Full of summer fun

Another muggy warm day, we headed out early to Chinatown. At 10am, streets were already full of Chinese people and other people and weaving through the crowd on East Broadway was like a playing a video game. Do I get a point if I run over that old man with a cane? I will make sure to step on it if a fruit comes rolling across the sidewalk. When we got to Columbus Park, the hip-hop party for kids was already on, and Lynne was waiting for us. Upon arrival, Taiyo thought it was cool and immediately started texting his friends (above.) We danced to the music by "Secret Agent 23 Skidoo," which was Dad, Mom, their little girl, and a tall black dude. It was an awsome low-key event. Then we walked through another video-game crowd of Chinatown and went to have lunch.

Lunch: Wild Ginger at Broome and Mulberry.
Small and cozy atmosphere. We were one of the first lunch guests. We were offered a high chair and the waiter promptly brought a plastic cup with a straw for Taiyo's water. These are good signs of 'child-friendly' restaurant. Taiyo sat down and first worked on his chopstick skill. But when Yaki-udon arrived, he had to switch gears with a fork. Then he went crazy over fried oyster mushrooms. He ran around the restaurant laughing out loud looking up at the ceiling. Food was very good, and it was comfortable dining experience but somehow it was very hard to get the waiter's attention, and cutest Taiyo's behavior running around playing a waiter at times went unnoticed. Because he ate so much, Taiyo had to poo before ice cream arrived. But now it was too late. He didn't leave the table until we licked the bottom of the dishes. Bathroom was clean but dark, but I managed to change him with him standing up. Do Taiyo and I recommend this place? Yes, fairly. Access is fairly good, just a little step up at the door. Not too much room for a larger stroller. We were there when it wasn't busy, so it wasn't much of a problem.

Next door at the candy store Papabubble we happened to walk in to witness the candy making session. Beautiful string of candies came out the little canding cutting machine right in front of our eyes! That was a real treat, and the owner let us sample the freshly made soda pop candy. Must visit with a little one, although they really don't have any planned candy making time. If you're lucky, you'll see it. Of course he fell asleep on the way home.

When he woke up later afternoon, I wasn't able to convince him to go to the pool. We did the usual walk around the block, then headed out again on the bike. At East River Park, we went to the running track and kicked around a soccer ball in the field. It was still so hot in the sun, so I suggested to retire to more shady area. Then he got busy walking up and down at the bleacher by the track. It's amazing how a toddler can be so obsessed and content in doing some task. I tried to be patient and let him do his activity, but after half an hour I was pretty bored and hungry. We headed out again in search of food.

Dinner: Cafecito Ave C between 11th and 12th Streets. The awning "Authentic Cuban" caught my attention, and the interior of the restaurant had the authentic Cuban feel. Taiyo was immediately comfortable and relaxed on the floor, which did not impress the staff. Mojito was fresh and delicious, and Ropa Vieja, beef stew was also very nice, but Taiyo seemed to only care for the rice. I loved the very garlicy sauce that came with tostones. Bathroom was clean and spacious, but the service for the little one was non-existance especially with a young waitress who didn't seem to notice this cutest bouncing ball. Recommended? Maybe, because I love Cuba and food was very good.