ML Interest Tag: bistro

Hop To It! Where to Get Your Jump on in Atlanta

by Phebe Wahl

Rain, rain, go away. Mama really needs the kids to go outside to play. When they are bouncing off the walls, break out of the house and take them to one of these Atlanta-area, indoor play spots. Go grab the socks, and read on to get a jump on what you need to know before you bounce.

Monkey Joe’s
With two locations in Roswell and Cumming, Monkey Joe’s wins points for its toddler area (for ages 3 and under), overall sanitation level and friendly staff. Try this spot on hump day (Wednesdays) when admission is discounted.

Address: 700 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 200, Roswell; or, 5055 Post Rd., Cumming
Phone: 678-381-0400, 770-887-5678

Leapin Lizards
Pick this spot for a playdate so you and your pack of parents can sit in their lounge area and still see your tots. Don’t miss their BAM (Bust A Move) dance classes taught by former Miami Heat dancer, “Miss She She,” as well as their awesome party packages.

Address: 185 Sams St., Decatur
Phone: 404-537-3030

Hippo Hopp
Hit Hippo Hopp if you want a larger spot that serves up more bounce for your buck. Stay for a snack at their bistro-style cafe that serves up organic foods and gluten-free options. Although parking at this popular spot can prove problematic during busier weekend times, it wins accolades for its eco-friendly philosophy, cleanliness and healthy menu offerings.

Address: 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE
Phone: 404-634-4964

Skyzone
Beware that this indoor trampoline park is geared towards older kids and you will have to shell out $2 for their SkySocks. Big kids will love their dodgeball programs and camps—and that they can literally bounce off the walls. Pricing runs by time so arrive ready to spring into action.

Address: 1425 Market Blvd., Roswell
Phone: 678-745-9900

Catch Air
As one of the newest play spaces on the block, Catch Air has a lot to offer. With locations in Midtown, Sandy Springs, Snellville, Cumming, Johns Creek and Marietta, this biz thinks beyond the bounce house with ball pits, interactive dance floors and merry-go-rounds. Although the whole spot is aimed at the under 12 set, there is a special “Tiny Town” area sectioned off for smaller tots.

Address: Click here to see a list of locations

Where does your brood like to bounce? Share your spot with us below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Monkey Joe’s via Facebook, Leapin’ Lizzard via Facebook, Hippo Hopp via Facebook, SkyZone Roswell via Facebook, and Catch Air Midtown via Facebook

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Let’s Do Lunch: Sweet Spots for Toddler Dates

by rttyadams

Impress your mini-me with a midday dining experience that goes beyond chicken nuggets and coloring mats. Get gourmet with grilled cheese, cook up your own pancake storm or relax in fancy bistro that has a play area. There’s even a spacious restaurant that offers free pasta to hangry, waiting foodies under 12. Scroll down to find out what makes these 6 eateries an ideal Portland lunch spot with the kids below.

photo: Bistro side of Mother’s, courtesy Sandee T. via Yelp

Mother’s Bistro and Bar
For us, just going downtown with a toddler qualifies as a rare and adventurous experience, and Mother’s is a cozy yet tasteful enclave that can add delicious food to the equation. Servers are known to be patient and easy with kids and the lunch menu (served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday) offers a nice mix of recognizable comfort food with a special twist, like pierogies or the Mac and Cheese Du Jour, along side a bit more daring fare such as the fried calamari or liver and onions. Entrees run $9 to $13. As with most every popular restaurant in Portland, be advised that coming during weekend brunch hours is asking for an almost certain, minimum 30-minute wait. Oh, and they also have a play area, just in case.

212 SW Stark St
Online: mothersbistro.com

photo: Laurelhurst Cafe via Yelp

Laurelhurst Cafe
At last check, the Laurelhurst Cafe remains one of those rare spots that serves tasty weekend brunch without an ever-present line ala Portlandia‘s Brunch Village sketch. So if you happen to feel brunchy, or if you just want a lunch date on a weekend with a low risk of a long wait, consider adding this place to your deliberations. They offer a substantial kid’s menu and a solid line-up of classic Portland scrambles starting at $9.75 and breakfast sandwiches starting at $4. If you’re going straight lunch, they offer more small plates and sandwich options than you can shake a carrot stick at. Lunch prices range from $3 small plates up to $10 burgers. Hours are weekdays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

4611 E. Burnside St.
Online: laurelhurstcafe.com

photo: Slappy Cakes by Claire and Amy A. via Yelp

Slappy Cakes
Of course you can get pancakes all day in Portland, and of course you can create them yourselves, right at your table. That’s the Slappy Cakes “wish you’d thought of it” concept and it’s quickly become a popular, Brunch Village sort of place. The forecast for a long wait on weekends is close to 100 percent, but if you’re willing to brave the lines or able to hit them up for lunch on a weekday, Slappy Cakes provides that great combination of fascinating toddler entertainment and functional, enjoyable adult activity. You and your date can choose from several different batters (including vegan/gluten free), a bunch of sweet or savory fixin’s and toppings, and then go to town with griddle artwork. There are also non-pancake menu options for party poopers or those with diet restrictions. Obviously, the temptation to go sweet and fatty is probably irresistable for most wee ones, so keep that in mind if you’re making health calculations. Slappy Cakes is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

4246 SE Belmont St.
Online: slappycakes.com

photo: Veggie Grill, courtesy Lid C. via Yelp

Veggie Grill
Are we leaning heavily on the old standbys of classic kid cuisine for this list? Yes, but here’s our nod to parents attempting to broaden their tiny diner’s palate or just fighting the good fight of keeping it healthy all the time — or maybe you’ve got the next Upton Sinclair on your hands. Whatever your reasons, if you’d like to keep it vegetarian, the Veggie Grill offers up a nice combination of no-frills fresh vegan and vegetarian fare, as well as hearty faux meat options that might appeal more to little ones who are normally carnivorous. Snacks run $4 and up and entrees and sandwiches start at $8.50. The Beaverton location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The downtown Portland location opens at 10 a.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends.

3435 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton

508 SW Taylor St.
Portland
Online: veggiegrill.com

 

photo: The Grilled Cheese Grill, courtesy Caron S. via Yelp

Grilled Cheese Grill
If they could create their own utopian society, for most toddlers, it would probably include the regular consumption of grilled cheese sandwiches inside a brightly painted school bus. If you’re ready to fulfill that grand vision, Portland is here for you with the Grilled Cheese Grill. One of the early NePo food cart pioneers, this place has reached nearly institutional status. They start with the basics like the Kindergartner, melted cheddar or American cheese on your choice of bread ($4.50) and amp it up with more decadent adult options like the Hot Brie on sourdough with roasted red peppers, tomato and spicy mustard. They also offer kid-sized portions starting at $2.50. They are open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday to Thursday, close at 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and close at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

1027 NE Alberta St.
Online: grilledcheesegrill.com

 

photo: Pause by Joe D. via Yelp

Pause
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly spot that doesn’t tend to get crowded, Pause may be your joint. With a spacious interior filled with comfy booths and a good sized patio, we’ve never had to wait for a seat. And then there’s the free pasta for kids under 12. While elbow noodles with butter might not be YOUR idea of special lunch date food, this is like filet mignon for some of the smalls, and it can really come in handy to avoid any “hangry” episodes whilst you wait. We certainly appreciate the management’s olive branch to families by making it free, and try to repay them by maintaining reasonable decibel levels. Should your lunch buddy decide to go with a more sophisticated order, there’s a kids menu with most of the usual suspects starting at $4, as well as a regular menu that trends toward the heavier, meatier side, but also some reasonably priced salad and veggie options. Entrees range from $8 to $14 and Pause is open Monday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 1:00 a.m. They open at noon on Sunday and close at midnight.

5101 N. Interstate Ave.
Online: facebook.com

 What’s your favorite lunch spot? Let us know in the Comments section below.

—Ty Adams

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‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate,’ Seattle Kids Edition

by Allison Sutcliffe

Leave it to Seattle kids to be as “in the know” as their parents when it comes to local foodie finds. Want to know what the next generation of discerning palates is noshing on? Check out these nom-nom picks little Seattle gourmands just can’t seem to get enough of. Bon appetit!

 photo: Allison Sutcliffe

“Space Needle shaped Beecher’s Mac and Cheese from ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.” – Jack (8)

 photo: Kristina Moy

“Bucatini with butter and cheese from Café Piccolo!” – Avery (6) & Grady (2)

photo: Angela B on Yelp

“Croissants from Bakery Nouveau… any croissant!” – Desmond (2)

photo: Tanya Izadora Photography

“Madrona Eatery makes good chicken and apples!” – December (4)

photo: Dawn McCann

“Zippy and the Yum Yum Burger Boy’s Wacky Meal at Zippy’s Giant Burgers.” – Cameron (6)

 photo: Zippy’s Giant Burgers 

“Ooh… the Sesame Chicken from Szechaun Chef.” – Liam (4)

photo: Gorman E on Yelp

“Pomegranate Bistro — lamb sliders with fries!” – Oren (7)

photo: Pomegranate Bistro Facebook page

“The chocolate and caramel sundae from ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.” – Blake (6)

 photo: Kristina Moy

“Bambino pizza from Tutta Bella. Yummy! And lemon gelato.” – Elise (3)

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

“French Toast from Eats Market Cafe” – Bayje (7)

 photo: Eats Market Cafe Facebook page

“I love, love, love the sardines from the Westcity Sardine Kitchen” – Shay (8)

photo: Kevin C. on Yelp

“Top Pot Doughnuts!” – Russell (7)

photo: Top Pot Doughnuts Facebook page

“Mickey Mouse pancakes!” from Luna Park Cafe – Delia (6)

photo: Luna Park Cafe Facebook page 

What is your little foodie’s favorite Seattle meal? Tell us in the Comments below. 

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Why You Can’t Miss Oregon Children’s Theater’s “Timmy Failure”

by stephanie booth

Even if you haven’t read Stephan Pastis’s charming “Timmy Failure” books, you’ll still enjoy the Oregon Children’s Theatre production, “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made.” We sat in on the show and found the exploits of a seriously clueless 8-year-old detective and his sidekick, a 1,500 lb. polar bear to be a hilarious, fast-moving and surprisingly sweet play older kids will love.

photo: Owen Carey/Oregon Children’s Theatre

The Story
Timmy Failure is sort of like Calvin, of “Calvin and Hobbes” fame. (Except with the aforementioned polar bear, Total, as a sidekick, rather than a tiger.) Timmy has enough self-confidence to power a small city, plenty of quick-witted comebacks when faced with his evil nemesis, smart girl Corrina Corrina, and a booming detective agency, “Total Failure,” headquartered in his mother’s closet.

Timmy is convinced he’s destined for greatness. But until then, he has to confront “time-wasting distractions” like school; his giggly classmate, Molly, who has a serious crush on him; and his mother’s goofy new boyfriend. Did we mention Timmy’s trusty Failure-Mobile — a.k.a., his mother’s Segway — also mysteriously disappears?

Why You Should Go
All the actors are adults, clearly having a blast with the witty script, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Sometimes, the grownups in the audience are having so much fun, they’re laughing even more than the kids. (Hint: A cat, named Señor Burrito, steals the show.)

Even though it’s totally hilarious, the play manages to have some touching moments. When money gets tight for Timmy’s mom, they have to sell their home and move into a small apartment, where Timmy sleeps on a fold-out couch. Timmy gets a letter from his school, announcing he’s in danger of having to repeat a grade. And as a consequence, Timmy’s beloved polar bear gets sent to live at the zoo. Naturally, everything works out in the end, but until then, it adds some poignant suspense to Timmy’s goofy exploits.

photo: Owen Carey/Oregon Children’s Theatre

The Inside Scoop
Running time is about 75 minutes without intermission, unless you count a brief interlude where Total, decked out in a hot pink tutu, performs a dance solo that incorporates ballet, disco, and even The Robot.

We’re pretty sure there are no bad seats in cozy Winningstad Theater, but if you can, get seats in the “pit” or sides of the first tier so even littlest kids can see all the action on the stage.

Afterwards, don’t run right back to your car. Think about sharing a plate of fries or flat bread at ArtBar & Bistro, the in-house theater cafe. It’s just swanky enough to make kids feel special.

Even better, immediately following the performance, kids have an opportunity to meet the actors  and get their autographs. While you’re standing in line, make sure to check out the drawings taped up just outside the theater. OCT invited a handful of local artists to live-sketch a recent performance of “Timmy” and the results — like this production and Timmy himself — are genius.

The Details
Saturdays and Sundays until March 22

Winningstad Theatre
1111 SW Broadway
503-228-9571
Tickets are $18-$28/adult, $15-$24/child (Group rates are also available.)
Online: octc.org
Recommended for kids 8 and up.

Are your kids fans of the books?  Let us know in the comments below!

–Stephanie Booth

 

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Some Like it Lux: Bacara con Kiddos

by jolie loeb

Before vacations were defined by beds made of Legos or bow-tied mice roaming a cruise ship, they were a thing of relaxation and recalibration. So when you crave a little luxury for your getaway, head north, just past Santa Barbara, to the Bacara Resort & Spa. With nature walks and a stunning butterfly preserve, there’s enough here to keep both the kids and your indulgent side satisfied.

Settle In Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Salted air, sand-scaped sunsets, that smooth Spanish architecture and those Santa Ynez vistas; nobody is immune to Santa Barbara’s charms. Once the young ones get a whiff of those Eucalyptus breezes, a glance at that infinity pool, and a walk amongst the butterflies they’ll forget all about amusement parks.  That the resort is amazing and dreamy is a given, but that such elegance offers up nearby fun for the kids is a wonder. Shoes off, sand between the toes, and let the monarchs lead the way. 

When Backyard Equals Beach 
When you can see the sea from your room, your first stop has to be taking the tykes to the tide. Hiking trails range from the toddler friendly to the serious runner.  The Beach Run is just about a mile long and laden with bunnies and ocean views—perfect for nature newbies just getting their hiking toes wet. The Nature Loop Run is somewhere between 2.5 and 3 miles, and is moderately challenging for bigger kids, and The Santa Barbara Shores Run, somewhere between 4 and 5 miles, is for the seriously savvy sand and sea queen or king (or Mama who wants to get up and sweat while everyone else swims or catches cartoons).

By Paddle, By Surfboard, By Horseback, By Bike
Bacara Land & Sea Adventures makes any outdoor adventure possible. Hourly rentals, group lessons, family bike tours all at the ready. Bacara, while painstakingly easy on the eyes, is not just a pretty face. They fully capitalize on their captivating surroundings and all ages are welcome. Stand up and paddle, sit down and kayak. It’s all there, beach horseback riding to family mountain biking. Penchant for paragliding? Yes, you may. The sea, the sun, the sand’s provided. Signing up is all that’s left.  Talking to the friendly concierge to arrange whatever adventure you like for just you or the whole fam.

Meet the Monarchs
When you’re done dabbling in the sea, it’s time to move off the property.  Perhaps the best-kept Bacara adjacent secret resides just about a mile away. Rent bikes or hop in the car and head down the block to the The Coronado Butterfly Preserve and Goleta Butterfly Grove. Have your cameras ready! Look up, and see thousands of butterflies dangling in their habitat. No, those aren’t leaves, though they may look it at first glance. Peak time to catch this stunning sight is December through February, so now is the time to go.  The monarchs are like our kids and love the sunshine, so they’re easiest to spot in the middle of the day.

photo credit: Michael R Perry via Creative Commons

The Bistro: Coastal Cuisine With a Side of Breathtaking
The beach and the butterflies ate up your first day (or two of vacation).  So next morning, wake up to a relaxing brunch.  Al fresco all year long, your table at The Bistro has a stunning view of Santa Barbara panorama anchoring the coast. But the real beauty of dining at The Bistro is not just the soundtrack of the seagulls or the panorama of the Pacific; it’s the built-in magic of having a grass lanai table side. In parenting land, that translates to coffee refills.  It means that when they’re done eating and you’re aching for more caffeine, you don’t have to accede to their wishes to avoid a meltdown. They can run up and down the hill to their hearts content, and you can kick back with as much Joe as your central nervous system can handle, while watching them Jack and Jill a few yards away.

Do You Speak Chumash?
They’re all warmed up from relaying on the lanai, you’re warmed from the rare joy of relaxing with a third, fourth (maybe fifth?) coffee. You’re all ready to do something.  Easy as pie: straight from the Bistro, take the resort’s Chumash Nature Trail. The path is legibly marked with ancient intel on Mother Nature’s raw and ravishing gifts (who knew we owed the wonders of baby powder to Rosa Californica?), read, skip, jaunt, and end up back at the ocean. Bacara’s private beach, in fact.

So Close, Yet So Bacara
Just off the 101, a virtual Riviera awaits, and with the butterflies fluttering in the winter months, it’s one spot where off season is even more spectacular, giving you a great reason for a mid-winter weekend getaway. And it’s secretly kid friendly: Bacara doesn’t advertise their kids meals (but they have them) or kids clubs (but they run them seasonally; call when booking to inquire), and they provide a beautiful backdrop for a seriously serene and scenically sensational family getaway. When Bacara beckons, make your way towards the Monarchs. They’re just hanging out, waiting to put wings on your memories.

Bacara Resort & Spa
8301 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, Ca 93117
Phone: 855-968-0100
Online: bacararesort.com

Where do you escape to where luxury and kid-friendliness collide? Let us know!

-written and photographed by Jolie Loeb

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6 Toast-Worthy Brunch Spots in Portland

by Cathie Ericson

Long ago, in the time before your children came along, “brunch” was that leisurely weekend meal that happened whenever you finally rolled out of bed. Now that life on the weekends may start a little earlier (and with more gusto pre-coffee), brunch may very well be your second meal of the day. The following are some of our favorite brunch spots with kids around Portland.

photo: mxruben via morguefile

Kerns

Screen Door
Introduce your belles and beaux to weekend brunch, southern style. From fried chicken and waffles to grits and biscuits, this is fine down-home cooking. Don’t worry – if your little ones prefer more conventional brunch cuisine, they’ve got pancakes, waffles, and so-good-you-have-to-taste-it Brioche Vanilla Bean French toast. There can literally be a line out the door, so either get there early (as in before 9 a.m.) or park someone in line with a book to save your place – they offer free coffee while you wait!

2337 E. Burnside St.
503-542-0880
Online: screendoorrestaurant.com

Downtown

Mother’s Bistro
A brunch at this natural light-flooded, local institution wouldn’t be complete without one (just one, right?!) of its famed Bloody Marys. Because kids get squirrelly sitting at the table, there’s a special little play area with toys and books. For pint-sized appetites, check out the “mini breakfast” that features scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and potatoes.

212 SW Stark St.
503-464-1122
Online: mothersbistro.com

photo: Cadillac Cafe French toast by wikimedia.org via creative commons

Irvington

Cadillac Café
Even though there’s a full size 1950’s Cadillac in the middle of the restaurant, you’ll never mistake this restaurant as a greasy spoon diner. Cadillac sources its ingredients locally, and prides itself on offering menu items for the whole spectrum of Portlandia. Vegetarian? Gluten Free? They’ve got ya covered! Cadillac offers a full spectrum of breakfast and lunch delights that will delight kids of all ages – breakfast is even served all day. Good luck pulling them away from the car!

1801 NE Broadway St.
503-287-4750
Online: cadillaccafepdx.com

Lake Oswego

La Provence
This Lake Oswego landmark boasts one of the most amazing glass bakery cases you will find anywhere with fresh French pastries and cookies galore. Good thing, because a sweet might be just the thing to settle your little ones as they wait for brunch – this popular boite can have a lengthy wait on the weekends, but it’s worth the wai for their omelets, scratch soups and other fresh, local brunch items. The ambience is French chic, but designed for your petit garcon or jeune fille to feel plenty welcome.

16350 Boones Ferry Rd.
503-635-4533
Online: provencePDX.com
(Additional locations in Beaverton and on NE Alberta, NE Airport Way and SE Division.)

photo: Café Murrayhill by Johnny D. via Yelp

Beaverton

Café Murrayhill
From granola parfaits to malted bacon waffles, fish tacos and a Dungeness crab melt sandwich, Café Murrayhill has a varied and well-priced menu that will delight a wide variety of palattes. The kids’ breakfast menu is available until 3 p.m. and drinks are included – always a plus for the juice-swilling sippers. Situated on a manmade lake, there’s plenty to see out the airy windows. When the weather cooperates, you can take outside to their outdoor dining area.

14500 Murray-Scholls Dr., Suite 103
Online: cafemurrayhill.com

Tigard

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar
A martini bar sounds like a place more suited for happy hour than brunch. But that’s exactly what makes this secret find ideal for family brunch. Even though it’s located in busy Bridgeport, it’s not on most families’ radars, so it’s relatively easy to get a table. They have a fab menu and a killer patio — but the real find here is for “special occasion” brunch, those days like Mother’s Day and Easter. Their buffet is giant, but your kids will go uber-crazy for the chocolate fountain. With dippers like mini Rice Krispy treats, cheesecakes, fruit and more, your kids will be so involved you’ll have time to order one more mimosa.

17003 72nd Ave.
503-430-0769
Online: twigsbistro.com

We’re always looking for new places for brunch! Let us know where your family likes to toast the weekend!

— Cathie Ericson

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Visit American Girl Seattle

by Tina Ly
Partner Content

Let your own American Girl shop the worlds of her favorite characters and doll collections, and then enjoy a meal together in the Bistro. She’ll love treating her doll to a new look at the Doll Hair Salon and participating in one of the many in-store events. Visit americangirl.com/Seattle to plan your visit.

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The Ultimate Pizza (Birthday) Party

by Leah R. Singer

You’ve done the indoor jumpie birthday party, and even dared to throw bashes in your home. This year host a killer birthday party without the hassle at Ignite Bistro in Carlsbad. The celebration is packed with fun from pizza making to goodie bags and Top Pizza Chef certificates. Read on to find out what makes this Top Chef Pizza party totally tops.

Top Chef Pizza Party Experience

This fun and unique party experience is produced by Zperfect Party and takes place at Ignite Bistro in Carlsbad. Under the direction of Ignite’s Chef Alex, kids are transformed into little chefs as they learn how to roll out their pizza dough, ladle on the sauce, choose their favorite toppings, and watch them be put in the big wood-burning fired oven. And the best part: no marinara sauce on your carpets!

Every party comes with pizza-making and a s’mores treat, funny mustaches and silly noses, paper hats to decorate, Top Pizza Chef certificates, and goodie bags. Each goodie bag contains a personalized thank you tag from the birthday kiddo, gummy pizzas, silly putty, and a choice of a small rolling pin (best for younger kids) or a cheese grater for older chefs.

Party-goers also have use of aprons, game boards, crayons and photo props, and the guest of honor receives a special embroidered hat. A Zperfect Party hostess runs the party including interactive games and oversee the Ignite Bistro Pizza Chef who teaches kids during the cooking portion of the party.

The fun isn’t just limited to the party goers. Ignite offers a a special luncheon menu for parents that want to relax and enjoy lunch while their kids have fun with party activities. This is a great time for moms to socialize in a beautiful environment.

Pizza Party by the Numbers

The Top Pizza Chef Party is best for kids ages 6 to 13. The games and goodie bags are age-appropriate and adjusted for the party attendees.

The Zperfect Party hosted party décor package starts at $275 for eight guests. Additional party guests are $20 per guest. There is an additional $8.95 (plus tax and tip) per guest for the Ignite build-your-own pizza (8-inch pepperoni pizza), beverage and a mini s’mores treat. A larger “make your own” s’more dessert is available for an additional cost.

Parents can add additional options to their party such as specialty desserts or embroidered aprons and hats for guests. Ignite offers a gluten free pizza for $2 more. Pizza-themed cupcakes can be added for an additional $36 per dozen. And families can bring in their own desserts as well. 

How to Book Your Party

ZPerfect Party
Phone: 760-498-3111
Online: zperfectparty.com

Ignite Bistro
6996 Camino Real
Carlsbad, Ca
Phone: 760-438-7800
Online: ignitecarlsbad.com

What creative ways to you celebrate your kid’s birthday?

– Leah R. Singer

All photos courtesy of zPerfect Party

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Delivered Inspiration: The Best Blogs for Baby Shower Ideas

by writerredtri

Baby showers aren’t just any ol’ excuse to party–you’re welcoming a new addition to the family, honoring the mom-to-be, and creating an occasion for people to gather together in one love-filled place. We think that’s worth a wow-worthy celebration, don’t you? But as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and it can sometimes take a lot of Google searches and a great big virtual community to plan a shower. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite blogs that feature baby shower ideas galore. These blogs have details, tips, and eye-candy photos that we can’t stop looking at. Click through the slideshow below to get the scoop on our picks.

Hostess with the Mostess

The Hostess with the Mostess® blog is a fabulous resource for stylish entertaining ideas, with a creative online community and endless party photos to browse. This is the catch-all epitome of celebrations that has you covered when it comes to discovering, sharing, and planning parties. Just use the handy search box to narrow the site down to baby shower posts—you’ll find themes like Noah’s Ark, French Bistro, Surfing, and so much more.
blog.hwtm.com/baby-shower-ideas/

Did we miss you favorite baby shower blog? Share it with us in the comment section below!

-Abigail Matsumoto

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A High Class Affair: Where to Get High Tea For The Holidays

by Katie Kavulla

Need a break from the hoards of screaming children standing in line to get their photo taken with Santa Claus? How about a respite from the shopping mall madness? Enjoy a moment of peace (even if for a few hours) over a cup of tea. We promise it’s just what you need to turn up the holiday cheer and tone down the holiday havoc. Here are four family-friendly holiday teas in the Seattle area – all different tea-experiences so that you can pick one to fit your family’s style.

The Georgian Holiday Tea at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street, Seattle
Dates: December 1 – December 30, 2012, excluding holidays
Reservations: 206-621-7889
Probably the best known holiday tea in Seattle – and for good reason – The Georgian at the classic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle offers a beautiful, traditional holiday tea service for families. The menu is just as you would imagine – tiny tea sandwiches, scones and little bites of other treats and they even have a special kids’ tea menu, available upon request. We can’t say this is the best place to take your loud, impatient toddler for a special holiday event, but children who are able to sit still a little longer will love it.

Queen Mary Tea Room
2912 NE 55th Street, Seattle
Dates: Now open seven days a week, through December 31
Reservations: Accepted online or by phone at 206-527-2770
A beloved tea room in Seattle, the Queen Mary Tea Room doesn’t have a specific holiday tea, but their beautiful tea room is decorated to the nines for the holidays and they have a yummy selection of seasonal-flavored teas to pick from. You’ll definitely want to make reservations at the Queen Mary and pull out your most pretty and handsome tea-attire for your visit. Be sure to read the “What to Expect” section on their website before you arrive.

Tuscan Tea Room Bistro
4521 California Ave. SW, West Seattle
Dates: Through January 6, 2012
Reservations: Online or by phone – 206-906-9914
Christmas Tea at the Tuscan Tea Room Bistro is sure to become a holiday tradition for your family – they go all out for this afternoon tea sitting during the holidays including amazing decorations and a yummy menu. We especially love the Tuscan Tea Room because it is a little less stuffy for little ones. For their Christmas Tea, they have a special menu and tea price for children under the age of ten. And adult tea drinkers will be very impressed with their extensive menu of teas and treats. Christmas Tea is Served Saturday & Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

Village Eatery and Tea Company
Country Village Bothell, 23718 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell
Please call for dates and reservations: 425-483-2005
Families on the north side of Seattle will love to enjoy holiday tea at The Village Eatery and Tea Company, located in the super kid-friendly Country Village Bothell. At the time of press, they were still narrowing down dates and times for their holiday tea schedule – please contact the Village Eatery for more details and reservations.

We want to hear what is your favorite place in Seattle to take the kiddos out for holiday tea?

— Katie Kavulla

photo credit: Grey Meyer via Tuscan Tea Room Bistro facebook page

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