It's been so hot, too hot, way too hot, and it's as if people lost appetite today- very quiet day at SOY so far, not like last Friday, not like last night! This afternoon I still had to do my "getting-my-baby-to-nap" walking tour of the neighborhood. I'm worried about this weekend-what are we going to do in this heat? Stay home and watch Elmo all day?

On Wednesday we stopped in for lunch at Cornerstone Cafe on Avenue B at 3rd Street on the way back from the post office. The wide doorway was open, providing us an easy entry. Inside is spacious and clean, and Taiyo immediately seated himself at one of the tables. The waitress offered us a high chair, but lately he really doesn't want to sit in it. It's a neighborhood cafe with sandwiches and salads and other usual suspects, which we can always count on when we don't feel too adventurous.

When the enormous meatball sandwich arrived, Taiyo went for the side of greens to my surprise. I've never seen him go for fresh greens like that, although he often picks cooked green vegetables off the plate. He was often getting frustrated that he couldn't pick the salad with the fork well, but he diligently continued working on his utencil skills. Eventually he picked some undercooked french fries and enjoyed dipping them in mound of ketchup, then also did like the meatballs from the sandwich. He kept asking for more but by then I finished most of the sandwiches. Overall, food was generously portioned and flavorful. Service was quick and pleasant. What else could we ask for? Recommended.

Later some aimless bike riding around town, I was going to try the Thai place on Clinton Street. But when we got off the bike Taiyo led me to El Maguey Y La Tuna, a Mexican joint on Houston between Attorney and Ridge. We've been there a bunch of times, since food is very good and they love Taiyo! Although we've never been there with a stroller, the entry should be smooth with wide doorway and lamp from the street. It's a no-frills homey Mexican joint, and they make great mole sauces that taste so authentic although I've never been to Mexico. As soon as the waiter brought us tortilla chips and mild salsa, Taiyo got busy. He ate the whole basket full of chips, offering me some in between, while dipping them in salsa. When my margarita arrived, he snatched a lime wedge and sucked on it. Taiyo can eat lemons and limes like any other citrus fruit- I think many babies do that.

His favorite black bean soup arrived piping hot, although I asked them not to make it too hot. Taiyo of course has hard time waiting to have it cooled, but eventually he enjoyed smearing it around his face. He did not forget to have some rice and beans, and liked chicken filling from my enchiladas.
Then he went around the little restaurant, charming other ladies, before stretching out on the floor to relax a bit. I think he feels the homeyness of this joing like SOY, and that's why we keep going back there. Recommended.