The Hunger Games: Blood Root

Blood Root is a long-established feminist books store/vegetarian restaurant located right across Burr Creek from Captain's Cove at 85 Ferris Street in Blackrock.  Though the food is quite tasty (be sure to order the bread), 2 out of 3 Millers agreed that the prices were a little steep for frequent family dining (the 3rd Miller was too busy eating ice cream with her bare hands to vote (you ought to be ashamed of yourself, Danica).

The staff at Bloodroot was extremely friendly, and the restaurant was certainly kid-friendly.  That said, they don't offer a kids menu (or smaller portions at a reduced rate).  As it's vegetarian in genre, all of the offerings are healthy for parent and child alike.  Moreover, Bloodroot boasts a pseudo-locavore/seasonal veggie selection, which makes dining here both tasty and ethically-informed.

While the jury remains out on whether or not we'll be taking the fam back to Bloodroot in the future, Danica and I will certainly keep in mind when planning our next date night.

The Hunger Games: Bereket, Port, and Dish

Hi All.  Momma Miller here.  I usually hang out over at Mermaids in the Basement, a blog dedicated to my daughter's awesomeness, which you can find at http://audreylouisemiller.blogspot.com/.  My husband seduced me with the promise of ice cream into guest blogging over here at Black Rock Parents.

The Millers—Dad, Pregnant Mom, and Toddling Audrey—like to eat, and we especially enjoy eating when other people cook for us.  However, finding a family-friendly restaurant can be a potential minefield.  You want to try new places, but you don’t want to flee a restaurant because your vocal toddler hates the food and you can’t stand the snobbish teenage wait staff.

Here are a couple of in-area favorites that we have found to be child- and parent-friendly:

Bereket

2871 Fairfield Avenue

We love this place and this place seems to love us right back.  The food comes out quickly and is generally mild enough for a child’s palate.  Audrey literally eats hummus by the handful.  The prices are super-reasonable and the portions generous enough to count on leftovers for lunch the next day.  They also have a BYOB policy, which I plan on taking huge advantage of in approximately nine weeks.

Dish/Port

2889 Fairfield Avenue

Dish is the breakfast place adjacent to the coffeehouse Port.  While the service is super-friendly at Port, it’s not great for kids.  The tables are high, the chairs are arranged to maximize privacy, and the cliential seem more interested in updating their facebook account than cooing over your toddler’s tantrum.  Also, the wide selection of coffee and teas are, uh, not recommended for most children’s diets.

But, Dish, dear readers, Dish!  The attached breakfast place is delish.  They have a wonderful menu full of freshly cooked, healthy fair.  Audrey eats up just about everything  on the menu, and I have a hard time not making a spectacle of myself over their Big Ass Pancakes.   Dish serves from early morning to 11.30 on the weekdays and until later (I think) on the weekends.  

We would love to hear more suggestions in the comments!

And here is Audrey taking advantage of the indulgent waitstaff at Bereket: