Swizzles Frozen Yogurt in Darien & Wilton - YUM

Sometimes a girl just wants some ice cream, but sometimes that girl's jeans are too tight and she says to herself, "Girl, don't have ice cream." Thankfully, this girl discovered Swizzles in Darien. Not only is Swizzles frozen yogurt yummy, it's also quite a bit healthier than ice cream (low fat, gluten-free). Bonus - kids love Swizzles too. With new locations in Darien and Wilton (and another opening soon in Ridgefield), Swizzles is here just in time for summer.
Is it cheap? No. Are the toppings so delicious and fattening they negate the healthy nature of the yogurt? Yes. I'm still a fan though, and I bet you will be too. Check it out and let me know what you think!
www.swizzlesyogurt.com

Time to Put the Kids to Bed. Cocktail Anyone?

This crazy ass heatwave is making me realllllly lazy.... and is there anything better than a cocktail  on a hot summer night once the kids are put to bed? I think not. So how thrilled was I when I was invited to participate in this roundup of Connecticut bloggers' favorite summer cocktails over at CTBites.com?

I'm loving all the photos and inspiration for summer drinks. The cucumber gin fizz? The peach sangria? I'll drink to that... which is your favorite?  You'll see that my recipe for minty vodka lemonade is really simple and it's our household's summer 2010 signature cocktail, but maybe a watermelon ale is more your thing?

Thank you to contributor Amy Kundrat of Motoamy  and CTBites.com for the invitiation to participate. In case you're not already familiar with CTBites.com, we've got to do something about that. It's a fabulous resource for all things food in Connecticut. Be sure to check out their KIDS BITES section for some great ideas about where to eat outwith the little ones.

Cheers!

click here to view Connecticut bloggers' fave summer cocktails

ROAD TRIP: Fine Dining in NYC with the Kids. Crazy or Cool?

I promised my sister that come springtime, I'd bring my three-year-old into NYC for a visit. I'm excited to spend the day with two of my favorite ladies! So this article from yesterday's New York Times could not have come at a better time. It lists a bunch of surprisingly kid-friendly restaurants. I'm lucky that my daughter is a pretty adventurous eater and that my sister is quite the foodie because I see a visit to one of these restaurants in the near future. How about you? Where do eat with the kids when you visit NYC? Do you opt for a dirty water dog or are you into fine dining with the kids?

Here's the article...www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/nyregion/09toddlers.htm

How to Make Mondays Suck Less - Go to Burger Bar in SoNo

I think we can all agree that as a rule, Mondays are no fun. This one is particularly bad thanks to the cold and rain. Here's a little something to make the rest of your day a little brighter. Did you know that kids eat free every Monday at Burger Bar in SoNo? My family loves their grass-fed burgers and the kid-friendly vibe, but what gets me every time are the freaking DISCO FRIES (french fries with melted brie and white truffle oil).  So decadent and delicious. 

So here's the fine print. One child eats free on Mondays for every adult. In other words, two adults = two free kid's meals, five adults = five free kid's meals, etc).

Click here for the menu and enjoy!

www.BurgerBarSono.com

What's Your Favorite Grown Up Restaurant in Fairfield County?

Ok enough with all this kid stuff! Sometimes a girl's got to get out without the little whiny brats cuties. Whether it's for *date night* or *girls night*, I want to know your favorite grown up restaurant in Fairfield County. Please post your favorites below...

I found a new favorite spot. Thanks to my friend Lynn for the recommendation! On Saturday I had a hot date at Lolita's in Byram with the hubby. Can't rave enough about this place. It felt like such an escape from the ordinary dining experience in Fairfield County. Lolita's serves traditional Mexican food and they're known for their impressive Tequila selection (over 100 varieties). 

I sound like such a lame suburbanite but what really impressed me about Lolita's were all the quirky little details about the place -  like the black and white cowboy movies projected onto the exterior of the restaurant, the cozy bar/lounge area with sofas and with a dj spinning, the complimentary tequila served over dry ice to start the meal and cotton candy for dessert, the funky decor (blood red chandeliers, dim moody lighting) and the temporary tattoo I was handed on my way out (huh?). I mean, you don't see too much of this here in Fairfield County. Am I right or am I right? All in all it was an amazing romantic night out. 

Here's what we ate: Salmon Coco (for me) Skirt Steak  (for hubby) Lobster Enchilada (shared app) Bananarama (shared dessert). I topped it off with a margarita or two. Divine. All of it was divine and I can't wait to get back in warmer weather to dine al fresco. 

Have you been to Lolita's? What'd you think? What's your favorite grown up restaurant?! Thanks for sharing!

www.lolitasmexican.com

Have You Been to Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford?

We went a little crazy this weekend and had dinner out on Friday and Saturday. Not exactly frugalista behavior but we had our reasons. On Friday I was like a caged animal after being cooped up all day during the snowstorm, so the four of us headed over to the new Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford. Loved it! So I've tasted better pizza (it was a little bland), but my Easy Rider salad with arugula and watercress was delish  So was the mac 'n cheese with broccoli rabe. We ordered it for the three-year-old but of course Mommy couldn't keep her grubby paws off it.

Perhaps just as impressive was the cool, slightly offbeat vibe at Coalhouse. The jazzy decor, great tunes and the selection of microbrews almost made me forget I was, in fact, eating at a strip mall in Stamford. Almost.

I have to mention how great the service was (very kid-friendly) and how cute the bathroom was too. I'm a sucker for cute restaurant bathrooms because it think it speaks volumes about a place. This one was lovely and clean! 

Coalhouse gets an A+ in my book and we'll defintely be back! Would love to hear your thoughts if you've been there.

Tomorrow, I'll let you know where we went on Saturday for *date night*. Another great find!

www.coalhousepizza.com

Dine For a Difference in New Canaan Feb 4-7: Help Haiti + Free Babysitting!

Need a night out but can't justify the cost of babysitting? Listen to this. A bunch of restaurants in town (listed below) will donate a portion of their sales to those in need in Haiti and students from New Canaan's Pure Vida club are offering up their time to babysit so you can enjoy a quiet night out. Everyone wins! All the details are here and here's the list of participating restaurants.

Chef Luis

Joe’s Pizza

Fifty Coins

New Canaan Diner

Rosie

Cava Wine Bar

The Roger Sherman Inn

New Canaan Pizza

Gates

Cherry Street East

Vicolo

Tony’s Deli

Rocco’s

Crumb’s Bakery

www.puravidaforchildren.org

Have You Been to Sugar & Olives in Norwalk?

Is it possible to fall in love with a restaurant before even tasting the food, let alone even visiting the place? If so, I blame Sugar & Olives' supercool website. I came across it a few weeks ago and I was attracted to their philosophy of serving "Happy Healthy Food". Gotta love a place that serves mostly local, organic food.. Plus, the place just looks pretty....

and it's kid-friendly. They even have cooking classes and birthday parties for kids (and adults too!). So I'm dying to visit and once this bedrest is over, you know where to find me. In the meantime, have you been? If you go, let me know how it is and whether it's worth the trip. Bon appetite!

www.sugarandolives.com

21 1/2 lois street norwalk ct 06851

(203) 454-3663

MacDaddy's In Georgetown - New Family Restaurant for Mac & Cheese Lovers

Time out. Did someone just say "macaroni and cheese bar?" Oh yes she did. Thanks to my friend Jennifer of Southern Yankee for tipping me off to MacDaddy's, a fantastic, new, kid-friendly restaurant in Georgetown. All they serve is mac and cheese and salad. I think I just died and went to heaven and I haven't even visited yet. Jennifer went on opening day with her three kids and said it was awesome... so check it out and let me know what you think. NOTE: They even serve gluten-free mac and cheese. Click here for a glimpse at their menu. I can't wait to take down the Mac Lobo (lobster, roasted corn and asiago). Georgetown is a little bit of a hike for me here in Stamford but nothing can stand between a pregnant woman and her mac and cheese, right?

www.macdaddysrestaurants.com

Share Your Favorite Ice Cream Spot in Fairfield County

(I must be dreaming... a sunny morning? On a Saturday? We were out early today to grab coffee and when I walked out the door I finally felt that summery feeling. In my mind, summer = ice cream, so that's why I'm rerunning the post below from last June. It got quite a response the first time around and I hope more of you will weigh in now).

I have a favorite ice cream spot, but it's in Mystic -- a little far from home. I love it because the ice cream is delicious and you really feel like you're going back in time when you enter the doors. Everything just smells and tastes like Summer at the Mystic Sweets Shop. Now that my daughter is old enough, I'm on the lookout for a place in Fairfield County that's just as wonderful to bring her, so I'm turning to you. I've found two places that are good for very different reasons (see below), but they are not my favorites:

• Dairy Queen on Summer Street in Stamford. If you don't mind a little dinginess and a super long line on hot Summer evenings, then DQ is the place to be. Their Blizzards never disappoint and you can't go wrong with the soft serve.

• And on the total other end of the fancy spectrum is Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato at 26 Forest Street in New Canaan. Here you'll find a beautiful, sparkling interior and delicious authentic Italian gelato. Their web site is still under construction at www.gelatissimo.net but you can read more about Gelatissimo by clicking here.

Please hit COMMENTS below to add your favorite ice cream spot in Fairfield County. Tell us why you and your kid(s) love it and the general location. You can post anonymously or use your name. Either way, thanks!

Mom a Licious

Just passing on some link love to my friend Elia in New Canaan. She recently launched the Mom a Licious blog. Ever since, I've been a total lurker on the site. I read all about her delicious homemade meals with awe. I can vouch for how tasty they are (lucky me, she invited me to dinner recently!) and she tells me that she only cooks with healthy, wholesome ingredients.

 

I love how she describes the meals in great detail, shows photos (see protein pancakes and Mexican chopped salad here) and in many cases, she includes the recipe too. Eila received her culinary training at the Institute for Culinary Education in NYC and a Professional Certificate in “Techniques of Healthy Cooking” at the Culinary Institute of America (Napa campus). She also has an M.B.A. from Northwestern, a B.A. from Colgate University and she's training to become a Stroller Strides instructor. Oh, and she's the mom of two yummy children. 

Eila is available for private culinary instruction and ideas for healthful meals for local families, so check her out at www.mom-a-licious.blogspot.com

Nu-Kitchen NuMoms: Now Available in Fairfield County

Last week I was a very happy camper. Here's why: I had breakfast, lunch, dinner + 2 snacks delivered right to my doorstep every day. I didn't have to cook for myself. I enjoyed exotic flavors and foods I only enjoy out at restaurants (never in my own kitchen). And it was all thanks to Nu-Kitchen and Atsuko Boyd, a fellow Fairfield County mom who just happens to be Nu-Kitchen's Executive Chef Consultant. 

Nu-Kitchen is boutique meal delivery service based in NYC and they now deliver to western Fairfield County (Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk and Greenwich)*. You can choose from several different programs, depending on your needs (weight loss, convenience, etc). The meals are fresher than fresh (never frozen) and made with all natural, seasonal, local ingredients. Check out their sample menu here. And not that we're swayed by good-looking celebrities with hot bods or anything like that, but read some testimonials here. 

New and pregnant moms, you're going to love this. Nu-Kitchen even has a program just for you. NuMoms is a plan that includes portion-controlled meals and snacks that are high in fiber, folate and other necessary vitamins and low in scary stuff like mercury from certain fish. Read all about Nu-Kitchen NuMoms here.  Yes, you can eat well and lose the baby weight. Plus, as a FCC reader, you can receive one free day of Nu-Kitchen meals between now and March 31, 2009. Just enter this code at checkout: FCCHILD

Visit www.Nu-Kitchen.com to choose your menu.

* If you live outside these areas, please contact Nu-Kitchen and let them know you're interested in deliveries to your region of Fairfield County. They'll set up delivery in your area if 10 other people who live nearby are interested too.

GIVEAWAY! Crumbs is Coming to Stamford & 5 Lucky FCC Subscribers Will Win a Gift Certificate! Contest Deadline is Thursday at Midnight.

Cupcake fans, listen up! Crumbs Bake Shop, the originator of the gourmet cupcake, is coming to Stamford. You no longer have to live in NYC, LA or the Hamptons to get your cupcake fix. They'll be opening their doors on High Ridge Road very soon (date TBD) and 5 lucky FairfieldCountyChild.com subcribers can enter to win a gift certificate for half a dozen Crumbs cupcakes (approximately a $20 value). 

Take it from me, a total sweets fanatic, Crumbs cupcakes are divine and they make a perfect addition to any party for kids or adults. 

RULES

• FairfieldCountyChild.com subscribers can just mail me with "CRUMBS GIVEAWAY" in the subject line at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com with your name, city, state and phone number
• You'll get a bonus entry if you also leave a comment below with your favorite cupcake flavor from the Crumbs Cupcake menu on their web site (mmm..I'm torn between the S'mores and the Red Velvet).
• I'll randomly select five winners and announce their names in the next FCC e-newsletter that mails within the week. So check your inbox!
• Deadline is this Thursday (October 23rd) at midnight.
• Not a FCC subscriber? Why not, silly? It's quick, easy, free and there are some sweet subscriber perks! Just click here to subscribe.

Thanks so much to Crumbs for making this giveaway possible and stay tuned for details on the store opening. In an effort to invite the entire community to celebrate cupcake couture, Crumbs has a long standing tradition when opening a store. The new shop gives away 1,000 complimentary cupcakes (1 per person) beginning at 8:00 am on opening day. Earlier this month, at the opening of the new LA shop, there was a line around the block before the shop even opened, and 1,000 cupcakes were gone well before lunchtime.

www.CrumbsBakeShop.com 

Rosy Tomorrows in Danbury - A Great Kid-Friendly Historic Restaurant

(Meet Jenna Burger of Danbury. We've never actually met in person, but she's been a loyal FairfieldCountyChild.com reader since waaaaay back in 2007 and I invited her to be a guest blogger here to help me broaden my reach a little up to her neck  of the woods. Jenna is the mom of one, 2-year-old boy named Christian. She works at Waterworks as a store / visual designer and as a freelance interior designer. She enjoys traveling, architecture, museums, and most of all spending time with her son and husband. Thanks so much to Jenna for this great recommendation!)

What you have to understand about Rosy Tomorrows is that it's more than just a restaurant. It's a  destination point in itself with great food, live music and a unique history. The main part of the building is an old railroad caboose and the multi-level restaurant has many fun features for all ages including a working train that runs above the bar and a classic fortune teller machine.

Rosy's is featured here because it is a truly kid-friendly restaurant, but I've also spent time there with adult friends - most recently on the patio with a friend and a month later with a larger group to celebrate my birthday (complete with poppers shot off by the waitstaff and a complementary fried ice cream just for the birthday girl!).

But most often, I visit the restaurant with my husband and son. We're always greeted at the door with a balloon and crayons, but my son's attention is rarely focused on coloring. Like most kids who visit Rosy Tomorrows, he's distracted by  the unique airplane replicas and pictures of trains and planes all over the walls. 

Appetizer, lunch and dinner selections are traditional family-friendly fare but with a unique and tasty twist. And the food is always HOT! Check out their menu by clicking here.

So next time you’re visiting Danbury, stop by Rosy Tomorrow’s for a surprising and always entertaining meal!

15 Old Mill Plain Road, Danbury

203.743.5485

www.rosytomorrows.com

Cherrystreet East Reopening!

So I just heard a rumor that Cherrystreet East in New Canaan is reopening this week after being closed for two years due to a fire.

Last time I visited I was swinging single and childless, but I know they are/were super kid-friendly and they're known for their amazing hamburgers. I'm looking forward to visiting again soon with baby and my trusty pack of disposable Elmo placemats in tow this time. I'll report back about my experience but would love to hear from anyone who makes it there before me!

Cherrystreet East Restaurant

45 East Avenue, New Canaan

Share YOUR Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Fairfield County

Don't you hate when you go to a restaurant that claims it's kid-friendly and then you realize it's totally not true? I've learned that just because a place has a kids' menu does NOT mean they want me and my super active toddler there. And I've learned that sometimes restaurants that don't appear to be ideal for kids end up being wonderful choices (Luc's Cafe in Ridgefield for example).

We really like to go out to eat, so I'm looking to you to let me know where you bring your kids for a decent meal. Go ahead, just hit "comment" below and post your favorite restaurants or email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com and I'll post it myself. In the meantime, I'll mention the three places I've already reviewed here (Luc's Cafe in Ridgefield, Fat Cat Pie Company in Norwalk and Centro in Greenwich, Darien and Fairfield). I'd like to add two more to the list:

• Mackenzie's on High Ridge Road in Stamford. If you're looking for a basic burger and servers that are more than accommodating towards kids, this is your place. We've visited twice now and have been really happy.
• Tequila Mockingbird in New Canaan. Good Mexican food and a loud dining room that drowns out the sound of my screaming daughter.

Also, I've heard some great things about Route 22 in Stamford and The Beach Cafe in Fairfield but I have yet to visit both. Their web sites mention that they offer activities for kids so you can enjoy your meal. Imagine?? At Beach Cafe, they can even enjoy a movie, dinner and popcorn upstairs while you dine like grownups downstairs. Sounds heavenly to me.

Let me know your favorite family-friendly restaurants by clicking "comment" below or emailing me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com. Thanks!

I'm always on the lookout for great restaurants that truly welcome kids, rather than simply tolerate them. My latest find is Luc's Cafe in Ridgefield. My husband and I visited on Saturday night and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many families there. I had been there awhile ago and loved it for it's delicious French menu, great wines, cozy ambiance and friendly service, but I never really had much reason to take note of whether kids were there. Now as a mother and seeker of child-friendly businesses to feature here, I see Luc's in a whole new light.

While it does not scream "kid's restaurant!!!!" and there is no kids' menu per se, Luc's would be a great place to go for a family dinner. You can find cheeseburgers, sandwiches, soups, bacon and eggs and other kid-type meals among some of their more adult offerings like escargot, spicy tuna tartare and duck confit. I spoke to the owner, Herve, (who will most likely be the one greeting you at the door) and he told me that the restaurant is named after his young son and that he loves having kids around.


Other things that made me fall in love with Luc's (in no particular order) - live jazz music every Wednesday, a great cozy bar where you can wait for a table, outdoor seating in the summer and their annual Bastille Day celebration. I hear Herve sets up a petanque court outside the restaurant every year on July 14th ... how can you not love a place like this?


Visit www.lucscaferestaurant.com/ for a glimpse at the menu and please note that Luc's will be closed February 25 - March 1. Hopefully Herve and his wonderful staff will be off on a well-deserved vacation!


Luc's Cafe
3 Big Shop Lane, Ridgefield
203.894.8522
www.lucscaferestaurant.com/

Centro Ristorante - Great for a Family Dinner or Party up to 30

If you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant for lunch, dinner or to host an all-ages party, be sure to consider Centro Ristorante's Greenwich location. I recently hosted a casual family luncheon there for about 25. What really sold me on Centro when I was shopping around for a venue was the bright, spacious private room in the rear of the restaurant (email me if you would like to see some photos of the room that I took that day). I already had plenty of confidence in their food because I regularly visit their Darien location (perfect place to bring the family for a great Northern Italian/Mediterranean meal but they can’t accommodate big groups). What really impressed me the day of the luncheon was the flawless service and the way they not only welcomed kids, but truly catered to them. There were two toddlers and four children under the age of 9 months in the room. Crayons and paper were provided for the older kids and the servers were very patient maneuvering around a maze of strollers and highchairs. Child size portions were happily provided and most importantly, I don’t think any of the adults in the room felt like they were at a typical family restaurant. We enjoyed decent wine and elegantly prepared meals, not just the house merlot and some spaghetti and meatballs (Ask for Sara or George when you call the Greenwich location to book your next party … they won’t disappoint).

You can grab take out and Centro to Go (home made pasta, sauce and salad for four to prepare at home) at all locations and outdoor seating is available in Greenwich overlooking a beautiful mill, as well as in Fairfield in the heart of town. Be sure to try all three locations because each has a different vibe but the same delicious food and friendly service.

1435 Post Road (Rt. 1), Fairfield 203.255.1210
319 Post Road(Rt. 1), Darien 203.655.4772
323 Pemberwick Road, Greenwich 203.531.5514
www.centroristorante.com

Fat Cat Pie Company

You have to try Fat Cat Pie in Norwalk. It's known for it's delicious thin-crust pizza with unique toppings, but this hidden gem serves up exotic cheese plates, charcuterie and fresh salads as well. PLUS you can bring the kids. Every time I've been there, the place has been packed with people of all ages. A great combination of kid-friendly and sophisticated, Fat Cat Pie will appeal to a four-year-old and a serious foodie alike.

Food & Wine is equally impressed... They rated Fat Cat Pie one of the 50 Best Wine Experiences and had this to say: "At this pizzeria specializing in phenomenal organic pies, there are only seven toppings to choose from, including grilled eggplant. The wine list, on the other hand, has nearly 300 bottles, many of them esoteric offerings like a 2004 Verdelho from Australia's Cockfighter's Ghost."

Be prepared for some noise in the dining room. The minimalist decor doesn't muffle much, but I think it all adds to the friendly, laid-back atmosphere .
Fat Cat Pie Company
9/11 Wall Street, Norwalk
203.523.0389
http://www.fatcatpie.com/

Host your child's next birthday party at Chocopologie.

I haven't yet visited Chocopologie but I know they throw chocolate-themed birthday parties for kids and that's all I need to know to like the place. Chocolate+Party. Have two words ever sounded sweeter together?

Chocopologie is a cafe and retail store in South Norwalk that offers comfort foods (including all day breakfast) and of course, all sorts of chocolate. You can even get a behind the scenes look at the chocolate making process through huge windows overlooking the chocolate gallery.

The kids' party package includes chocolate fondue for all, cupcake decorating and a meal of something like mini burgers or quesadillas (to help offset the sugar perhaps?).

Chocopologie is the brainchild of Fritz Lipsschlidt of Denmark. He's world-renowned for his exotic chocolate creations and lucky for us, he's landed right here in Fairfield County. Chocolpologie is next on my list of restaurants to visit, but I would love to hear from others who have visited or attended a kids' birthday party there.

For more information about Chocopologie's parties, click here.

Chocopologie Cafe
12 South Main Street, Norwalk
203.854.4754
chocopologie@gmail.com
www.knipschildt.com/flash.html


www.knipschildt.com/Kids_Party.pdf