Usually when Cameron and I go out for lunch we end up at 67 Burger. I can’t deny that we both LOVE their food! Plus the staff is always so friendly. But mom and baby can not live on sweet potato fries and burgers alone, so I was in search of somewhere new. Celia, mom to Claire and fellow Brooklyn blogger (check out her site, Chic Squirt) recommended that I try Il Porto (37 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY). I admit my husband and I order pizza delivery from there all the time, but I had never actually been to the restaurant.

Under the BQE and to Il Porto we go!
So, Cameron and I ventured over there one afternoon to check out the scene. They had plenty of room for my stroller, and also had a few high chairs. The wait staff was very friendly and made Cameron and I feel welcome. I ordered the gnocchi right away (per Celia’s recommendation). I also got some bread for Cameron to snack on. The pasta came quickly – and it was SO good! Cameron was suspicious at first (as always) but once he saw me enjoying it, he gave it a try. Success!

Cameron waits for his gnocchi. Also pictured Skip Hop Plate
So Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies (and daddies) if you are looking for something yummy for lunch, try Il Porto – and try the gnocchi – it’s perfect finger food for baby, and mighty tasty for you!
Want more info on Il Porto? Check out this Lunchtime with Tillie review from Clinton Hill Blog.
Lately after Music Together class Cameron and I have been stopping in at the Connecticut Muffin on Lafayette for lunch. They have some tasty sandwiches (Cameron and I share the curry chicken salad sandwich,) as well as bagels and muffins (of course,) both of which Cameron is more than happy to snack on. Plus they have high chairs and plenty of room for strollers. Cameron likes to sit up front near the drink cooler because it makes entertaining noises. Check it out for an affordable lunch out you can share with your little one!

I admit that quite often in my first time mommy experiences someone tells me something which, upon hearing it I think,” Oh right – that makes perfect sense. Duh!” I had one of these moments at Cameron’s 9 month check up. I was talking to his pediatrician about food. She asked me if Cameron was feeding himself (finger foods) and I said “no,” and that he “wasn’t very good at it.” She suggested that every meal time I put the tray on his high chair and let him practice picking up some finger foods. Ah – Practice! This had never occurred to me (duh!) I guess I sort of figured it would just come to him…. Anyways, after a week or so of practice with his Organic Puffs Cameron has really improved!

Banana Puffs
I first heard about these puffs from another mom. They dissolve in baby’s mouth easily and they come in 3 “flavors” (I think they all taste the same) – banana, apple, and veggie. You can get them from Fresh Direct, at Elly’s on Dekalb, and at the Associated on Myrtle. If you aren’t in Fort Greene / Clinton hill check your local grocery in the baby section or get them from Amazon (the price is better than local, and they come with free shipping – you can even get 15% off if you subscribe and save making them only about $2.60 each). They are made by Happy Baby, and boy, do they make my baby happy!