Celebrating Valentine's Day with your little one: Where to go in NYC

I'm so excited to introduce my first guest blogger - Carla Sullivan, founder and Mommy Muncher at MiniMunchers.com.
I told her that she changed my life and it's true, because, here I was avoiding going to restaurants with my toddler.  Sure, I went out quite often back when I had one small, neatly organized diaper bag and one small, neatly organized child. Ah, I was delightful and breezed in anywhere without a care. Now that she's mobile and defiant, I dread meals in public places that don't have sufficient padding and earplugs and most of all, a sense of acceptance.  However, Carla made me realize that it wasn't the 'going out' that was the problem, it was the places I was trying to go.  MiniMunchers lists all the best places around NYC to eat - that the whole family can enjoy. No Chuck E. Cheese pizza here.  And the best part is, I'm prepared before I go. I can look up (among other things) stroller access, crayon availability, menu items and bathroom amenities.  I am so happy about this. Enjoy!
 
Carla Sullivan – Founder & Mommy Muncher

Some people think Valentine’s Day is just for couples, but we all know that having kids changes everything…If you can’t get a sitter for the BIG DAY or just want to celebrate with the kids the weekend before (hey we love our kids too!), here are some spots in NYC that will be a fun and enjoyable experience for both the adults and minis in your family.

Max Brenner –  If chocolate is what you want to eat, then get ready for a treat! Max Brenner in Union Square has everything from Chocolate Pizza to chocolate fondue and of course hot chocolate. Yes, there can be a wait (particularly at peak dining hours) but your little ones will be entertained by the huge vats of chocolate in the waiting area/chocolate store and one seated – it will be hard to keep them contained with all the chocolate delicacies waiting to be sampled!
 
Blue Smoke Jazz Brunch – For your music lover, Blue Smoke in Murray Hill’s Sunday Kids Jazz brunch is a real find! Live Jazz music, presented by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, will get your minis feet tapping (dancing is encouraged) while they are waiting for their BBQ! It can get loud (so I wouldn’t bring a sleeping baby, but a screaming baby is just fine) but the food is great and the entertainment can’t be beat!

Sweetie Pie -  A favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow, this West Village spot is an adorable upscale family (and hipster) restaurant. Not only is the menu varied (for both children and adults) but if you get there early – or reserve in advance – your Minis can sit in the coveted gilded bird cage located in the front of the restaurant. The hot pink banquettes are a great second choice for your Valentine’s Day visit.

Moomah - Moomah is truly a unique spot to bring your tot in TriBeCa for the holiday. Not only is the extensive menu local, seasonal AND organic (with dairy-free and gluten-free choices) but kids are encouraged to play while they eat with incredibly beautiful and engrossing art projects specially themed for Valentine’s Day! What’s more, if you visit on Friday or Saturday the back room, usually reserved for private classes, is transformed into the “Funky Forest” for children to explore and use their imaginations. Oh – they just got their liquor license so relax and ENJOY!

HAPPY MUNCHING!
Visit www.MiniMunchers.com for the complete children’s menus of these and over 225 other great restaurants in NYC! MiniMunchers also offers weekly discounts on children’s products and classes in our “Goodie Bag” as well as advice from experts on making your eating experiences with kids enjoyable – from celebrities to restaurateurs to Moms-in- the-know!