Ever since our daughter was born, my husband and I have tried to integrate aspects of our pre-baby life into our new life. We quickly learned that things will never be the same (but in a good way)! Time is limited and there is a need for simplicity.
As a dietitian and lover of all things edible, I enjoy finding activities that bring my family
together. This is the first article in a series on my eating explorations.
Eating out is one of those little luxuries that is taken for granted in singledom. No longer
will I linger over a three course meal or expect to escape without making a mess.
Being a mother makes deciding on a place to eat anything but simple. My priorities have
always been:
- food
- nutrition, and
- cost
Now, choosing a child-friendly establishment is on the list and it’s my new main concern.
And this is for everyone’s benefit (including waitstaff who humor my little one by
keeping the water in her sippy cup flowing and who eagerly scour the restaurant for a
blue crayon).
So, with our agenda at hand, my husband and I headed out with our ten-month-old and found the Burger Bistro. Friends and chefs for years, John and Vincent formed an innovative restaurant concept in Bay Ridge and have recently opened a sister location in Park Slope. The menu is centered around quality meat and fresh ingredients.
With an average of 4.5 stars from 208 reviews on Yelp, the Burger Bistro boasts reviews like, “Phenomenal” and, “Not only is it yummy, it’s fun!”. The “fun” refers to the unique ordering process…you circle your choices with an erasable crayon right on the plastic menu…kids love this!
Now, as someone who’s been known to generate eye rolling from waiters as I waver on
my order, I appreciate the simplicity of the menu (especially when I’m simultaneously
digging through my purse for anything shiny or noisy to entertain my daughter… “I
thought you threw Sophie in the diaper bag?!”) But don’t underestimate the numerous
combinations to be made for a delicious customized burger.
First, choose your burger: beef, lamb, turkey, vegetable, or the special of the day.
Second, choose a creative topping: fried egg, pickled jalapenos, grilled portobello
mushroom, nine different cheeses. Then, choose one of six specialty sauces: chipotle mayo and wasabi mayo were quite good. And, lastly, your bread: plain, whole wheat, potato sliders.
And although it may look silly printed on the menu, I appreciate the “no bread” option.
It makes me feel like it’s OK by the chef, rather than some special request of my own (there’s that eye rolling again!)
I ordered the turkey burger with Gouda cheese and my husband got the beef burger
with caramelized onions, applewood bacon and chipotle mayo. We shared each others’
burgers to cut some of the bad fat. Both burgers were fresh and cooked just right. On
Wednesdays, order a bottle of wine (red, for an added boost of heart healthy antioxidants)
when all bottles are half price.
Happy hour on weekdays is from 4-6 pm featuring half-price beers and appetizers. The
Buffalo Tots are an innovative, yummy and less messy twist on buffalo wings and the
Neezburger Chachos are certainly worth the calories. Portions are for sharing. There is
also a weekday $9 lunch special.
Healthier items expand the menu without sacrificing the overall simplicity. The vegetable
and turkey burger, marinated chicken breast sandwich and grilled tuna steak sandwich are
great options. Or, if you’re treating yourself, order a side of crispy sweet potato fries and
then have an ice cream sandwich tailored just for you.
There is no children’s menu, but kids will enjoy the sliders and ice cream sandwiches
(who wouldn’t?!). High chairs are available and the outdoor seating area gives little
voices a little more space. Eating out with kids couldn’t be more simple and enjoyable!
Theresa Gentile MS, RD, CDN is a dietitian at Maimonides Medical Center, adjunct
professor at CUNY Brooklyn College and counsels adults and children sound science
and holistic approaches to eating. Check out her web site at www.theresagentilenutrition.com
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributors. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Guest writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.
