Nesting instinct
Filed Under Places | June 18, 2007
A new parent-friendly café just opened off Commercial Drive on Charles Street, and it’s made us realize the difference between child-friendly and parent-friendly. Child-friendly is all about crayons and chicken strips, parent-friendly is all about a great play area stocked with (clean) toys and books, a reasonably priced menu focusing on local and organic fare, a clean baby changing area, and bambinicinnos.
Bambinicinnos — steamed milk topped with foam and chocolate sprinkles served in a pint-sized espresso cup for just 75¢ will make your tot feel terribly sophisticated, and the rest of the menu doesn’t disappoint. Our eye was caught by the proscuitto, cambezola and fig jam baguette ($8) while the mac ‘n cheese with hidden veggies ($6) and fruit fries with peach foam ($5) are already firmly-established kid favourites. They even offer fresh purees for babes — banana and avocado — at baby prices (75¢).
It’s hardly surprising that the brains behind Little Nest, Mary MacIntyre (once the pastry chef at Lumière) is a mother of two. The interior is airy and bright with lots of room for stroller traffic, no shortage of retro-chic highchairs and a large play area with a custom-built kitchen that kids adore – in fact a common problem is getting them to come to the table to eat. It’s also tremendously relaxing to dine in an environment that caters to your kids — in a good way — where you know the odd wail won’t be frowned upon by other patrons. While the menu is still in flux and they’re currently working out a few kinks (they don’t yet have debit and they’re awaiting a second chef) Little Nest is the perfect spot to stop and recharge when you’re on the Drive with your little ones.
Little Nest, 1716 Charles Street, tel: 604.251.9994, www.littlenest.ca
6 Responses to “Nesting instinct”
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I just went to Little Nest for the first time this morning, how lovely! I had a fantastic pot of herbal tea and a homemade apple cake, still warm from the oven. It was wonderful. They’ve done a beautiful job on the place as well.
Little Nest is a fabulous spot. The food, toys, prices, and decor were all way above my expectations. They also serve a really great espresso which is worth the visit! The staff were all very friendly and kid aware. I would definitely eat and drink there again (hopefully soon!)
I LOVE Little Nest! I’ve never felt so comfortable in a restaurant since I’ve had kids! I hope we see more like this popping up around town.
This is what all mothers of infants and toddlers have been waiting for! A perfect place – play area for kids and an excellent menu. The organic menu choices, are a plus and are reasonably priced and absolutely delicious. I went there a couple of weekends ago and can’t wait to go back again this weekend!
BEST COFFEE EVER! Vietnamese coffee and their slow cooked chicken sandwich are the best! I love it there since I have a baby and it is totally designed for such. The staff is very friendly and the premises clean. I am there everyday!
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