not to be tolerated by fellow diners. (I'm happy to report that she is now a fully-functioning adult with a sophisticated palate.)
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