marathon weekend

I was feeling a bit burned out. I lost a staff (again!) and last week some very inappropriate candidates showed up and I was totally discouraged. I just couldn't deal with this process of interviewing, and then training whoever I get. I decided to take a few days off. It was a great little break- since it's the most beautiful time of the year. We went up to the Central Park Zoo, biked around aimlessly, took a long train ride to Hall of Science, and cheered for runners of NYC marathon. It was a bit too warm for the marathon yesterday, but neverthless, it is the greatest street party this city offers. As soon as we got off the bridge, Taiyo started chanting, "Go runners! Go runners!" Then he blew his whistle. For ten years I lived for this race. It was never easy, but always fun. Since the opening of SOY, I always ran with "SOY" headband- people cheered for me "Go SOY!" everywhere. I feel that I need some cheering again these days.

We stopped for lunch at Dokebi on Grand between Bedford and Driggs in Williamsburg, right by the marathon course. Taiyo was immediately comfortable in this Korean joint, climbing up on the benches here and there. It was fairly quiet when we walked in, but more families with little kids and strollers walked in after us, proving that this is a kid-friendly establishment. Spacious dining area has lots of room for strollers, plus room for them to run around- which they did. Taiyo soon joined two other toddlers running around the restaurant, and they also enjoyed climbing up on hays and slapping big pumpkins here and there. They had interesting fusion brunch options, but we went for bibim bahp. It was delicious, although Taiyo only ate rice from the bowl. Nighttime would be a different scene there, but for a brunch it was very accomodating for a little one. Service was moderately kid-friendly; Taiyo got a glass of water with a straw immediately, but I had to ask for a bowl and a utencil for him. Overall, it was nice experience, in a sunny restaurant. Recommended.

A few days ago we had lunch at Souvlaki Gr on Stanton near Essex, where my old laundromat used to be. It's a cute restaurant with interesting Greek themed interior. They were established as a food truck first before they settled at this location not long ago. Taiyo just woke up from unsatisfying nap when we got there, and was rather cranky, but soon felt comfortable with the presence of owner's young boy in the restaurant. They did have a high chair, but Taiyo decided my lap was a better seat. We ordered Greek fries and a bifteki sandwich. I wasn't sure if Taiyo would like the greek fries, topped with feta cheese and oregano. He loved them and didn't ask for ketchup - it was salty enough and tasty! The sandwich was fairy small- which was good actually since fries were a big plate. Taiyo only ate the pita bread, which was fresh and tasty. Well, the sandwich was indeed fresh and tasty. Just a little tricky to enter with a stroller, but yes this place is recommended. Easy on the wallet, too.