crayons included

It was a place we passed by so many times, not only this location but many others around the city. I thought of checking it out but somehow never did until last week. When I asked Taiyo if he wanted to eat something at Le Pain Quotidien on Grand and Mercer on the way back from shopping at Sunrise Mart, he said yes. We settled at a large communal table in the roomy back room. There were many high chairs available, and they were surprisingly kid-friendly. Taiyo was equipped with a cup full of crayons and a coloring sheet even before his cup of water, and they had a kid's menu. We had roasted turkey and avocado tartines, which were beautifully done little open sandwiches. I appreciated fresh vegetables but Taiyo really didn't care for anything else but bread and some turkey. Mustard was a bit spicy for him but he still liked the sandwich. Food was fresh, pretty, and simply delicious. Service was quite efficient. It's probably more enjoyable off-peak hours, though. By the time we got our food the place was packed and a bit chaotic. I just wish a place like this would make Taiyo want to eat some vegetables. There was even a changing table in the spacious bathroom. Highly recommended.

This week we stopped at another place we passed so many times for the first time- Toby's Public House on Kenmare and Mulberry. Taiyo hardly says no to pizza. The roomy dining room had great natural light, although it was a gloomy day. And it was pretty empty. I wanted to sit by the window but Taiyo decided to settle at a big table near the bar. Well, there were TV's above the bar and we also had a view of their brick oven. The friendly waitress who knew just how to talk to little people brought him a cup full of crayons and some sheets of paper. Taiyo immediately got busy scribing. When the waitress came back he of course told her that the doodle on the paper was his poo. She had a blast and couldn't have enough of Taiyo. Thin crust Margherita pie was delicious and the service was so personal. They have high-chairs available. Only thing that I have to warn you is that the bathroom wall is decorated with vintag Playboy covers. Taiyo would've loved to see the breasts all over the bathroom, but crayons kept him safe at the table.