Chef Genji Sato never thought that taking a day off work would turn him into a national treasure, but his post on his restaurant’s Instagram Saturday—and the sign he left on his restaurant door—nearly broke the internet.
As he does every year in honor of his son’s birthday, he closed his restaurant Sasabune in Glendale, California to take Daiki, now 7, to Legoland. Nearly immediately, the post picked up steam, and a tweet of the sign from the restaurant already has 40,000 retweets and nearly 560,000 likes.
Sato, who has been a chef for more than 20 years, told TODAY he and wife, Kaya, began the tradition when their son, Daiki, turned 4. “We will be closed 2/28 Monday,” this year’s sign read. “Due to the chef takes his son to LEGOLAND for son’s 7th birthday.”
Daiki’s birthday is actually in October, but “I am going to the fish market every morning at five in the morning,” Sato told TODAY. “I don’t have much time to spend with family. I’m working so hard.” We see you, Sato. And we also appreciate your commitment to good sushi.
His restaurant, which emphatically declares “NO SPICY TUNA ROLL. NO CALIFORNIA ROLL. NO TEMPURA & TERIYAKI. SERIOUSLY!!” in its Instagram profile, kept him so busy that he didn’t have the time to take Daiko in October. But a delayed birthday trip to Legoland is better than none, and the family is currently there now.
This year’s celebration was the first time in two years the family has been able to return to Legoland since the pandemic. “It’s good to be with family,” said Sato. Because of course he did. He’s Sato.
Now that we’re spending a lot of time dining at home, it’s fun to try out new delivery and takeout options, especially when the kids can pitch in on the cooking. Lots of our favorite Bay Area restaurants are offering DIY dinner kits of menu favorites and heat-and-eat family meals that will stretch your dollar. Support our local restaurant community and plan your next dinner to-go today!
Boogie Bowl—Palo Alto
These Palo Alto brothers are passionate about cooking. They have their own business providing pizza kits, naan kits and condiments, and we are down for it! They offer delivery within 10 miles of Palo Alto.
Choose from:
Pizza Kit 1: Dough for 4 pizzas, Jar of Garlicky Tangy Tomato pizza sauce | $20
Pizza Kit 2: Dough for 4 pizzas, Jar of Garlicky Herby Creamy pizza sauce | $25
Naan Bread Kit: Comes with dough, garlic ghee and your choice of za'atar or sumac.
They also offer ghee by the jar along with a number of condiments.
Save your sanity and order up some gourmet meals from Jessie & Laurent for your family. This San Rafael-based company has delivered delicious, chef-made meals to the Bay Area for nearly 40 years and parents need their service more than ever now that we are all cooking at home.
With weekly rotating dishes that include family favorites like Braised Hungarian Beef Stroganoff and Fresh Baked Salmon with Curried Spinach, there's something that will satisfy even the pickiest toddler. Customers are easily able to tailor their selections to fit their dietary restrictions and preferences, with an assortment of family-sized and freezer-friendly options also available. All meals are heat and eat, and they recently added brunch as an option. Don't miss the cookie dough of the week to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Noodles & Company Family Meals—Concord, San Jose & Vacaville
Noodles & Company
When it comes to meals, parents want their families to eat healthy nutritious options, especially for dinner after a long day of work and school. And for days where there just isn’t enough time to meal prep, turn to Noodles & Company’s family meals to do the heavy lifting. Noodles & Company has a handful of family meal options that serve a family of four, and whether you go for the Mack Pack, Italian Classics or Asian Bowls, there’s an option sure to satisfy even the pickiest of the bunch.
We recently tried out the Asian Bowls and it was more than enough food for our family of five, plus enough leftover for lunches the next day.
Balboa Cafe’s famous and beloved Balboa Burger, on its signature baguette (now with a baguette from Jane the Bakery) with house made pickles and pickled red onions, is available for take-out and delivery for $25.
Balboa Cafe’s at-home Balboa Burger Kit for two includes:
Two eight-ounce vacuum-packed custom burger blend patties, ground in-house in the signature oval shape, ready for customers to grill at-home
House made pickles and pickled red onions served in mason jars
Half of a baguette baked by local baker, Jane the Bakery
Recipe card includes seasoning, tips and guidance on making fries at home
Telefèric Barcelona, known for its authentic Spanish cuisine and atmosphere, has launched its new online market, El Merkat (and mobile app) full of Spanish market goods to-go—including DIY paella making kits—available for pick up at Teleferic Palo Alto and for delivery within a 10 mile radius.
El Merkat is adjoined to the Teleferic Barcelona Palo Alto restaurant and offers a variety of imported goods from Spain, perfect for creating Spanish feasts at home. Now conveniently online, the new online shop showcases Telefèric’s favorite prepared dishes to-go as well as market items for purchase. For those seeking an interactive experience with the family to spice up dinner, or just cook a Spanish inspired meal at home, Telefèric Barcelona’s paella making kits provide all the necessary tools to make authentic paella. Customize each kit to feed your family’s needs, with options including paella pans in a range of sizes, bomba rice, saffron seasoning and a complete paella kit. Simply add any vegetables or meat that you have in the fridge or freezer for a complete meal.
Carnitas Meal Kit from Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar—San Francisco
San Francisco historic favorite Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, located on the Embarcadero, now offers delicious, prepared meal kits that are easy to cook at home and enjoy without the hassle of grocery store lines. Choose from meal kit options like crab cakes, Dungeness crab mac n' cheese and fish tacos. We think families will really love the carnitas meal kit that comes with one pound of roasted carnitas to be reheated, a pint of loaded mashed potatoes, a pint of braised greens, one cup pineapple chili glaze, one cheesy bread and for dessert, four fresh oatmeal cookie dough balls. Tip: add a five-serving cocktail jar of prepared margaritas.
Meal kits are available for pre-order before 3 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wednesday-Sunday.
If you are craving some Fiorella's Pizza that's hot out of the oven, this kit is for you! You can make your very own Fiorella-style Margherita pies with dough, sauce, three cheeses and condiments (basil, red chili flakes, oregano, chili oil) for two or four pizzas. Your little pizza chefs can get right to work making their masterpieces in the time it takes you to preheat your oven.
Family Meals from Curry Up Now—SF, San Mateo, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Jose
Curry Up Now
Curry Up Now, the Bay Area's beloved Indian eatery, has just launched three new Family Meals that make feeding the entire family simple, cost-effective and crowd pleasing. The three packages are designed to feed from 4-8 people (for $55, $79, $101, respectively) and each comes with three entrees, turmeric rice, samosas, naan, chutneys, pico kachumber and cookies. Families can choose from Curry Up Now favorites like Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala and even their best-selling Tikka Masala Burritos!
All five of Curry Up Now's locations in the Bay Area are serving the new Family Meals for takeout, which can be ordered by phone, online, or the Curry Up Now app.
Saison Smokehouse, an all-new to-go barbecue restaurant from Saison Hospitality, is now offering family meals for four ($135) and for two ($72). Meals come with smoked chicken, spice-rubbed pork ribs, pastrami brisket (choice of two proteins for the two-person meal), biscuits with honey, pickles, sauce and sides. End the meal with an embered caramel frosty.
Guests can order via Tock. Saison Smokehouse is open Tuesday-Saturday from 3-8 p.m. with contactless pick up at Angler (132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105). Follow on Instagram at @SaisonSmokehouse.
Brunch Kit from Lazy Dog Restaurant—Concord, Cupertino, Dublin, Newark
There is nothing better than waking up at home to the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen! This kit from Lazy Dog Restaurant includes everything you need for an awesome breakfast at home. Cook eggs your favorite way, brown up the breakfast potatoes and get ready for the pancakes of your dreams with all the fixin’s! Whether it’s weekend brunch or breakfast for dinner, dreams will come true with this kit.
They also offer a backyard BBQ kit, a pizza night kit and a home essentials kit (chicken breast, eggs, milk, bread, potatoes and more)
Little Lao Table from Farmhouse Thai—SF and Oakland
Who wants a party at home?! Order the Little Lao Table for a delicious feast in the comfort of your own home. Choose from the regular menu or vegetarian menu that includes fresh rolls with peanut sauce, samosa, Mieng Kum bite, papaya salad, grilled Snake River Farm wagyu beef flank steak, Hat Yai fried chicken, shrimp fries rice, Pad Thai with fried egg and more. You'll also get two free kids meals and your choice of two Thai ice tea or two Singha beers.
Pizza Kit from Giovanni's Italian Specialties—San Francisco
Inspired by his customers who are seeking easy meals to make with the whole family, 13-Time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani is offering pizza kits from his artisanal retail shop: Giovanni Italian Specialties. The kits include pizza dough, sauce and cheese (for only $7.50), with the option to add Genoa Salami ($12.50)—making for a delicious and easy-to make family activity for those hunkering down at home. They also have a dinner for two option that includes a pound of fresh pasta, sauce and a bottle of wine. Add on some cannoli for the best Italian meal you've had in months.
The Broderick Street location of Nopalito is offering ready-to-heat-and-eat meal kits for pick up and delivery. The carnitas kit come with Nopalito's famous carnitas served with Mexican rice, rancho gordo beans, salsa cruda, pickles and six handmade tortillas. They also offer a pozole kit, birria de res kit and a vegetales a la plancha vegetarian kit.
Noosh is open for business and offering family-style meals and select Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu items a la carte, including salads, soups, house-made spreads and desserts. Options include the Noosh Feast ($54), which offers a selection of family-style favorites meant for sharing, like Noosh’s signature chubby pita, a selection of sides and spreads, a choice of grilled chicken and lamb or spiced cauliflower (vegetarian), and chocolate muhullabia pudding for dessert. A la carte items include flavorful spreads and sauces like whipped hummus, smoked yogurt, red pepper muhammara and lemon garlic tahini sauce—the perfect pairings for a side of fresh-baked chubby pita! The restaurant’s house cocktail, the Noosh Mule, is also available to-go along with a selection of wine and beer by the bottle.
For the latest updates on hours, services, and menu offerings, follow Noosh on Instagram and Facebook.
Contactless curbside pickup is available every Wednesday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. Delivery is available via Caviar from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday
Online: Curbside pickup orders can be placed here. Delivery orders available through Caviar.
Make-Your-Own Sushi Kit from Sushi Confidential—Campbell
Not only can you satisfy your sushi cravings with this hands-on kit from Sushi Confidential, but you can teach the kids a new skill! You'll get all the ingredients you need to make California rolls, spicy tuna rolls and whatever else you can think up. The kit makes up to eight rolls and serves four for $99.
Grab a taste of Fisherman's Wharf at home from Boudin Bakery. Boudin has recently debuted its at-home fresh Dungeness Crab Feasts along with new take-out offerings including Sourdough Saturdays and Family Meals.
Diners wanting to indulge in the quintessential San Francisco meal have the opportunity to pre-order the fresh at-home Dungeness Crab Feasts for pick-up at their neighborhood Boudin location. The feast includes: a loaf of Boudin’s world-famous Original San Francisco Sourdough™, classic Caesar salad, pasta marinara, fresh steamed Dungeness Crab served with drawn butter and homemade cocktail sauce and of course, crab bibs. To order Boudin’s fresh at-home Dungeness Crab Feasts, please call 1-877-988-1849 anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Thursdays for pick-up on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boudin has also launched Sourdough Saturdays, gifting diners a free one-pound Original San Francisco Sourdough™ loaf with purchase of a take-out order of $15 or more. Or, try one of Boudin's three new Family Meals for take-out including salad and sandwich, salad and bread bowl soup, or sandwich and bread bowl soup. These can all be ordered online.
If you've got a craving for a Shackburger, get yourself a DIY Shackburger kit delivered to your home, pronto! Shake Shack has teamed up with goldbelly to get this deal to your door. Each kit features ingredients to make eight ShackBurgers (including their custom blend of 100% Angus beef, Martin’s potato rolls, American cheese and their secret ShackSauce).
Gourmet Bento Boxes from ONE65 Bistro—San Francisco
If you have an anniversary or other celebration coming up, consider a gourmet bento box from ONE65. You'll get a four-course meal: appetizer, entree, cheese and dessert with selections like beef cheek wagyu with gratin pommes puree and lobster bisque with espelette cappuccino. Add on a charcuterie board and you will be ready to celebrate!
Many families have been relying on takeout now more than ever. DoorDash just unveiled the DoorDash Deep Dish report. This report delves into the top takeout and cooking trends to date as we make our way past the halfway point of the year.
Using order data from Jan. 1, 2020 to Jun. 30, 2020 and a national consumer survey, DoorDash’s mid-year report checks in on popular food trends, nationally and regionally, how users ate through social distancing, cravings across the country, and more. The national consumer survey polled 2,000 Americans on what they cooked, ate, and baked the most, the top food and drink they missed while restaurants were closed, the impact the past six months have had on vacation plans and more.
Check out some highlights form the DoorDash Deep Dish Report:
Top Foods of 2020 To Date
Chicken Sandwich & French Fries
Mac and Cheese
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Make Your Own Pizza
Iced Coffee
California Roll
Breakfast Burrito
Chicken Fajitas
Spicy Tuna Roll
Fish & Chips
Top Condiments of 2020 To Date
Ranch
Sour Cream
Soy Sauce
Hot Mustard
Spicy Mayo
Ketchup
Hot Sauce
Honey Mustard
Salsa
Honey BBQ
Top 20 Food On The Rise This Year That You Should Expect To See More Of:
Oatmeal – 1,768% increase
Queso Blanco – 1,735% increase
Iced Caramel Coffee – 1,660% increase
Grilled Chicken Taco – 1,502% increase
Create Your Own Pizza – 1,501% increase
Cinnamon Rolls – 1,400% increase
Cheese Nachos – 1,130% increase
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie – 1,193% increase
Spinach and Artichoke Dip – 1,092% increase
Iced French Vanilla Coffee – 1,028% increase
Shrimp Tacos – 997% increase
New York Style Cheesecake – 843% increase
Strawberry Banana Smoothie – 822% increase
Biscuits with Gravy – 818% increase
Vegetable Samosa – 788% increase
Blueberry Muffin – 779% increase
Plant-based Burgers – 433% increase
Chicken Fajitas – 318% increase
Churros – 260% increase
Horchata – 200% increase
The State of Flavor in America – Top Items in US Cities
LA: Sushi–California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll are top sushi items ordered
SF: Indian–Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Basmati Rice, Samosas, and Saag Paneer are top items ordered
Denver: Cheese is Supreme–Mac & Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chicken Quesadillas, and Chips & Queso are top items ordered
Chicago: Is A Hot Dog a Sandwich?–Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Chili Cheese Dog, Beef Croissant Sandwich are top items ordered
Austin: Tex-Mex–Chips & Queso, Burritos, Baja Shrimp Taco, Fried Avocado Taco, and Chicken Fajitas are top items ordered
Atlanta: Sweet Tooth–Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cookies & Cream Milkshake, Brownie, Apple Pie, and Banana Bread are top items ordered
Miami: Latin American Flavors–Sweet Plantains, Fried Yuca, Jerk Chicken, Tres Leches, and Tostones are top items ordered
DC: Chicken–Roasted Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and Curry Chicken are top items ordered
Philadelphia: American Staples–Chicken Nuggets, Cheesesteaks, Cheeseburgers, Italian Hoagie, and Boneless Wings are top items ordered
NYC: Chicken–Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Parmigiana, Crispy Chicken BLT, Buttermilk Fried Chicken are top items ordered
Seattle: Seafood–California Roll, Fish & Chips, Crab Rangoon, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Tartar Sauce are top items ordered
Top Food Items ordered this year during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night
East Coast:
Breakfast: Iced Coffee, Donuts, Steak Omelette, Belgian Waffle, Bagel with Butter
DoorDash’s survey found that more time spent cooking is tiring people out. 70% of those surveyed said they are spending more time in the kitchen and 47% report that they are tired of cooking. 25% will order more food when they get takeout so that they will have leftovers for the next day.
Almost half of respondents are most tired of cooking chicken, followed by pasta and microwave meals. While tired of cooking chicken, Americans aren’t sick of ordering in chicken. Chicken Sandwich with french fries was the top food item ordered on DoorDash this year, with Chicken Fajitas also making the list as the 8th most ordered item.
While our Instagram feeds were flooded with pictures of banana bread, cookies are filling cravings for comfort food with 60% of those surveyed saying they baked chocolate chip cookies during the pandemic. Cookies also surged in order frequency, with Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies seeing a 1,193% increase in orders compared to the first half of 2019.
People missing eating out, especially Mexican food and margaritas, and sushi. Americans made up for missing eating Mexican and Seafood out by ordering these cuisines in–the top items ordered this year on DoorDash include Spicy Shrimp Tacos (3rd most ordered item), California Roll (6th most ordered), Breakfast Burritos (7th most ordered), Chicken Fajitas (8th most ordered), Spicy Tuna Roll (9th most ordered) and Fish & Chips (10th most ordered). Top trending Mexican items ordered on DoorDash include Queso Blanco (1,735% increase), Grilled Chicken Tacos (1,502% increase), Cheese Nachos (1,130% increase), Shrimp Tacos (997% increase), and Chicken Fajitas (318% increase).
The west coast disagrees: their top response is sushi, edging Mexican food 36% to 34%. Top DoorDash orders from West Coasters support this, with Sushi and Seafood being the dominant items ordered in LA and Seattle, respectively, and West Coast top dinner items including Spicy Tuna Rolls and Dragon Rolls
The pandemic has caused food habits to change. Of those surveyed, 45% have tried at least one of three select new food habits. Intermittent fasting is especially popular with older millennials (25-34-year-olds) as 40% say they’ve tried it. Plant based eating is also on the rise. 18-24 year olds ranked plant-based as the most appetizing vegan dish and DoorDash orders for Plant-based Burgers surged 443% increase in 2020.
The largest amount spent on a single DoorDash food order this year was an order worth $2,578 that included 70 orders of Mediterranean herb chicken, 40 orders of grilled vegetables, and 20 cheese plates.
Quick and easy dinner recipes can be the saving grace when it comes to a busy work and school week. Whether you need a new take on an old favorite or inspiration for simple dinner ideas, we’ve got a months worth of easy options that will make evening meal prep a breeze.
Add this cheesy quinoa bake to your weekly arsenal for a quick and easy dinner that's high in nutrition. Even veggie-hating kids will admit broccoli tastes better roasted, and in this recipe from Cookie and Kate, it is topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a comfort food that's hard to resist.
Kale is still as popular as ever, and this gnocchi recipe combines a kale basil pesto with seasonal Brussel sprouts for a weeknight dinner that's comforting and full of flavor. Gimme Some Oven has the how-to.
These salmon cakes take no time to prep and can be cooked in less than ten minutes. The recipe in our archives gives tips on how to get kids helping—and soon enough cooking—in the kitchen. Serve with crunchy parboiled green beans.
Pasta and bacon are a winning combo especially when they create a quick and easy family dinner. This version uses frozen peas to make a dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Switch out peas for spinach or broccoli depending on the veggie preferences at home.
Here's an easy dinner—a deconstructed version of the spicy tuna roll! Protein-packed tuna, brown rice, and veggies all smothered in mayo sauce make this both light and filling (and a cinch to prepare!). Adjust the seasoning and ditch the spicy red pepper for kids. Show Me The Yummy has the recipe and video.
Quesadillas meet lasagne in this quick-prep weekend dinner fave. Layer up tortillas with cheese, chicken and spinach, and you have a recipe the kids will love. Click here for the details.
The fancy-sounding frittata is actually a quick and simple meal. Pile grated cheese, cubed deli meats and roasted veg into the mix, and you have an easy dinner full of protein. Two Peas & Their Pod have a sweet potato, kale and goat cheese version that's sure to become a staple.
There's no shame in producing a toasty for dinner—this one uses pantry staples plus, it's so easy, soon enough the kids will be able to make their own! Serve with spiralized veggies or a bowl of soup, like this seasonal potato leek from Once Upon a Chef.
These Mexican enchilada fries might sound like a side dish but, topped with chicken, black beans and corn, they're likely to become a filling family favorite. The tray can be made a few hours ahead of time and reheated to crisp up when everyone's ready to eat. Get the recipe from Erin Clarke at Well Plated and skip the jalapeño if that's too spicy for kids.
Buttery puff pastry makes an alternative pizza base that will have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Just brush with pesto, bake and top with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Plated Cravings has the recipe.
A one-pot dinner that hints of summer is the perfect mid-week pick-me-up. This version mixes sweet Italian sausage with potatoes, peppers and zucchini, and you can easily switch out the veggies your kids won't eat for ones they will.
Tenderloin is easy to cook, and this medallion recipe makes a delicious one-pan weeknight dinner that’s on the table in 30 minutes. Swap out the blue cheese for a milder blend if necessary and watch the kids come back for seconds. Get the recipe from Plated Cravings.
For a savory take on pancakes, try Borrowed Salt’s banh xeo. It’s a crispy crepe that’s filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, then topped off with fresh veggies and a tangy dipping sauce. Drooling yet? Click here for the recipe and here for a few other ways to turn pancakes into dinner.
Craving a dinner that's easy to cook and full of creamy goodness? This risotto from My Little Larder will have the family hungry for more, and it requires just 10 minutes of prep then goes in the oven—so almost no stove-top stirring.
Sometimes the kids just need noodles ... now! This quick-prep recipe does just that—puts noodly and nutritious food on the table, fast. Head to Pinch of Yum for the high-speed how-to.
Pork chops are easy on the wallet, and when they're coated in cheesy breadcrumbs, they are easy on the taste buds too. Baked in the oven for thirty minutes, this low maintenance meal from A Taste of Madness is quick to prep and good to eat.
Fish tacos are a winning dinner option. The fish is lightly seasoned, sauteed and served with warm tortillas and fresh salsa. Head to Weelicious for the how-to, plus tips on replacing fish with tofu. The recipe comes from Lisa Leake's 100 Days of Real Food.
Once you nail a version of veggie fried rice then you can really add any flavor combos you want. This kid-friendly kimchi fried rice is a versatile option or check out this simple version from our round-up of recipes designed to help you ring in the Lunar New Year.
This garlicky peanut dish is a great one to remember when you walk in the door late and everyone's hungry. It's ready in the time it takes to roast some broccoli florets. Soba noodles are combined with veggies in a tangy sauce for a quick weeknight dinner fix.
We think Popeye himself would approve of this dish. The spinach contains tons of iron, which can provide a pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired, and the eggs offer a protein boost. (Psst! Use puff pastry dough to cut down on prep time.) Get the recipe here.
Dumplings get a makeover in this simple recipe with pesto, parmesan, fresh tomato, and olive oil. Mixed together in a skillet, this is an easy weeknight dinner that's super comforting.
The meat in this stir-fry is ready in minutes. Mix with veggies on a bowl of rice and you'll be serving a dish of happiness for dinner. This recipe is easy to customize to your own family's tastes —sub in broccoli or cauliflower instead of green beans.
It's hard to beat a delicious bowl of warming soup and this recipe from My Fussy Eater produces a chunky broth full of Mexican flavor. This dish uses leftover cooked pork which can easily be substituted with deli meats.
Great for a weeknight dinner, these mini meatloaves are simple to make, quick to get to the table and totally adorable! Roast chopped potatoes at the same time as you cook the meat and dinner's done. Head to Aggie's Kitchen for the recipe and how-to video.
Think scrambled eggs are just for breakfast? Think again! This simple recipe from Cookie and Kate combines protein-rich eggs with easy-to-flip tortillas to make scrambled huevos rancheros which you can make in minutes, top with anything you like and eat any time of day!
This summer-inspired tray bake combines pineapples, peppers and sweet potatoes for a fresh, sweet roast of Hawaiian flavors. When you're looking for an easy one-pan dish to lift the family's spirits, this is it. Head to The Seasoned Mom for the recipe and here for other ideas for easy sheet pan dinners.
This dinner from The View From Great Island comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta. Not only is it quick to prepare, it's also a good way to stretch a small fillet of salmon to feed the whole family. The citrus flavors also make it a great recipe to introduce salmon to reluctant fish eaters.
If you’re looking for a simple weeknight recipe, you’ve got to try out this kid-approved recipe. Baked sweet potatoes are stuffed with a healthy mixture of veggies, chicken and goat cheese. You can easily switch up the ingredients to fit your family’s preferences, too.
Which recipes are your weeknight dinner favorites? Let us know in the comments below.
Union Market has catered to DC’s food-loving hipsters for several years now, and Eastern Market still sells old-school meats and meals. Now several new suburban food halls have opened up, and Maryland and Virginia diners have their own great options for family-friendly dining. Asian food—highlighted at the Spot and the Block—is often a fairly easy sell for cautious young diners; noodles, soups, and rice are universally comforting and hard to resist. The best thing about bringing little ones to a food hall? Nobody will complain if they make a little noise or even need to run around the room a bit.
Photo: William Y. via Yelp
The Spot
This charming Asian-themed mini hall sits just to the north of Rockville Town Center. Outdoor seating is available in nice weather; one corner features low tables and floor cushions for kids to crawl and sprawl, while a full bar at the other end of the space lets adults partake. Parents seeking lighter fare will love this outpost of local chain PokiDC, with offerings like salmon or spicy tuna (and even steak or chicken for the raw-fish-averse) atop brown or white rice or greens, with a multitude of toppings and dressings. Cheers Cut serves up all kinds of fried foods, accompanied by rice and steamed vegetables—sure to appeal to the chicken-tenders crowd. The staff at Mian entertain curious onlookers (of all ages) as they hand-pull noodles for ramen and other soups. And you can finish it all of with a sweet bubble tea from Gong Cha or a sculpted ice-cream creation from Alpaca Dessert.
255 N. Washington St. (Rockville, MD)
Online: thespotdmv.com
Photo: Xuannie via Yelp
The Block
The Block is NOVA’s own Asian-style space, with sky-blue picnic-style tables and an industrial-chic vibe. Balo Kitchen offers modern-inflected Vietnamese sandwiches like banh mi and French dip, along with chicken nuggets and French toast for the younger, less adventurous crowd. There’s PokeWorks, another chain serving the healthy, satisfying Hawaiian-inspired fish-on-rice-or-salad that’s so trendy right now. Munch ice cream surprises with flavors like Ash and Matcha Oreo…alongside Fruity Pebbles. SnoCream shaved ice gets extra-rich when topped with condensed milk or caramel. And—as at the Spot—Block Bar has a full bar as well as more sophisticated small plates.
Quarter Market
Quarter Market, in the newly rejuvenated Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, has only a few vendors open as of late March 2019, but they’re a departure from the Asian fare of the Block and the Spot. So far the two savory stalls that have opened—Copa for tapas and Hot Lola’s for fried chicken that’s a mashup of Nashville and Sichan heat—aren’t the easiest sell for fussy young eaters…unless they like their nuggets on the spicy side. But there’s Ice Cream Jubilee to (literally) cool down any cranky customer. And outposts of BarTaco and Timber Pizza are slated to join the lineup with family-friendly tacos and pies.
New mom? No problem. If you’re scratching you’re head wondering how in the world you’re going to navigate this city with a newborn, we’ve got you covered. From grocery deliveries and postnatal massages to family-friendly nights out and mommy and me yoga classes, we have a full list of everything you’ll need to make the most out of your first year at home with baby—and beyond.
Need To Namaste? Never have you needed a little more zen in your life. Take a mommy and me class with your baby at one of our favorite family yoga spots. No prior yoga experience is necessary and everyone is welcomed at all of these classes.
Need a Sitter? A time comes in every parent’s life when they just need to get out of the house. Leave the kids behind with a reliable, certified sitter courtesy of Sitter City. Whether you’re looking for a full-time nanny or someone who can help out a few times a month, head to their site and find the help you need.
Got Tired Muscles? If your new mama muscles are aching for a good massage, every mama needs to check out Spa Le La. You can go alone (YASSSS!) for some much needed R&R, or you can bring the baby with on special “Mommy and Me” days (still YASSSS!) where the baby is with you in the massage room. Don’t worry, on those special days, all the other new moms will have their babies in tow too, so no one will mind the crying. They also have a nap room and a soaking tub, which is as close to heaven as you’ll get here on earth.
4338 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City
(747) 227-4338
Online: spalela.com
Want To Workout With a New Baby? Figuring out how to fit in exercise when you’re juggling kids at home is tougher than taxes. So strap ‘em in the stroller, use them as weights or stretch alongside each other—you’ve got a new workout buddy! Here are some of our favorite places in town to work out with the wee ones.
Happy Hour Anyone? Dreaming of a place where cradling a baby in one arm and a cold brewski in the other is not frowned upon but (kind of) encouraged? Believe it or not, there are plenty of beer spots in Los Angeles that are not just only kid-friendly, but go above and beyond to cater to families large and small. These six spots are the best places where sippy cups and pints go hand in hand.
Craving Sushi? It’s been hella long nine long months since your last spicy tuna roll. Take a drive to one of the most kid-friendly sushi restaurants in the city and get ready for the whole family to say “Kampai!”
Car Seat Troubles? Hey, blowouts happen—a lot. No need to fear because the good people at The Tot Squad will make everything like new again. Eco-friendly, these guys will come to you and fix anything from a junk covered stroller to a sticky highchair. Book online.
Need a Baby Agent? Don’t feel weird. Everyone else has one in this city. The Paloma Agency is family run and operated and parents love the sense of community that comes from working with them. Just send in a few snapshots and see where it takes you. Your little one could be the next big thing. (Or at least start saving up for college.)
Need an Eco-friendly Manicure or Pedicure? Sit back in comfy spa chairs for a well-deserved mani-pedi at Bellacures. Choose from a variety of nail polishes that are non-toxic and vegan so you can feel zero guilt if your kids use you as a teething toy. Make sure to book online to guarantee your spot (it’s that popular for good reason).
Need Essentials In a Pinch? It’s 10 p.m. and you’re too tired to even think about making a run to the drug store. Check out Yummy.com for household essentials like diapers, Tylenol, toilet paper and ice cream…and don’t forget the ice cream.
Need a (Kid-Friendly) Night Out?LACMA Friday Night Jazz is a godsend for parents with babies all summer long. Plus, you’ll feel really hip for being out on a Fri. night way past your (pathetically early) bedtime. Plus, you can grab a glass of wine (or coffee) and listen to some stellar jazz while your baby sleeps soundly in his stroller (hopefully).
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
(323) 857-6000
Online: lacma.org
Need To Catch a Movie? Bring a bottle for the baby and grab a drink for yourself. Then settle in to watch a new movie on the big screen during Mon. Morning Mommy Movies at most Pacific Theatre locations. They dim the lights instead of turning them all the way off so you can find that missing paci during the movie. Changing stations are set up in the movie theater so you don’t miss a minute of the show.
Newborn Feeding Confusion?The Pump Station is a wealth of information for moms that are new to the breastfeeding game. From lactation consultations to courses on how to use your breast pump effectively, the Pump Station’s got your back. They also offer postpartum doula services. Check them out online or drop by their locations in Santa Monica, Hollywood and Westlake Village.
Need a Do-over? Once the baby comes you can kiss those long afternoons spent lazily in the salon chair goodbye. A trip to Dry Bar will give you that quick wash and blow out that will last a few days, so you can at least look like you have it all together.
Need Fresh Fruit and Veggies? We so get it. It’s hard to get to the store with the baby often enough to maintain a fridge full of fresh veggies and fruits. Instead of stressing, have them delivered to your doorstep weekly though Farm Fresh to You. They work with local farms to bring you the very best all with the options to customize to your (and your kid’s) preferences.
Need a Post Baby Bra? Let the heaven-sent ladies at Soma give you a much-needed bra fitting. Chances are that your size has changed, especially since post-baby. It’s amazing how fast a little lift can lift your mood.
Feeling Out of Whack? Birthing babies can leave our bodies bent out of shape. Get a much-needed realignment at the Berlin Wellness Group with chiropractic, massage, and homeopathic therapies. The best part? If you’re desperate, they can usually fit you in the same day.
Truth: there are a few universal pain points every busy parent deals with no matter where you live or how many kids you have. The biggest for many of us? Mealtime! Food blogger and mom of three, Siri Daly can relate. Her popular food blog, Siriously Delicious and her new cookbook of the same name (it debuts this month) is devoted to simple recipes for the real home cook.
We recently spoke to Siri about how she makes dinnertime more enjoyable and less hectic, mealtime traditions she shares with her kids and husband, Carson Daly, and goods she always has in her pantry. Read on to hear from Siri and don’t forget to check out the recipes she shared with us.
Red Tricycle: Do you have any family rituals or traditions when it comes to mealtime? Siri Daly: We try and sit down together almost every night, even if Carson and I end up eating a little later than the kids. Usually, we play some sort of game during dinner, favorites being 20 Questions or Telephone. Have you ever tried playing Telephone with a 3 year-old? It’s pretty comical.
RT: For parents pressed for time in the evenings (who isn’t?!), can you share any wisdom to make dinnertime more enjoyable and less hectic? SD: Um, let them have ‘screen time’ while you’re cooking? KIDDING! (Sort of.) Planning ahead is key, if possible, and using any free time you have on the weekends to prep fruits and veggies will help when it comes time to cooking meals. I love simple recipes that involve one or two pots and that can be ready in 30 minutes or less. As far as the eating process, I find it’s more pleasant to sit at a table, away from any distractions like homework or television. Even if dinnertime goes by quickly, it’s important to pause for a bit to check in with each other.
RT: Are your kids open to trying new foods and cuisines? Do you have any advice to parents whose kids may have a picky palate? SD: Welllll, they are certainly getting better! My son, who is the oldest, is the most willing to try new things, so my advice is to be patient! If they are picky at a young age, their palates will develop with time. Also, as discouraging as it sometimes feels, it’s important to keep trying because they are always changing their minds. That said, in my experience, it never helps to force anything on them (or maybe I just gave birth to control freaks?) so again, patience is key. And when all else fails, I sneak veggies into their meals!
RT: What are 5 things you always have on-hand or in your pantry? SD: Good olive oil, Sriracha sauce, a chunk of fresh Parmesan cheese, almonds, and spaghetti.
RT: What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had? SD: I love sushi, and the first time I went to Nobu in New York City with Carson was very memorable for a couple of reasons. First, as someone who was introduced to raw fish as a twenty-year-old…in WISCONSIN…eating the delicious cuisine in a big, coastal city was a real treat. Second, Carson and I had just started “crushing” on each other. Is that a thing people say? Anyway, the flirty vibe at dinner is always something I’ll remember, along with that first bite of crispy rice with spicy tuna and that first sip of a lychee martini.
RT: If you could eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? How about your kids? SD: Probably a perfectly prepared Spaghetti Carbonara with that delectable, creamy egg sauce and crispy pancetta. For my kids? Boxed Mac & Cheese!
Siri shared three recipes with Red Tricycle. Check them out here:
Siri Daly was a television writer and producer before becoming a stay-at-home mom of three young kids. She started her popular food blog, Siriously Delicious, as a place to keep track of the recipes that worked for her continuously busy life. Married to Carson Daly, she is now a regular TODAY food contributor and resident comfort-food expert, often cooking on-air with her husband. They live in the greater New York area. For more of Siri’s wit and humor and a peek into her life as a busy mom, visit siriouslydelicious.blogspot.com.
We know, we know: another day, another gourmet, small-bite food hall. Such is the lot of super-spoiled New Yorkers who like to eat well — or even eat. Still, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt, which debuted last week in a cavernous, renovated space nestled next to Grand Central Terminal is worth knowing about, for both its smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-everything location and its impressive array of freshly-made, affordable and delicious options that will please even the most finicky of eaters, whether they’re four or 40 years old.
photo: Liz Clayman/UrbanSpace
All Aboard UrbanSpace Vanderbilt UrbanSpace Vanderbilt is the latest venture — and first NYC brick-and-mortar location — of parent company UrbanSpace, which is responsible for other food and retail markets around town such as Mad. Sq. Eats, Dekalb Market, the Union Square Holiday Market and Broadway Bites. (It also operates several similar spots in the UK.)
The massive food hall is located in one of the old waiting rooms of the New York Central Building, which is tucked into the space between the Park Avenue auto viaduct and a covered pedestrian passageway. (It’s a stone’s throw from Grand Central.) The 1929 space now features industrial steel roadway beams, remnants of terrazzo floors, soaring ceilings and double-height windows. There’s also a ton of space to sit, at the perimeter of the space or in a central seating area with lots of tables.
photo: Ethan Covey/UrbanSpace
Who/What’s There? UrbanSpace has assembled a group of more than 20 chefs and restaurants from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens for its newest foodie market. Similar to other food halls in the city, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt imports many premier food purveyors from farther-flung areas of the city, so you can sample famed Roberta’s pizza from Bushwick, Mimi’s Hummus of Ditmas Park or Queens’ Sips & Bites’ gourmet toasts right on on 45th Street.
Options include both gourmet fast/comfort food like fried chicken from Delaney Chicken, Roberta’s pizza and burgers by Bar Suzette, as well as a wide range of international cuisine (Thai from Bangkok B.A.R, Mexican from La Palapa Tacos, and noodles by Hong Kong Street Cart) and super-healthy vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (veggie burgers by No. 7 Veggie and Power Bowls by Two Tablespoons). Also: desserts such as gelato by A.B. Biagi, cookies and cake from Ovenly, doughnuts by DOUGH — and lots of beer and wine are available. (Vendor Mayhem and Stout will even sell you a growler.)
How is it & how much? It’s fair to say that everything we sampled at the preview event (which was, um, a lot) was delicious, from old standbys to more adventurous fare to the sweets. UrbanSpace is promising that everything will be made fresh on site by vendors, as well as rotating menus to ensure variety and seasonal choices.
The food is probably not the cheapest you could find in the area, but it’s pretty close, and it would be hard to beat the market for freshness, convenience and quality. Yes, you’ll pay $17 for a lobster roll from the Red Hook Lobster pound, but like the amazing $5 spicy tuna taco from Takumi Taco, most bites are less than 10 bucks.
UrbanSpace Vanderbilt
230 Park Ave (at Vanderbilt and 45th St.)
Midtown
646-747-0822
Online: urbanspacenyc.com
Have you visited UrbanSpace Vanderbilt yet? What did you try? Tell us in the comments below!
Sake bombs might not be on the menu for you anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your sushi fix. Atlanta is full of tasty and tot-friendly sushi spots where you can introduce them to this fabulous food. Read on for some spots where you can teach the kiddo’s the finer points of chopsticks.
Nakato Offering both Hibachi and a full sushi menu, Nakato has been serving Atlanta families since 1972. They have all the fun family Japanese dining experiences covered. You want an umbrella in your little ones drink? Check. How about a hibachi experience complete with an onion “volcano” and shrimp flying through the air? Done. Oh and the Sushi is great too! When they say that they are kid friendly, they are not kidding. We celebrated my son’s sixth birthday there; naturally he came dressed as a ninja. The staff was nothing but extremely warm and gracious and when they performed the traditional birthday procession everyone’s face lit up! Address: 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Phone: 404-873-6582
Shoya Izakaya Ask anyone in the know about Shoya and the two words you will always here are: authentic and delicious. Your kiddos will love the fun and lively atmosphere and you will love the melt-in-your –mouth sushi. The menu is substantial and there is a lot to explore beyond the typical spicy tuna roll. There are plenty of yummy non-sushi items here too. Try the udon, ramen, or yakitori. And stick around for the sweets, the tempura fried ice cream and cream soda offer a sugar buzz worth indulging in! Address: 6035 Peachtree Rd., Doraville Phone: 770-457-5555
Harry & Sons Harry & Son’s makes a fun family outing. After filling your little ones belly you can stroll around the very walkable Virginia Highland neighborhood. Serving both Thai and Japanese fare, and a menu that features everything from sushi to curries and noodles, you’ll find something for everyone. The coconut soup and Super Crunch roll are kiddo favorites. If you can get out on a school night, they offer buy one get one half off deals for sushi rolls as well as $1.00 nigiri specials. Address: 820 North Highland Ave. NE Phone: 404-873-2009
Ichiban If you call Northern Atlanta home, then chances are you already know that both Ichiban locations, Alpharetta and Cumming, are always high-energy and packed to the gills with families. Relax; no one is going to look at you funny if the little one drops his chopsticks! With a super friendly staff and reasonable prices Ichiban makes for a great “first-time” family sushi experience. They do a great Habachi dinner and they also serve up some very creative rolls. With names like Chicken of the Sea, Firecracker, and Optimus Prime even the pickiest of little eaters might be convinced to give sushi a go. Phone: 770-772-6822 (Alpharetta), 770-888-2676 (Cumming)
The Park Tavern Yup, you read that right. Park Tavern serves sushi. It’s true; nothing about this place says sushi. It’s a park and it’s a tavern. But here’s the thing: the sushi is delicious! The Park Tavern flies in wild caught Hawaiian sashimi-grade tuna and you can taste the quality. Stand out rolls include the Cowboy roll (made with spicy Wagyu steak and potatoes!) and the Big Kahuna. If the kiddos insist, they can always opt for traditional kids menu options. And the best part? You are steps away from Piedmont Park! Address: 500 10th St. NE Phone: 404-249-0001
With so many kid-friendly sushi spots in Atlanta, we couldn’t cover them all. Dish! What’s your favorite spot to grab sushi with the little ones?
If you think taking the kids out to sushi sounds “so LA” you’re right, because in this town sushi joints are as common as coffee shops. But here’s the thing—we are so LA, and proud of it, since it means our kids know their kappa from their tekka. But you still need a kid friendly & wallet friendly spot that serves your picky eater alongside your omakase orderer. These are our favorite sushi spots that fit the bill and fill the belly.
Noshi
You might pass this Korea town gem if you didn’t know it’s here. Don’t let the unassuming building fool you because the deliciousness that awaits is well worth the hunt. Kids eat free (large bowl of miso soup with loads of white rice) with purchase of sushi for the adults. Hand rolls are easy to hold and sushi chefs are great at finding something even the pickiest of eaters will love. Try the tamago (egg) sushi or a plain California roll for beginners. Parents can’t go wrong with the citrus scallop sashimi appetizer and a cold bottle of sake. This place can get crowded, so try coming around 5 p.m. before the dinner rush. They’re also open for lunch. It’s never too early to chow down on sushi.
Good to know: Noshi is cash only. There is an ATM in the restaurant, but it’s still good to bring cash.
Noshi
4430 Beverly Blvd., Korea Town
Phone: 323-469-3458
Online: noshisushila.com
photo credit: Meghan Rose
Kabuki
Kabuki wins the award for the easiest way to introduce little ones to the world of sushi. In fact, they are the only sushi restaurant we’ve seen with such an extensive kids menu. There are six kids meal combinations in total, each served with rice, salad and a drink. But enough about the kids – you’ll love the signature cocktails, sushi combos and rice bowls. Let the little ones color with crayons while you indulge.
Kabuki has multiple locations in LA, including Hollywood, Burbank, Woodland Hills and West LA. For hours and directions, check their website.
Online: kabukirestaurants.com
Sushi Gen
Sushi Gen is located in the heart of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles, and they’ve been rolling since 1980. Whether you’re looking for octopus, albacore or something a little less daring their sushi chefs aim to please with a variety offerings. Kids will love the yummy fried tempura. It’s one way to get them to eat their veggies. Parents will love the fresh Alaskan salmon sushi, and pretty much everything else at this spot that is one of the best in town. (And kid friendly to boot! Bonus.)
Good to know: This place is a hop, skip and a jump from the Last Bookstore. It’s a great way to walk off a belly of fresh sushi.
Sushi Gen
422 E 2nd St., Little Tokyo
Phone: 213-617-0552
Online: sushigen-dtla.com
photo credit: Meghan Rose
Irori
If eating sushi isn’t novelty enough, Irori in Marina Del Rey lets diners remove their shoes before sitting at sunken tables. A slight twist on the traditional Japanese room, kiddos perch on tatami mats and dangle listless legs under the tables, awaiting well-balanced bento boxes filled with sashimi, rice, sunomono and fresh fruit. Irori welcomes reservations so wait times are minimal and the large dining room can accommodate larger groups, such as a birthday party.
Irori
4371 Glencoe Ave, Marina Del Rey
Phone: 310-822-3700
Online: irorisushi.com
Hide Sushi
A no-frills sushi bar in the heart of the West LA-Sawtelle corridor, Hide (pronounced “hee-day”) is a good stop for a casual meal, as long as you’re not in a hurry. The rolls are simple and sure to please young palettes. Lines can be long however, so early-bird hours are best for families; their no-reservations policy keeps the service efficient. Newbies will delight in the sushi choices, everything from hirame (halibut) to amaebi (sweet raw shrimp). Choose sashimi with tempura or teriyaki (or just the latter two) for a combination dinner, complete with tsukemono (Japanese pickles) and sunomono (vinegar-cured veggies). Street parking can be tricky during peak hours, so take advantage of Hide’s private valet parking, free with 1.5 hours validation. Also, be sure to bring cash or you’ll be subject to on-site ATM fees; this is another no credit card joint.
Hide Sushi
2040 Sawtelle Blvd., West LA
Phone: 310-477-7242
Online: hidesushi.com
Sake House
Sandwiched between Goodwill and a kickboxing studio, this La Brea sushi house is a neighborhood favorite. Parents will love the Albacore Carpaccio roll, and kids will be more than satisfied with family friendly twists on classics like veggie and shrimp tempura rolls. This place has an awesome atmosphere complete with an 80s classic hits soundtrack; nothing like a little Depeche mode with your dynamite roll to liven up an evening. And the Star Wars pinball machine in the corner is definite draw for kids who have finished while there’s still sake in your cup.
Good to know: Do not park in the Goodwill parking lot next door, or you will be towed! Street parking is the way to go here. And if you’re really feeling fancy, there’s valet too.
Sake House
809 S La Brea Ave., Mid-Town LA
Phone: 323-939-7075
Online: sakehousemiro.com
Kiku
This little spot on Larchmont Blvd. is super welcoming for kids – they greet you with miso soup and edamame (for free) as well as kid chopsticks. They’ll bring ice to the table to cool down soup or tea for little sippers, too. Go early before the crowds so kids can belly up to the bar to watch sushi being made. As for parents, everyone goes home happy with something from the extensive menu (the riceless rolls are especially tasty). And if kids get a little antsy, this street is perfect for parents taking turns bringing the squirmy ones for a stroll to check out the comic books at the nearby news stand, poke in Landis Labyrinth Toy Store or picking out some new bedtime reading at Chevalier’s Books. And for members of the clean plate club, Salt & Straw beckons with the finest ice cream in town.
Kiku
246 N Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont Village LA
Phone: 323-464-1323
Online: facebook.com/kikusushi
Katsu-ya and Izaka-ya
Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi reigns over a mini-empire of Japanese cuisine, run by two separate corporate entities. To his credit, the sushi remains among the finest in town. The original location in Studio City, along ‘sushi row,’ boasts signature selections like the soy paper-wrapped honey roll (spicy tuna, crab, shrimp & avocado) and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, alongside cooked kids’ meals of teriyaki and tempura, accompanied by miso soup. Adventurous eaters will love the omakase (chef’s choice), ensuring the freshest fish available. Sister restaurant Izaka-ya, on busy West 3rd Street, serves up Katsu-ya’s specialties plus sunomono and a full menu of cooked fish and meats. In keeping with Izaka-ya’s nautically-themed interior, kids’ meals are proffered in a big boat. Partake of the Manhattan Beach location’s rakumori sampler (‘happy tray for two’) that can fill a few tiny tummies at once.
Katsu-ya is in Studio City, Izaka-ya has locations in West Hollywood and Manhattan Beach. Check their website for locations and hours.
Online: katsu-yagroup.com
photo courtesy of Sunny Blue
Sunny Blue
Ready for something a little different? This tiny Main Street storefront in Santa Monica is the first (and only?) shop in SoCal serving omusubi, aka onigiri. These fluffy Japanese rice balls literally turns sushi inside out, with various fillings wrapped in rice, with or without nori. Choices range from spicy salmon to Thai-influenced chicken curry; the tuna mayo challenges your idea of the proverbial salad. When you’ve had your fill, sample their homemade organic frozen yogurt with unique toppings like crushed Pocky sticks, azuki red beans, Yuzu and Hello Panda cookies. Seating is virtually non-existent, save a couple of counter stools and outdoor café tables. But it’s perfect for sushi to go and the beach (and a popular playground) are just a couple of blocks away.
Sunny Blue
2728 Main St., Santa Monica
Phone: 310-399-9030
Online: sunnyblueinc.com
In a town as full of sushi fanatics as LA, there are loads of great and tucked away kiddo-approved sushi spot. Share your favorite hidden gem in the comments below.