great food made him laugh

I had to send my little camera for repair and I feel a bit off-balanced. It also helps me remember the details of our day. It was another warm beautiful day. We were up little late this morning and missed a concert at Tribeca Y. So we started our day at OpenHouse New York's Family day at Center for Archtechture in Greenwich Village. We enjoyed doing some craft projects. Taiyo thought putting a cocktail umbrella on a little box was the greatest invention ever. Well, he just fell in love with the tiny paper umbrella period. Around the corner we stumbled upon Pizza Mezzalunaon Houston and MacDougal. It's a nice little Italian restaurant set up in a small space more appropriate for a pick-up pizza joint. There's only two tables for four, one table for two, and three seats against the front window. Taiyo quickly settled on a small stool by the window, but the seat was too slippery and he fell off it. Then we had to move to a small table anyway because three more people were coming in. Waitress brought him a plastic cup with a straw for Taiyo, and also plastic utencils. Very good kid-friendly service. We had margherita pizza and minestrone, and they were both so delicious! Especially minestrone was the best ever, and Taiyo had big satisfying laugh while enjoying it. Food was so great and kept Taiyo in his seat, but seating situation is difficult for very small customers. There's also no room for a stroller inside. If that can be acceptable, this place is highly recommended. Since Taiyo was still awake after lunch, we made it to La Mama's street fair on the way back on East 4th Street. It was La Mama's 50's anniversary. There were big pupperts roaming around, some wacky creature crawling around the floor, lots of crafts projects for kids, great music and even some free food. The crowd was interesting and it really had the feel of good old East Village. It was the best street fair we've been to. Taiyo crashed within a few blocks when we left.

It was still so beautiful out after a long nap. We headed out on bike again to Terakawa Ramen on Lexington near 23rd Street. I was recently tipped that they had great authentic ramen. Taiyo immediately loved the large red lantern hanging outside. We were able to get a table immediately, while a party of three was waiting at the door. The place was full, and after us there were always a few parties waiting outside. Service was fairly quick, although this busy restaurant was served by only two waitresses who were running back and forth constantly. Taiyo loved Takoyaki, and Terakawa ramen with delicious pork broth. They screwed up on our order and gyoza didn't arrive until the end of our meal. Taiyo was too busy working on the soup and didn't touch the gyoza. He laughed out again looking up to the ceiling to express his satisfaction while having the soup. The decor has quite authentic Japanese noodle joint feel, and they may be too busy to offer you one but there's high chairs available. Price is pretty good, and sunday was also a gyoza night for only $1.50! Recommended.