A tableSweetiepie
If Eloise's mother ever came to town, Sweetiepie is undoubtedly the restaurant the enfant terrible would choose to take her to. Mama could park her Givenchy-clad derriere on a pink padded banquette and sip dirty martinis while Eloise regales her with Plaza gossip. It's rather like Eloise's room at the Plaza sans graffiti. I found it on a grey Saturday when looking for brunch in a desperate hypo-glycaemic way with an overtired child and a grumpy, over-tired husband. Glimpsing the Schiaperelli pink and white interior we couldn't resist pressing our noses to the glass window.
Our mood lifted the moment we spotted a family dining in a gilded gage. La cage aux folles; what nerve to be the only folks in the place and elect to sit in the cage. But this is New York, after all and the Sweetiepie mise en scene encourages lightheartedness. My son G, an almost six year old with the sartorial taste of a 1950s Hollywood starlet was thrilled that here he would finally be able to discover the mysteries of a banana split.
Homesick for Blighty, I plumped for fish and chips and my husband went for a burger. All delicious and perfectly executed. My F&C was accompanied by a miniature silver jug filled with tartar sauce doctored with lemon zest, an excellent addition. Happily the split proved to large for G so I was able to scoop up the leftovers. He was unconvinced by the warm dark chocolate sauce, too sophisticated for his palate.
Some double-dating twentysomethings at the next table dared to order the Sweetiepig, a ginormous sundae meant for sharing. There was much flirtation and shrieking as the girls dug their spoons into the outrageous confection. Their beaux looked on indulgently, reluctant to wield anything as effeminate as a long-handled sundae spoon in a public place.
I will definitely return for the 'after-school' $9.95 child's menu. I can't think of a better way to while away the testy time zone between 3pm and bedtime with or without a martini.
My other favorite NYC options for inter-generational dining include:-
Landmarc Where you will find unflappable, tantrum-proof staff, crayons, mini ice cream cones and candy floss, if you dare risk a sugar high.
Relish is a classic American diner with a Williamsburg edge. Hipster waiters are terminally laid back and the food is classic and unchallenging in a good way.
Visit here
