ML Interest Tag: sweet-corn

16 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold

by Abigail Matsumoto

The risotto recipe is packed with one of the best vitamin C foods for kids

Think vitamin C is only found in oranges? Think again. Boost those immune systems with these Vitamin C foods for kids that will upgrade your family’s daily dose of this all-important vitamin, starting with breakfast all the way through dessert. Doing this might even help stave off some of the impending sick days we know are on the horizon. From healthy Dole Whip to irresistible Brussels sprouts, these foods are high in vitamin C and worthy of any winter menu.

One-Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Parmesan Cream

Oat & Sesame

Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice if you want to boost your vitamin C consumption. And if you're looking for a recipe that'll be a winner with kids and adults alike, you're in luck. This dish is a comfort food classic, sporting bacon, and a cheesy sauce. Click on over to Oat & Sesame for more!

Healthy Dole Whip

Almost Supermom

If you're a fan of Disneyland's Dole Whip, we've got a double dose of good news. We have a recipe that not only promises a healthy version of your favorite treat but also includes a good dose of vitamin C, thanks to pineapple. Grab your Mickey Mouse ears and get the recipe from Almost Supermom.

Broccoli Cheddar Risotto

Savory Tooth

Broccoli actually has more vitamin C than an orange, so it's a great green bet for your family's diet! This recipe from Savory Tooth is a kid-friendly way to welcome broccoli to your dinner table—and it doesn't require constant stirring! 

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

The Seasoned Mom

Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C (the skin especially), and this recipe is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It has the melty cheese and pepperoni of your favorite pizza, but with a healthy twist. Best of all, it's a dump-and-bake kind of meal! Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Lemon Chicken Veggie Bake

Chelsea of A Duck's Oven

Oranges may get a lot of the vitamin C glory, but lemons are a powerhouse source, too. The best way to take advantage? This one-dish meal that’s homey, tasty, and bursting with lemon flavor. Get the recipe here.

Broccoli Tots

Gimme Delicious

If your tots love tots, you've got to give this version, courtesy of Gimme Delicious, a try. Here, broccoli is the star, along with its hefty dose of vitamin C. Plus, they're baked, not fried, and perfect for a snack or main meal.

Roasted Cauliflower Corn Chowder

Valerie's Kitchen

Cauliflower has a surprising amount of vitamin C, but the trick is finding a kid-friendly recipe spotlighting this particular veggie. Cue this chowder that pairs roasted cauliflower with sweet corn, bacon bits, and cheesy goodness. Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Red Peppers

My Second Breakfast

Just a cup of red bell peppers has a whopping amount of vitamin C and this recipe uses whole peppers in a super delicious way! They’re also so easy to make that kids can even help out. Get the recipe here.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

Downshiftology

This colorful smoothie bowl isn’t just a beautiful way to start your day. It’s also chock-full of healthy fruit, including vitamin C-rich mangos. And if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Just grab the majority of your ingredients from the frozen aisle. Get the recipe from Downshiftology.

Salmon Teriyaki with Pineapple Salsa

Dinner at the Zoo

We have just one word for this salmon dish: yum! It gets points for being easy to whip up, and there’s also a pineapple salsa full of fresh flavor and vitamin C. It sounds like a dinner winner to us! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Lola's Cocina

There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries and their sweet vitamin C benefits, but we’re partial to this three-ingredient agua fresca. It’s a perfect summer drink (or a perfect drink if you want to pretend that it’s summer). Get the recipe from Lola’s Cocina.

Crispy Kale Chips

Ronit Shaked via Unsplash

We salute you if you've got a kid who will eat kale chips. This homemade version is ultra-easy to make and features all the fantastic nutritional perks of kale (including vitamin C!). Get the recipe here.

The Green Goblin Smoothie

Lindsey Johnson

Not only can you prep all the ingredients for this smoothie ahead of time, but you can also feel good about those ingredients (Think healthy superfoods: spinach, oranges, pineapple, and banana.). Get the recipe here.

Kiwi Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Catherine McCord of Weelicious

Did you know kiwi is a killer source of vitamin C? It also makes an excellent popsicle—and this no-fuss recipe is proof! Grab dixie cups and frozen peas (yes, peas!), and you’re halfway to enjoying a delish frozen treat. Get the recipe here.

Coconut Tangelo Rice Pudding

Toni via Boulder Locavore

The vitamin C train doesn't have to stop at dinner. Give your dessert the extra boost with this delicious creamy coconut tangelo rice pudding recipe from Boulder Locavore. Tangelos (a hybrid of mandarin oranges and tangerines) have a tangy kick that pairs well with creamy coconut milk.

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A Taste of Latin America: Our Favorite Restaurants from Each Latinx Country

by Yuliya Geikhman

Explore all the Latin American countries one delicious bite at a time with our massive sampler of some of the best family-friendly Hispanic restaurants in New York City

Whether you or anyone in your family has a Latinx background or not, you can still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sep. 15 to Oct. 15. How? By eating your way through the delicious cuisines of the Latin American countries, for starters! Latinx New Yorkers have definitely left their mark on the city, featuring some of the most family-friendly digs and delectable dishes in NYC. Some of these Latinx-owned restaurants use abuelita’s recipes, while others literally have grandmothers cooking up a storm in the back.

We’ve curated some of the most highly-rated restaurants with authentic Hispanic food, we’ve restricted ourselves to only choosing one or two per country of origin, and we didn’t even begin to dive into fusion—we’ll leave that up to you! All that to say: This is only scratching the surface of the wonderful world of authentic Latin American cuisine available in New York City, so head out there and explore!

The Best Argentinian Restaurants in New York

Buenos Aires

Eating at this woman- and Argentinian-owned restaurant is like stepping into the streets of Buenos Aires. The menu is vast, ranging from seafood to salads to panqueque de dulce de leche (crepes filled with caramelized condensed milk), but the real must-order is the steak and other beef dishes. All the beef served here is imported from Argentina, which means it’s grass-fed and free of hormones and antibiotics for a meat that’s hard to match.

And if you wish you could take some home, you can: Uncooked beef, chorizo, and other meats are available for purchase from the restaurant’s butcher shop (you can also buy the meat online—along with a selection of other delicious Argentinian products). Stop by on Saturday or Sunday from 12-4 p.m. for a fixed-price brunch!

513 E 6th St.
Alphabet City, Manhattan
Online: buenosairesnyc.com

La Esquina Criolla

Established in 2003, La Esquina Criolla is another great spot for high-quality Argentinian meats and other lunch and dinner staples from the country, including traditionally cooked seafood and loaded sandwiches. Of course, you can also choose a meal from the grill—literally, as you can see the meats being grilled to perfection—or get the parrillada, a mixed plate of shirt steak, short ribs, kidney, sweetbread, and sausage. There’s sure to be a winner in there for every member of the family. Argentinian wine makes the perfect accompaniment for the adults (the kids have a wide selection of sodas to choose from, including Inca Cola, which is sure to become a new favorite). You can also purchase raw meat to cook at home.

94-67 Corona Ave.
Elmhurst, Queens
Online: laesquinacriolla.nyc

The Best Bolivian Restaurants in New York

Bolivian Llama Party

The fun and colorful name is a hint to this restaurant’s atmosphere (currently, as far as we can tell, the only Bolivian eatery in NYC). Bolivian Llama Party sports the colors of the Bolivian flag, indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu chock-full of Bolivian specialties. A definite must-try are the salteñas, a small savory treat somewhere between a soup dumpling and an empanada. The menu is as appealing to kids as adults, featuring excellent fries, chola sandwiches with meat, salsa, and pickled veggies, the wonderfully nutty sopa de Maní, and much more to choose from (including ice cream!).

If you fall in love with the salteñas or the gluten-free cheese bread cunapes, you can buy both frozen to take home and follow the instructions on the website to prepare them. And be on the lookout for the restaurant’s cheeky “Deflation Specials,” where a choice menu item is placed on sale for $10 because, as the site says, “I can’t seem to eat anything for $10 these days.”

44-14 48th Ave.
Sunnyside, Queens
Online: blp.nyc

The Best Chilean Restaurants in New York

Dulceria

Do you have a sweet tooth? This Chilean bakery is sure to hit the spot. The tasty creations here are as beautiful as they are delicious and rich. These are treats that may seem familiar—like thousand layer cake and sandwich cookies—with a Chilean twist thanks to the addition of lucuma cream (a South American fruit) or dulce de leche sandwiched between different kinds of cookies, from ones that melt in your mouth to crunchy and airy ones.

Although you might come for the desserts, stay for the empanadas, which are more expensive than usual but much larger and more filling than your typical empanadita. Other savory options include sandwiches with different kinds of bread like amasado, which is made with lard.

2220 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Harlem, Manhattan
Online: dulcerianyc.com

Empanada Mia

You can get your empanada craving filled at Empanada Mia, where the large dough pockets are loaded with meat, chicken, mushroom, cheese, and some less expected ingredients like hardboiled egg, olives, and bacon. The recipes are special to Empanada Mia, including the Chilean beef empanada, which is touted to be “grandmother’s recipe.” Don’t miss out on the pastel de choclo (“corn pie”), a traditional Chilean dish that’s a bit like cornbread but made with beef and sweet corn. Empanada Mia is a five-minute walk from the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, making it perfect for a post-museum fix.

612 W 46th St.
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Online: empanadamia.dine.online

The Best Colombian Restaurants in New York

Colombia in Park Slope

This Colombian restaurant features hearty homemade meals with no frills. Snack on some cheese and corn arepas—a kind of flat corn bread—with a beef of your choice (or not!) while you decide on your main meal. There are a number of house specials that all sound equally appetizing: There’s grilled steak in a special house-recipe sauce, pork chops marinated in tamarind sauce, and the picada Colombiana (a mixed platter consisting of chunks of steak pork, chorizo, cassava, and more), to name just a few. Most dishes are accompanied by rice, beans, salad, and either fried plantains or cassava (aka yucca) fries. As a bonus, the restaurant has a beautiful and cozy patio out back.

376 5th Ave.
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Online: colombiany.com

Arepa Lady

Maria Piedad Cano, the original Arepa Lady, got her start as a street vendor. Her sons have continued her legacy with a physical space that continues to serve the same traditional Colombian fare that their mother peddled, only now you can sit in the charming restaurant while you enjoy your meal. Of course, the Arepa Lady still focuses on her namesake by presenting a pretty massive selection of arepas, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as chicken, shredded beef, sirloin, pork belly, and sausage for unbeatable prices. But you’ll also find more fun choices on the menu, like patacones (fried plantain with avocado) and picada (a mixed meat platter).

If the Jackson Heights location is a bit far for you to travel, there’s a small takeout spot located in the Dekalb Market Hall at 445 Gold St. in Brooklyn.

77-17 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, Queens
Online: facebook.com

The Best Cuban Restaurants in New York

Cuba

This incredibly stylish and popular Cuban restaurant aims to recreate a piece of Old Havana in the middle of NYC. Entering the space feels like walking onto a Cuban street, with brick walls, brightly colored shutters, paintings hanging on the walls, beautiful plants to bring a pop of color, and the odd prop like a guitar thrown in here and there for effect. You can even catch live music on Thursday nights to complete your transportation out of New York.

The menu has plenty of authentic Cuban dishes to choose from like sopa de ajiaco (a traditional Cuban soup loaded with chicken, beef, pork, and veggies), ropa vieja (literally “old clothes” which is tastier than it sounds with shredded skirt steak in special salsa), oxtail, fish, and much more. Those of legal drinking age may want to check out the drinks menu, which has an extensive list of cocktails, wines, and rums from all over the world with a special focus on Latin American booze. Stop by on Saturday and Sunday between 12-4 p.m. for fixed-rate brunch and unlimited drinks for the adults.

222 Thompson St.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Online: cubanyc.com

Rincon Criollo

The Rincon Criollo has been bringing the tastes of Havana to NYC since 1976 — and since the 50s in Cuba. The checkered red tablecloths add a pop of color and playfulness to the space while the walls burst with memories in the form of framed photographs and paintings. Meals consist of hearty dishes with a focus on meats and beans, like the lechon asado (roast pork with raw onions) and the rabo encendido (stewed oxtail). The restaurant also offers appetizers, sandwiches, and seafood — and if you opt for a seafood mix platter, be forewarned that everything is made fresh and your order will take about an hour to cook. Save room for dessert! You’ll want to try the flan de leche (caramel custard), and you can never go wrong with tres leches cake.

40-09 Junction Blvd.
Elmhurst, Queens
Online: rincon-criollo.com

The Best Dominican Republic Restaurants in New York

Ajo y Oregano

Started by three brothers who grew up in the Dominican Republic, Ajo y Oregano (“Garlic and Oregano”) is as close to the country as you can get from the streets of NYC. In this case, we’re being literal: The space is designed and decorated to look like a country home in DR. The green paint job and bright pink windows invite you in, while the multicolored wood slat walls, mural, and pink ceiling beams inside make you want to stay forever.

The menu rotates daily, focusing on different specials each day of the week. Dishes are seasoned with custom mixes and prepared lovingly by the owners’ two aunts, and you can, of course, find many Dominican traditional recipes in the mix. For a real taste of DR, try the mondongo, a tripe-based soup, or the churrasco, grilled skirt steak paired with pico de gallo and chimichurri. This is a popular restaurant that tends to get crowded on weekends, so visit on a weekday if you can.

1556 White Plains Rd.
Parkchester, Bronx
Online: ajoyoregano.com

Mamajuana Cafe

With four locations around the city (and more outside of it), Mamajuana is no stranger to serving a good meal. Each spot is just as cozy — and as delicious — as the last. The restaurant was founded by chef Ricardo Cardona and features Nuevo Latino cuisine that’s strongly influenced by Dominican cuisines. The dishes take traditional Dominican recipes and kick them up a notch with a modern twist and an eye-catching presentation.

Try the seafood, which includes a seafood paella with lobster, shrimp, calamari, and more, or opt for one of the non-seafood options like pechuga rellena — chicken breast stuffed with Dominican sausage and various veggies and greens. While Latin American cuisine is pretty heavy on the meat dishes, Mamajuana does offer a vegetarian plate with garlic spinach, rice, beans, and plantains, served with arepas.

If you happen to visit the Inwood/Washington Heights location, you’ll be right smack dab in the middle of Little Dominican Republic. You may also want to explore the neighborhood for even more Dominican restaurants, street food, and pastry shops!

Various locations around NYC (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens)
Online: mamajuana-cafe.com

The Best Ecuadorian Restaurants in New York

Rincón Melania

Visit Ecuador through this restaurant, which highlights traditional recipes from all over the country. The brightly lit interior has a comfy couch lining one side with tables for the fam all along it. The dishes are straightforward and familiar—grilled steak, baked salmon, garlic shrimp—but prepared using traditional Ecuadorian recipes for an authentic taste you can’t quite find elsewhere. Each main dish is served with two side dishes of your choice, which include everything from yucca fries and fried plantain to kidney beans. If you’re a vegetarian who’s always wanted to try ceviche, the restaurant has a ceviche made with cherry tomato, garbanzo beans, and quinoa.

35-19 Queens Blvd.
Long Island City, Queens
Online: rinconmelanianyc.com

Ñaño Ecuadorian Kitchen

Ñaño means brother in Quechua, an indigenous language from Ecuador (and other regions of South America). In Ecuador, the word is used as slang to mean brother on a deeper level than the Spanish word hermano can convey. All that’s to say, when you’re here, you’re family. The menu is frequently updated to bring more of the country’s cuisine into the mix. Some recipes come from the owner’s mother and grandmother, like the fan favorite seco de pollo (chicken stew), which is made with pulp from a South American fruit, Naranjilla. This little restaurant can get pretty cramped, especially when there are a lot of people, but you can escape to the outdoor seating for some fresh air.

691 10th Ave.
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Online: nanobarnyc.com

The Best El Salvadorian Restaurants in New York

Mi Pequeño El Salvador

El Salvador is known for pupusas—thick corn cakes with a savory filling. The pupusas at Mi Pequeño El Salvador are served with a spicy tomato sauce and vinegar sauce and come with a variety of fillings, like beans, cheese, pork rind, and other interesting mixes. Of course, it’s not all about pupusas at this restaurant, with an expansive menu that heavily features meats and seafood. You’ll also find traditional Salvadoran flavors, including atole de elote (a thick corn- and milk-based drink) and a hearty carne asada (grilled steak) with rice, refried beans, tortillas, cheese, avocado, and salad (try to still be hungry after all that!). The kids menu is worth mentioning here, as it serves similar fare but sized (and priced) down for the little ones.

In addition to this restaurant, the owners also own the Salvatoria Kitchen and Bar in Astoria where you can also find plenty of Salvadoran cooking.

94-16 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, Queens
Online: mipequenoesr.com

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Ricas Pupusas & Mas

This small Salvadoran restaurant has humble beginnings: It started as a food stand to raise funds for a Jackson Heights church. Ricas Pupusas & Mas, which is run by three generations of women, now occupies a small but charmingly decorated festive space that specializes in, of course, pupusas. Fillings are here are custom made and you can concoct your own combinations of up to four ingredients: cheese or beans (all fillings must have one or the other), a maximum of one meat, and a variety of other additions like jalapeños, squash, spinach, onion, and a few more. Besides the pupusas, this restaurant also serves tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tamales, and a small menu of sides.

47-55 47th St
Woodside, Queens
Online: ricaspupusas.us

The Best Guatemalan Restaurants in New York

Ix

Ix (pronounced “eesh”) is located just a short distance from Prospect Park Zoo, making it a perfect post-exploration stop for the family. The restaurant is decorated in a charmingly eclectic manner, featuring guitars hanging on walls alongside framed paintings, cute bird silhouettes, quirky napkin holders and a striking mural featuring a jaguar — the restaurant’s namesake — and the Mayan jaguar pyramid along the back wall.

The soups and stews shine here, including the unbelievably green chicken and tomatillo stew, the jocon, and a spicy kimchi noodle soup. Salads, omelets, and appetizers make up the rest of the menu. The brunch menu, served Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. has ethnic twists on beloved meals, like a grilled cheese sandwich that’s made with manchego cheese and kimchi, and dipped in a black garlic-yuzu sauce. Don’t miss out on the hot cocoas, which are thicker and less sweet than you might be used to and has various spices to choose from. The restaurant often hosts live music and has worked with various local organizations and shops to unite the community through events and popups.

43 Lincoln Rd.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn
Online: ixrestaurantny.com

Claudia’s

Claudia’s covers every meal of the day, from breakfast and brunch all the way through to dinner and, of course, dessert. Guatemalan cuisine is presented with fun names and a bright and inviting space. Stop by in the morning for a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, a loaded dish that consists of scrambled eggs, tomato, onion, black bean, and even more. Depending on what time of day you show up, you might find salads, egg-based dishes, salmon with mango salsa, steak topped with chimichurri or fried egg, and the wonderfully named “Elote Super Loco” (“super crazy corn”). Unlike many other Latin American restaurants, Claudia’s has vegetarian and even vegan options for visitors.

Claudia’s is also served up at Evil Twin Brewing in Ridgewood, though that location is for the over-21 family members only.

39 Bushwick Ave.
East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Online: claudiasbk.com

The Best Honduran Restaurants in New York

Progresso

It’s not easy to find Honduran cuisine in NYC, but Progresso, named for the city of El Progresso in Honduras, will give you a taste of the nation’s traditional dishes. You can snag a typical Honduran breakfast here (which includes eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and sweet plantain) as well as a selection of various meat and seafood dishes. Keep in mind that everything is cooked to order so orders tend to take a while. We recommend ordering ahead and taking your meal to the little park across the street, which also has a playground for the kids.

5303 Fort Hamilton Pkwy.
Borough Park, Brooklyn

The Best Mexican Restaurants in New York

Editor’s Note: Although we’ve tried to limit our listings for each Latin American country, it’s hard to choose just two Mexican spots in NYC. Some runners up include La Contenta for Mexican food with a French twist, Casa Carmen for its specialty recipes by chef Carmen Ramirez, Cosme for the duck carnitas (and the brush with fame from when the Obamas ate there), and too many others to name.

Besides these restaurants, some of the best Mexican food in NYC can often be found in food trucks. Our personal favorites are the taco trucks near the Jefferson Ave. 7 train station, but there are definitely many more throughout the city. If you and the fam get a hankering for some tacos or cemitas, just look for the truck with the longest line!

Taqueria Nixtamal

Handmade tortillas made from scratch with nixtamal corn set this taqueria apart from the many others in the city. Although it used to have its own space in Queens, this beloved spot now resides in the Delancey Market Line Cellar food hall. You can get huge and filling ramen bowls and appetizers like sliders here, but let’s face it, you’re probably here for the tacos. There’s a pretty long list of options, from slow-simmered pork carnitas to roasted chipotle and jalapaño tacos (yes, just the peppers—don’t worry, the avocado it’s topped with will cut the spice!).

Love the tacos? Take some home! Taqueria Nixtamal sells its tortillas by the pound, as well as taco kits that have everything you need to make your own nixtamal tacos at home.

115 Delancey St.
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Online: nixtamal.nyc

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Toloache

Toloache is a Mexican plant that’s known for its many uses, from medicinal, to hallucinogenic, and even to aphrodisiac. It’s one big name for a Mexican restaurant with an equally big atmosphere. Started by chef Julian Medina, Toloache is the place to go to eat contemporary Mexican food cooked in a wood-burning oven, while you enjoy the imported Mexican elements of decor.

As for the food, you can expect a classy Mexican food experience, with the usual traditional Mexican fare like tacos, quesadillas, and various meat and fish options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Especially worth a try are the different types of guacamole, which are made to order and always fresh. The shrimp dishes are also usually hits with visitors, like the shrimp quesadilla, which is made with chile de arbol sauce (a type of Mexican hot pepper), Chihuahua cheese and pineapple and red onion salad. Adults may also want to peruse the drinks menu, which has an impressive collection of margaritas and, at the 82nd Street location, high-quality tequilas and tequila-based cocktails.

251 W 50th St.
Midtown West, Manhattan

166 E 82nd St.
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Online: toloachenyc.com

The Best Nicaraguan Restaurants in New York

Café Integral

Although several food spots have popped in and out of existence over the past few years, there’s currently no Nicaraguan restaurant in NYC. If you or another family member is a coffee aficionado, though, you can get your Nicaraguan coffee fix at the Nica-owned Café Integral. The little coffee spot sources its coffee beans from the four main coffee-producing regions of the country, resulting in completely unique coffee bean packets to take home that have farm family names attached to them. Or, you can get a coffee on the spot and enjoy it in the bright and cozy Nolita cafe.

149 Elizabeth St.
Nolita, Manhattan
Online: cafeintegral.com

Panama

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KC Gourmet Empanadas

This small Panamanian-owned restaurant has more than 30 empanadas to choose from! Some fillings are what you might expect—chicken pesto, steak with onions and peppers, ground beef and raisins—while others are on the more unusual side, like a medley of seafood (named the Aquaman, naturally), a mix of sweet plantains with beans and rice, and the one with meatballs with cheese in marinara sauce. Want dessert? Have another empanada! Dessert empanadas come in apple, guava, and strawberry shortcake.

Aside from empanadas, this restaurant cooks up many other options including traditional Panamanian meals including picadillo bofe (a stew made from cow lung), caramiñolas (cheesy stuffed yuca meat pies), and chicheme (a drink made with corn and milk, served over ice).

38 Avenue B
Alphabet City, Manhattan
Online: kcgourmetempanadas.com

The Best Paraguayan Restaurants in New York

I Love Paraguay Restaurant

You’ll love Paraguay, too, after you’ve visited this restaurant, which serves homemade Paraguayan dishes from the kitchen of Nancy and Carlos Ojeda. The Queens spot is a sequel of sorts to their restaurant, in Asuncion, Paraguay, where they spend years honing their trade. The owners’ goal was to bring the culture and cuisine of their native Paraguay to NYC, and they did so with delicious food, welcoming decor, and the occasional live harpist playing traditional live music.

The soup on offer changes every day, and each is a must-try—especially the vori vori (a soup with corn balls) and the vegetarian bean-based kumanda kesu. The main dishes mostly center around beef and chicken, and a lot of pasta options. There’s even a pretty large children’s menu that has kid-friendly versions of the larger portions like grilled chicken or beef with mashed potatoes, milanesa (breaded chicken or beef) with french fries, and a few other spaghetti and rice dishes.

4316 Greenpoint Ave.
Sunnyside, Queens
Online: ilovepy.com

Peru

Pio Pio

The adorably named Pio Pio (which means “cheep cheep”) does Peruvian food the way abuela makes it. You can get a variety of authentic and hearty Peruvian meals here, like pollo a la brasa—rotisserie chicken with a crispy skin and deliciously moist meat— and ceviche, a selection of raw fish in a lemony marinade.

The drinks menu here is vast, featuring everything from sangrias and wines to cocktails with Pisco, a potent Peruvian brandy. And, since there are eight locations across three of NYC’s boroughs, you’re sure to find one relatively close to you. Just keep in mind that the different locations may have slightly different menus.

Various locations around NYC (Bronx, Manhattan, Queens)
Online: piopio.shop

El Pollo Inka Peru

El Pollo Inka Peru also serves up pollo a la brasa and ceviche, along with many other traditional Peruvian dishes like causa (chicken, tuna, or crab meat sandwiched between slightly spicy mashed potato) or the lomo saltado (stir fried beef strips with onion and tomatoes). The Pollo Inka locations also do a mean jalea—a heaping mountain of breaded seafood with yucca fries (claim yours before they’re gone!).

If you don’t mind a kick of spiciness, drizzle all the hot food with aji verde, a Peruvian sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, and parmesan—and if that makes you want to add the sauce to literally everything you ever eat again (trust us, you will), you can usually ask for extra sauce for a small fee (both here and at Pio Pio).

920 101st Ave.
Ozone Park, Queens

8912 Northern Blvd.
Corona, Queens

112-20 Queens Blvd.
Forest Hills, Queens

The Best Puerto Rican Restaurants in New York

La Fonda Boricua

La Fonda restaurant and tapas bar is, using its own words, the heart of el barrio. The spot has been a center of the community for more than 30 years, excluding one alarming year when the space almost closed down for good. The interior is welcoming, decorated with colorful paintings and live flowers, but you may want to move dinner to the massive covered patio out back, which is often kept popping by a live DJ (and there’s now even more seating out front).

You’ll find all the Puerto Rican classics here, like chicken or beef stew, perníl (roasted pork), ensalada de bacalao (cod salad), and mofongos rellenos—a dish made of fried and mashed green plantains with garlic and filled with various meats. For dessert, the flan de coco (coconut custard) is on fire—literally! La Fonda has weekend brunch, and often hosts live music and comedy shows.

169 E 106th St.
East Harlem, Manhattan
Online: fondaboricua.com

Casa Adela

Casa Adela was founded in 1973 by Adela Fargas. And although she passed away in 2018, her spirit lives on through her recipes. When this family-owned restaurant had a close call with closure due to a staggering rent hike, neighbors and community members rallied together to support the beloved restaurant. It seems the Casa is here to stay, at least for now, which means you get to enjoy its delicious homemade meals and discover what has made it such a special place for the community.

The pollo asado (rotisserie chicken) is a crowd-pleaser here, as are the hearty stews, made with beef or chicken. For a taste of “just about everything,” try the sancocho, which is packed with oxtails, plantains, and root vegetables. Before you head in, you should be forewarned that the place is cash only!

66 Loisaida Ave.
Alphabet City, Manhattan
Online: casa-adela-puerto-rican-restaurant.business.site

The Best Uruguayan Restaurants in New York

La Gran Uruguaya Restaurant

Opened in 1986, this Uruguayan restaurant and bakery can both sate your appetite and satisfy your sweet tooth. The restaurant offers Uruguayan and Colombian dishes, with a heavy emphasis on meat and especially beef. The steak is mouth-watering and the Uruguayan mixed grill—which includes short ribs, blood sausage, sweetbread, veal, and more—is a great choice for any group of meat lovers. Of course, there are plenty of other meals to choose from if a plateful of meat isn’t your thing. Try some tostones (fried green plantain) with house-made guac, a chivito (“little goat”) sandwich, and don’t forget to save room for dessert like arroz con leche or budin de pan (bread pudding) from the bakery side of the establishment.

85-02 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, Queens
Online: lauruguayanyc.com

El Chivito D’Oro

Located literally a block down from La Gran Uruguaya Restaurant, El Chivito D’Oro (“the little goat of gold”) is a more down-home steakhouse. Its extensive menu includes everything from meat and chicken to seafood and even Italian-Uruguayan fusion meals. El Chivito serves up comfort food, with some favorites being the chorizo, the grilled meats platter, and short ribs, all served with chimichurri and complimentary bread. Tips here are cash only, so have some on hand to show appreciation to the waitstaff.

84-02 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, Queens

The Best Venezuelan Restaurants in New York

Arepas Grill

This restaurant is fairly small, but it rarely gets too crowded, making it a good spot to enjoy a quiet meal. It’s also one of the only places in the city to eat Venezuelan arepas (corn cakes stuffed with various fillings). The arepas at Arepas Grill, as you may expect, are absolutely delectable. They’re stuffed to overflowing with a choice of more than 20 fillings, including corn salad, shredded meats cooked in various sauces and veggies, mushrooms sautéed in white wine, ham, and cheese, and so much more. And a bonus: They’re gluten-free!

In the unlikely event that the arepas leave you hungry for more, the menu has other options, including traditional Venezuelan cheese sticks, tequenos, and the pabellon criollo—shredded beef served with rice, black beans, cheese, and fried sweet plantains.

2119 Broadway
Astoria, Queens
Online: arepasny.com

Arepera Guacuco

This stylish Arepera—a store that sells arepas—is nostalgically named after the beach in Venezuela where owner Leonardo Molina was born. The meals feel like they were cooked by grandma, perhaps because they are: The head chef is the owner’s mother, Carmen. The space pulls Caribbean influences into its menu of arelas, empanadas, and freshly made juices. The arepas come with a variety of meats, veggies, and cheeses, and take a bit of time to prepare since each is made to order.

360 Throop Ave.
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

44 Irving Ave.
Bushwick, Brooklyn
Online: guacuconyc.com

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Bushels of Fun! 13 Orchards Where You Can Pick Apples

by Allison Sutcliffe

You know fall is on the horizon when the leaves start to change and the kids head back to school. But the surest sign your favorite season is closer than you think is kids asking to go apple picking. And although it’s not quite time to pull out your cozy sweaters and scarves just yet, it is time to plan your family’s annual outing to a nearby orchard. There’s no doubt some of the best memories are made going apple picking near Boston and playing on the farms. Bring home fall’s sweetest bounty to fill your kiddo’s lunchboxes or bake fall treats to share. Whatever reason you need a bushel or a peck, here’s where to find the best apple orchards around Boston.

Apple picking season means corn mazes, cider donuts, and farm animals are in your future

Honeypot Hill Orchard

Check out this historic orchard in Stow, Massachusetts where you can pick 25 different varieties of apples daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also pick your own blueberries and pears. Once you and the kids have filled your bushel, take a hayride, explore one of three different mazes (hint: tots will love the little hedge maze), and wave the the mini ponies, goats, chickens, and pigs that call the farm home. However, you choose to spend the day on this farm, be sure to check out the farm store filled with fresh jams, pies, and drinks to warm you up before heading home.

50 Boon Rd.
Stow, MA
Online: honeypothill.com

Dowse Orchards

Fresh-pressed apple cider is the name of the game at this spot that's been farming for over 200 years. And when you come to pick your own, apples aren't the only thing you'll have access to. In addition to the August apples (think: Astrachan, Early Mac, Gravenstein, Jersey, and Puritan to name a few), you can also pick sweet corn and mums. Then in September expect more apples, plus pumpkins. Our suggestion? Stock up on maple syrup and preserves while you are there, and don't forget to return for Christmas trees in December.

98 N. Main St.
Sherborn, MA
Online: dowseorchards.com

Related: Hit the Road! 9 Day Trip Destinations for Long Weekends

Brooksby Farm

The summer apple and peach picking season is underway at Brooksby. Families can check the Facebook page to get the latest picking updates, then load up the kids and head to the orchard to fill your buckets with those crisp apples you've been craving all summer. Families can also pick blueberries and green beans when they're there and swing by the farm store for even more fresh goodies, plus cider and donuts. 

54 Felton St.
Peabody, MA
Online: brooksbyfarm.org

Connors Farm

Mark your calendars for September 6, the start of u-pick apple season at Connors Farm, just north of the city. It's the same day the Barnyard Friends corn maze opens so you won't want to miss it. The themed play areas will also be open so plan to spend some time on this farm. Psst... if you've got older kids, pick apples in the late afternoon then stay for the flashlight corn maze that runs weekends starting September 30. 

30 Valley Road (Rt. 35)
Danvers, MA
Online: connorsfarm.com

Related: Find Fall Adventures at These Boston-Area Corn Mazes

Russell Orchards

Who doesn't love fruit picking, seeing farm animals, and enjoying baked goods? You can find all of these things and more at Russell Orchards. Apple picking begins on September 3, but they still have blackberries and blueberries for a little longer. And of course they have lot of delicious fruits, veggies, and treats available for purchase in the farm store.

143 Argilla Rd.
Ipswich, MA
Online: russellorchards.com

 

Cider Hill Farm

Load up on all the fresh fruits of the season, not just apples, when you pick your own at this farm about an hour north of the city. You can get tickets in advance to pick or plan to walk in with the kids whenever the mood strikes (the farm is open for u-pick daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.). Once you’ve filled your basket with ripe red apples, plan to play in the giant sandbox, ride trikes, swing, or even take in a family program while you’re there (hint: the Wednesdays Farms Tots program is the cutest). Plus, between the farm store and the food truck (there on the weekends) you can get your fill of mini donuts and cider that lets you know fall is really here.

45 Fern Ave.
Amsbury, MA
Online: ciderhill.com

Related: Carve Out Fun at Boston's Best Pumpkin Patches

Boston Hill Farm

Pick your own apples at this farm that's open every day, from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. No plan needed. Grab a red wagon before you head out in case one of the giant gourds is calling your name. Then get your fill of McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Ginger Gold, Paula Red, and Red Delicious apples that are great for baking and snacking. Dogs are allowed on this farm, but they must be on a leash and can't join you in the Farm Stand.

1370 Turnpike St.
North Andover, MA
Online: bostonhillfarm.com

 

Carver Hill Farm

You'll have a blast at this family-run orchard. From July through November, check out all of their delicious, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables available for purchase at their farm store. And after a long day of apple picking, swing by the snack window for some ice cream, apple crisp, or donuts. Just over an hour outside of Boston, this is the perfect day trip you're looking for.

101 Brookside Ave.
Stow, MA
Online: carverhillorchard.com

Tougas Family Farm

This farm is full of all of the late summer and fall favorites your family loves. Come to pick apples (they've got over 30 different varieties), peaches, blackberries, and sunflowers that are in season right now. Everyone in your farm crew will love taking a wagon ride out of the orchard and climbing on the farm-themed playground before heading home. The barnyard animals are another big win for kids. And the apple cider donuts will certainly hit the spot on the ride back to the city. Reservations aren't required to pick, but it's a good idea to check the Today's Picking Conditions page before you make the trek. 

234 Ball St.
Northborough, MA
Online: tougasfamilyfarm.com

 

Hyland Orchard

If a visit with farm animals and a chance to sample flights of hard cider sound like the perfect pairings for your u-pick weekend, Hyland Orchard in Sturbridge is where you want to be. More than 1,500 trees are on the property and you can find all kinds of delish varieties between them, like Mac, Mutsu, Gala, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. Use them to bake or stick them in your kiddo's lunch—you can’t go wrong with these apples.

199 Arnold Rd. (use 3 Lake Rd. for GPS)
Fiskdale, MA
Online: hylandorchard.com

Smolak Farms

Smolak Farms in North Andover offers something fun for everyone—blending a 300-year-old New England Farm complete with orchards, berry fields, and family activities. Meet the barnyard animals when you visit for apple picking. The farm stand is well known for its top-of-the-line baked goods as well as sandwiches, soups, salads, and other items made with fresh produce from the gardens. The ice cream shop serves up scoops and cakes or pies for your next birthday celebration. Check the Facebook page for the latest updates. 

15 S. Bradford St.
North Andover, MA
Online: smolakfarms.com

 

Shelburne Farm

Pick-your-own fruit season has officially started and the farm is open for the season. You can get fresh apples and peaches off the trees and warm apple cider doughnuts to take home (if they last that long). Kids will love the llamas, goats, miniature donkeys, chicks, and bunnies on the farm as well as the tractor playground. 

106 W. Acton Rd.
Stow, MA
Online: shelburnefarm.com

 

Westward Orchards

This smaller farm offers a quaint apple picking scene without all of the rides and hoopla. They offer pick-your-own blueberries in the summer and u-pick apples and pumpkins in the fall. The apple picking season lasts from September 10 through October 16.

178 Mass Ave.
Harvard, MA
Online: westwardorchards.com

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There’s No Such Thing As ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ Food

by Debi Lewis

In my house, you can always find fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, tofu, olive oil, and at least three kinds of whole grains—usually farro, quinoa, and oats. You will also find several pounds of chocolate chips; at least two bags of tortilla chips; a big jar of that ultra-sweet, ultra-creamy store-bought peanut butter; as many as half a dozen boxes of sweetened, multi-colored breakfast cereal (some with marshmallows); and boxed macaroni-and-cheese.

If I had to guess, most people would view that initial list more positively than the second. However, the idea that the whole foods I mentioned first are “good” and the processed options are “bad” is one that I reject out of hand, a radical outlook that can be described as “food neutrality.” Pediatric nutritionist Sarah Remmer describes it like this:

Food neutrality is not saying that all foods have the same nutrition. Food neutrality essentially means that we as parents are removing the moral value. That means dropping labels like “good,” “bad,” “healthy,” “unhealthy,” “junk,” “red light,” “green light,” or even “sometimes food,” and just calling foods by their name: “carrots,” “jelly beans,” “cupcake,” “chicken” etc.

If that sounds hard, you’re not alone. Parents today were raised in an era that valued slim bodies and was devoid of body positivity, one in which we were always getting the message that certain foods were “bad” and would make you “fat.” It’s no wonder, then, that when we set out to raise our own children, many of us wanted to do things differently: to teach them how to listen to their bodies, to manage the messaging better, and to avoid instilling in them the same hang-ups we had. But how?

Related: I’m Embracing My Body for My Daughter’s Sake

If you take away our emotional responses, the truth is that both types of foods listed above are providing our bodies with fuel for growing and moving through the world. They can delight us; offer convenience, flavors, and textures we like; and evoke happy memories.

I learned this through my children. With my first child, it was pretty easy; I offered food, and she was enthusiastic about everything, like fresh pears and the packaged, peach-flavored hot cereal I made her each morning.

But when her little sister was born with a host of medical issues around eating and swallowing, feeding her anything was a challenge. She preferred fresh fruits and vegetables, but she wasn’t growing; she needed sources of fat and protein that worked with her own body’s limitations. At one point, the best way to keep her from needing a feeding tube was to entice her to eat a cupcake before her blueberries.

Suddenly, food neutrality made a lot of sense. The cupcake wasn’t “bad,” and the blueberries weren’t “good;” she needed the cupcake more than the blueberries—even if she liked blueberries more. Her sister, though, would have eaten cupcakes until she had a stomach ache if we let her.

My daughters needed both foods for different reasons: pleasure and nutrition. If the same food offered mostly pleasure to one and mostly nutrition to the other, then the value was in the usefulness to each child, not some universal merit system. Foods aren’t good or bad; they just are.

Parents can model this in many ways. For one, we can gently correct the value-weighted language we hear from others in our kids’ lives, pointing out when someone says a certain food is “junk” that it’s also delicious. We can remember to talk to our kids about the many foods we love using the same language no matter how the world sees them, sharing our excitement about sweet corn season and the ice cream truck.

We can follow thinkers like Virginia Sole-Smith, who writes about children and diet culture, or Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez, who headline the Dear Media podcast about intuitive eating. We can stop making dessert a reward for eating broccoli and also examine how our own eating patterns have been informed by the false narrative that food has moral value—which will be as good for us as it is for our kids.

So here’s the only major rule I have about food: Eat what your body needs and what your taste buds want. Brussels sprouts are delicious and so are nachos. We feed our bellies, but we also eat with our eyes and souls. Tonight, dinner might be a frittata if we have time to cook or a take-out pizza if we don’t. Each week, we have a justifiable need for both.

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The Scoop on Our Favorite Boston Ice Cream Shops

by Allison Sutcliffe

We think the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream month is with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or gelato from one of Boston’s best ice cream shops. It’s like summer in a cup! So the next time your crew is chanting (you know the one) for their favorite summer treat, head to one of these spots families love.

Honeycomb Creamery

Families love this small batch ice creamery in Cambridge, and it’s not just because they have inventive flavors like Horchata, Honey Lavender and Port Cherry Vanilla. We think it’s their sweet take on Taco Tuesday that makes this shop a must-visit on a sunny day. Grab street tacos from your favorite spot for dinner, followed by Honeycomb Creamery’s taco-shaped waffle cone filled with your favorite ice cream and dipped in chocolate for dessert.

Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-10 p.m.

1702 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge
Online: honeycombcreamery.com

Toscanini’s

When it comes to finding a great scoop of ice cream in the city, you can’t go wrong with Toscanini’s. Started in 1981, this fantastic spot is known for their creamy and flavorful cups of ice cream and their frequently rotating menu of choices. On the can’t-miss list is Toscanini’s Vienna Finger and Tiramisu.

Hours: Weds.-Sun., noon-11 p.m.

159 First St.
Cambridge
Online: tosci.com

Emack & Bolio’s

The rock ‘n’ roll story behind Emack & Bolio’s is almost as legendary as their ice cream. And although the shop’s hours have changed over the years—from après show, late night hours to something more standard—their ice cream still rocks. Whatever flavor you choose, we suggest tricking out your treat with a covered cone (it’s kind of their thing). Get yours with Oreos, Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles to earn extra enthusiastic thanks from the kiddos.

Newbury
290 Newbury St.
Boston

North Station
Causeway St.
Boston

Online: emackandbolios.com

Tipping Cow

When it comes to interesting ice cream flavors you can’t find anywhere else, Tipping Cow is the place. Their ice cream is made in-house and families with food sensitivities can always count on it being peanut, tree-nut and sesame-free (psst... they have non-dairy options too). We’re crushing on their original flavors like Goat Cheese and Fig, Strawberry Basil and Sweet Corn.

415 Medford St.
Somerville

525 Western Ave.
Boston
Online: tippingcowicecream.com

Taiyaki NYC

Named for the irresistible fish-shaped waffle cone it’s served in, Taiyaki NYC serves up Japanese-style ice cream your kids will scream for (in the “I scream, you scream” sense of the word). Fish-shaped cone? Check. Unicorn sprinkle topping? They’ve got it. What more could a kid ask for on a swelteringly hot summer day?

119 Seaport Blvd., Suite B
Boston
Online: taiyakinyc.com

Cookie Monstah

Whether you track down one of the trucks, or visit a bakeshop location, you and the kids will be hard pressed to find a tastier ice cream sandwich anywhere else. And if you ask us, it’s the DIY aspect of the treat that makes it so good. After all, if there’s one thing we know kids always want (besides ice cream, of course), it’s to be in charge. Let them choose their favorite cookie and ice cream flavor combo to create the sweet sandwich of their dreams.

Locations in Danvers, Swampscott, Burlington and Needham. Plus food trucks (find out where they’ll be popping up next).
Online: thecookiemonstah.com

FoMu

If plant-based is your jam, FoMu is where you’ll find creamy vegan ice cream to enjoy. All their creative flavors are made in-house and from scratch, and the coconut milk base gives their ice creams a smooth, gelato feel. Although you might be tempted to try the avocado ice cream, don’t neglect the more traditional flavors like chocolate cookie dough, vanilla bean and cold brew ice cream when you go. They’re just as good as FoMu’s more creative flavors.

Locations in Allston, Jamaica Plain, South End and Fenway.
Online: fomuicecream.com

OddFellows

With flavors like Ol’ Dirty Custard, Peanut the Kidnapper and Joe Bananas you might wonder what exactly is in this ice cream. Count on enticing combos that keep you and your little ice cream lovers coming back for more. Beyond these everyday flavors families can take advantage of OddFellow’s summer collection. These ice creams featuring light and fruity flavors are available for pick-up now.

55 Boylston St.
Chestnut Hill
Online: oddfellowsnyc.com

Forge Ice Cream Bar

Go old school with a trip to the Forge Ice Cream Bar. Whatever your hankering for, they’ve got it on their menu. Traditional scoop on a cone? Check. Shakes, ice cream sodas or a root beer float? Your kids can order it here. And if they really want to go bananas, try a Curious George (or an ice cream flight) to share.

626b Somerville Ave.
Somerville,
Online: forgebakingco.com/ice-cream

 

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Stem Sell: Where You Can Pick Your Own Flowers near NYC

by Ilyssa Smith

Maybe you picked some cherries this summer, or any number of berries recently, but have you ever ventured into acres of flowers of all kinds and snipped a few stems right from the field? From wildflowers to sunflowers, zinnias, peonies and more, here are our favorite farms near NYC for flower picking.

For a Wide Variety: Brittany Hollow Farm

Head to Brittany Hollow Farm in the Hudson Valley for one of the best selections of pick-your-own flowers near NYC. Flower varieties include zinnias, cosmos, black-eyed susans, strawflowers, snapdragons, celosia, sunflowers, butterfly weed, statice, and more, and the farm is open July through early October. Flowers are $20 per bucket, and you take the bucket home with you—bring it back for $15 buckets all season long. The fields are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Brittany Hollow Farm
7141 Albany Post Rd.
Rhinebeck, NY
Online: brittanyhollowfarmflowers.strikingly.com

For "Gazillions" of Flowers, Veggies & A Winery: Terhune Orchards

A major player in the "you pick" scene, Terhune Orchards offers the chance to pick something throughout the growing season.  They offer a great selection of flowers here, available from late June to October. Planters and culinary herbs are also available on site, as are numerous other fruits and veggies—both in the fields for picking and the farm store for purchase. Terhune also operates its own winery. FYI: Leave your pets with a friend—they aren’t allowed on the farm. 

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd.
Princeton, NJ
609-924-2310
Online: terhuneorchards.com

For Gorgeous Blooms for the First Time: Spring Wind Farm

The stunning blooms are grown sustainably, and flowers for picking include sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, celosia, gomphrena and more. Pick for a mason jar or a three-gallon bucket; prices start at $16. 

95 Holmes Mill Rd. 
Cream Ridge, NJ
Online: springwindfarm.com

For Super Sunflowers & Farm Fun: Johnson's Corner Farm

Johnson's Corner Farm loves its sunflowers. (The farm even holds Sunflower Celebrations.) In addition to lots of barnyard fun and picking produce, you can pick sunflowers for $1 a stem here, and zinnias for 25 cents each. Entrance to the field is $5/person on weekdays, and $6/person on weekends; buy tickets online to guarantee admission. 

133 Church Rd. 
Medford, NJ
Online: johnsonsfarm.com

For Lavender Lovers: Lavender By the Bay

To be fair, you can't pick the lavender at Lavender By the Bay, but it's a must for fans of this soothing herb, and peak bloom for French lavender is happening now, and more to come late summer! Plus: you can load up on sachets and sprigs in the gift shop. This farm has two locations on Long Island, growing more than 80,000 plants in hues of purple, lilac, white and beyond. (FYI: The Calverton spot is across the street from water park Splish Splash.) It's $12 to enter the field and stroll in the fragrant fields. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. 

Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

7540 Main Rd.
East Marion, NY

47 Manor Rd.
Calverton, NY 

Online: lavenderbythebay.com

For a Butterfly Moment: Melick's Town Farm

You can pick apples and peaches at Melick’s, but from July through September its stunning gardens are open for picking as well. You'll find flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers and snapdragons here, and no appointment is necessary, but they do ask that you bring your own clippers. (They advise calling ahead to find out what is blooming before you head over.) The farm charges per stem and also has pre-picked bouquets and arrangements if you need to grab a bouquet on the go. Melick's Town Farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6.pm., and on a nice day, butterflies flock to the gardens, making for nice Instagram fodder.

Melick’s Town Farm
170 Oldwick Rd.
Oldwick, NJ
Online: melickstownfarm.com

For Flowers, Berries & a Side of Fresh Ice Cream: Patty’s Berries and Bunches

If you’re looking to ditch the scissors, but pick up some berries, this is the place to go. Patty's "bunches" are flowers, which are sold pre-picked and include blossoms such as sunflowers, dahlias, peonies, and zinnias. You can also pay $8 to walk through the flower fields for the perfect photo op!  The farm features an "Ice Cream Patch,” where visitors can buy scoops of seasonal flavors which are made with fresh ingredients grown on-site. This 40-acre Long Island farm is one of our favorites for U-pick berries. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

410 Sound Ave.
Mattituck, NY
Online: pattysberriesandbunches.com

For Evergreen & Sunflower Mazes & Lots of Produce to Pick: Alstede Farms

Alstede is a popular place for picking many, many things. Not only can you pick your own flowers at Alstede Farms, they've also added a cute evergreen maze, which is included with admission. Picking season runs mid-July through September, and flowers go for $1 a stem. The farm is packed with beautiful sunflowers ready for picking, and the farm’s annual sunflower maze is also open for navigation. This farm is also one of our favorites for “U-pick” fruits & veggies as well. Sweet Corn, vegetables (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes), peaches, cantaloupe, nectarines, honeydew and canary melon are all in season during the “cut your own flower” season, so you can pick up some "Jersey Fresh" produce while you're at it. Check this page to see if flowers are open for picking. 

1 Alstede Farms Ln.
Chester, NJ
Online: alstedefarms.com

 

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The Time Is Ripe: Where to Pick Your Own Berries Near NYC

by Wai Sze Zara

Don’t let summer pass by without heading out to some kind of field to pick your own berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—take your pick! (Get it?) There are lots of farms near NYC where you can pick your own berries—and in some cases, even flowers! If you’re lucky, there still might be time to get the last cherries, too. Check business social feeds for the latest info on what’s ripe and crop supply. (For more summer adventures outside the city, take a day trip to one of our favorite family-friendly wineries or breweries.)

Suffolk Country Berry Picking

For Berries with a Side of Blooms: Patty’s Berries & Bunches

This 40-acre Long Island farm is filled with over 24 different types of berries throughout the summer and early fall. For $7.50, pickers gain entry to the berry patch and a quart container to fill; you can also buy pre-picked berries at the farm stand. Patty's "bunches" are flowers, which are sold pre-picked and include blossoms such as sunflowers, dahlias and zinnias. The farm also features an "Ice Cream Patch", where visitors can buy scoops of seasonal flavors like "sugar snap pea" and "blackberry sage." Patty's has art activities for kids, and you can also pay $7.50 to stroll the flower fields and get your picture-perfect Insta-moment. They are open daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 40 mins

410 Sound Ave.
Mattituck, NY
631-655-7996
Online: pattysberriesandbunches.org

For Berries & Lots More Fresh Produce: Lewin Farms

A family-run farm for four generations, Lewin Farms was the first U-pick farm on Long Island. Spanning 1,100 acres, this Suffolk County farm grows pretty much everything (including Christmas trees later in the year) but from late June through August is when it's got strawberries (limited supply), blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for the picking. Call the farm to get a pre-recorded message with picking conditions that's updated daily. Note: U-pick fields are cash only. There is an ATM at the farm stand. Open daily, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 50 mins

812 Sound Ave.
Calverton, NY
631-929-4327
Online: www.lewinfarm.com

Orange County Berry Picking

For All Kinds and Colors of Berries: Ochs Orchard

Early summer is strawberry time at Ochs, although supplies are also limited this year. You can also pick blueberries, blackberries and raspberries here, as well as veggies, peaches and tomatoes. Flowers are for sale at the farm stand, and Ochs makes homemade ice cream from fruit grown on-site. You can also stop by and say hi to the farm animals that live here. The farm recommends calling or checking Facebook for availability before heading out. Admission for pick-your-own is $5 for ages four and up, with $3 credited to your purchase. Containers can be bought or your can bring your own. 

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 30 mins

4 Ochs Ln.
Warwick, NY
845-986-1591
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Picking days can change week to week, so call ahead)
Online: www.ochsorchard.net

For Berries Now & Peaches & Apples Later: Lawrence Farms Orchards

This family-owned farm in the Hudson Valley has roots going back to 1892. You can get all kinds of fruit here: cherries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, apples—and veggies too! They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. General admission is $7 per person Monday- Thursday, and $10 per person Friday - Sunday. Kids ages two and younger are free. Note that the GPS address is 306 Frozen Ridge Rd, Newburgh, NY. 

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 45 minutes

39 Colandrea Rd. 
Newburgh, NY 
845-562-4268
Online: lawrencefarmsorchards.org

 

 

Dutchess County Berry Picking

For Pesticide-Free Berries: Fishkill Farms

Fishkill Farms is doing you-pick by reservation only, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are booked up to seven days in advance, and there is a maximum of five people per party, which includes kids ages two and up. You get an hour to pick your fruit, which is capped at four quarts. Cost is $45. Don't be more than 15 minutes late or you lose your spot! 

Devoted to the practice of ecological farming, Fishkill says its berries are "beyond organic", which means as much as possible, they try to grow berries "spray-free." In addition to strawberries, raspberries and currants, the farm also offers a selection of great summer herbs, vegetables, flowers and it now has a Treasury Cider Bar.  Check the farm's Facebook page for the latest news on prime picking. Open daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 30 mins.

9 Fishkill Farm Rd.
Hopewell JCT, NY
845-897-4377
Online: www.fishkillfarms.com

Ulster County Berry Picking

For Berries, Veggies & a Giant Garden Gnome

Kelder's farm offers pick-your-own berries and veggies, along with lots of activities for the kids. You must make a reservation, which gets you access to all the activities (mini-golf, jumping pillow, etc.) and a pint of u-pick produce. Picking slots are scheduled every 30 minutes, and picking is rain or shine, with no refunds. You can book your slots here. Pricing pick-your-own is $14 per person; pricing for the farmyard starts at $15 per person, and a combo ticket is $22 per person.  Don't leave without a snap with "Chomsky", the world's largest garden gnome. (For real, he's in the Guinness Book.) 

Distance from NYC: 2 hours

Closed Wednesdays.
5755 Route 209
Kerhonkson, NY
845-626-7137
Online: keldersfarm.com

 

New Jersey Berry Picking

For Fruit, Veggies & Sunflowers: Johnson's Corner Farm

Johnson's Corner Farm promises the best of New Jersey's famous blueberries, sweet corn and peaches (plus veggies like string beans and zucchini). The kids will love the hayride included, and the Discovery Barnyard ($10/kids; $5/adults) with animals, splash pad and play areas. You'll marvel at the sunflower fields. Both fruits and veggies are priced by the pound, and if you reserve your picking spot online, you save 50 cents. You can also pick up produce at the farm stand. Admission is $5.50 on weekdays, $6.50 on weekends. Kids under 12 months are free. Johnson's Farm is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5- 7p.m. 

Distance from NYC: 2 hours

133 Church Rd. 
Medford, NJ
609-654-8643
Online: johnsonsfarm.com

For Berries, Flowers and Wine: Terhune Orchards

Stephanie Albert

Head to Terhune for blueberries and thornless (!) blackberries through August. This is another farm with flowers to pick, farm animals to visit, a winery, plus a reading series for kids, live music and festivals throughout the summer. (The 2022  Firefly Festival is June 26, and The Blueberry Bash is happening July 9 & 10 this year. See the calendar for all events.)  The farm is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; picking open, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., until supplies lasts. Check Terhune's Facebook page for the latest updates on availability. Take note: no outside food or drink is permitted. 

Distance from NYC: 1 hour

330 Cold Soil Rd.
Princeton, NJ
609-924-2310
Online: terhuneorchards.com

Alstede Farms in NJ

Alstede Farm claims to be the "best farm in the northeast." They provide homegrown local fruits and vegetables and offer an all-in-one farm experience. They are committed to growing local fruits, vegetables, and flowers using only sustainable and USDA-certified organic production methods. If you live nearby you can even join their CSA program. Picking options include strawberries, blueberries, vegetables and flowers. Making reservations online this season is a must. Check out their updated policies prior to your visit. In addition to picking, you can say hello to the friendly resident farm animals and tackle a giant hay pyramid. Alstede also offers live entertainment, homemade ice cream and wine tasting.

Be sure to note the farm's policies: Every person who wants to PYO needs an entry ticket starting at ages 2 and up. Each ticket comes with a quart for $17. (Admission price includes scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, access to the hay pyramid and an evergreen maze.) You must check-in within a 30-minute time slot or risk losing your reservation. You can purchase an Activities Plus ticket for children for $17 which includes a pony ride, a wagon train ride and one bounce house admission. Outside food and containers will not be permitted at the farm. Alstede is open weekdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and weekends, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Weekends: 10-4

Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 20 mins

1 Alstede Farms Ln.
Chester, NJ 07930
908-879-7189
Online: alstedefarms.com

RELATED STORIES:
Things To Do With Kids in the Hamptons, Summer 2022 Edition
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Red Hot Mama: Why Being Pregnant in Summer Is Awesome

by Suzanna Logan

Sure, you’re hot and sweaty. But don’t let being pregnant in summer get you down. Next time you’re struggling with your summer bump, stay cool, think of your mocktail as half full, and remember these reasons why a summer pregnancy is actually pretty great.

pregnant woman by a pool with kids playing in the pool-pregnant in summer

photo: iStock

1. You don’t need as many maternity clothes. Forget the bump-friendly jackets and hard pants. You’ll be rocking flowy dresses. Buy a stretchy bikini and you may not even need a maternity swimsuit.

2. All that delicious summer produce. Get your nutrients thanks to in-season fruits and veggies like sweet corn, watermelon, berries, zucchini, tomatoes and stone fruits. Most you don’t have to cook, so meals come together fast.

3. Exercise is easier to schedule. Longer days and comfortable temps mean you’ll be looking forward to taking a long walk at dusk or going for a swim.

4. Vitamin D, baby. This powerhouse vitamin is important both for you and the baby, and those long, sunny summer days help you get your daily dose.

woman in hammock smiling wearing a sunhat and sunglasses - pregnant in summe

photo: Jordan Bauer via Unsplash

5. It’s the season for dressing down. Forget trying to stuff your pregnant self into jeans or sweating in your sweaters. Summer is all about easy-to-wear maxi dresses, flowing linen tops, and comfortable cotton tanks and shorts.

6. You can fit in relaxation time more easily. Summertime is synonymous with vacation, so many workplaces slow down and the living is just more easy. Lay in a hammock, lounge by the pool, or take a babymoon with your sweetie.

7. You have an excuse to see all the summer blockbusters. When your body is working overtime, stepping into an air-conditioned theater is considered self-care. If theaters aren’t your thing, buy a projector and watch movies on a wall at home or, better yet, out in the backyard.

8. Dare to bare your bump. Gone are the days of having to hide that you’re growing an amazing person inside of you. Being pregnant in summer is the perfect excuse to show off that baby belly, so break out those fitted outfits.

woman eating ice cream in kitchen - pregnant in summer

photo: Evieanna Santiago via Unsplash

9. Claim you’re eating ice cream for the calcium. Your baby’s need for bone-building calcium gives you the perfect excuse to grab a cone. Or two. Healthy pregnancy smoothies are also on the menu.

10. Swollen feet are a great reason to wear flip-flops 24/7. Thanks to pregnancy hormones, a gal’s feet can grow half a size, not to mention that fun pregnancy swelling. Swap out painful footwear for cushy flip-flops to give your feet a break.

11. You’ll have easier access to swimming pools. Submerging yourself in water gives you instant relief from the heat as well as aches and pains. Plus, there is no more gentle (but effective!) exercise than swimming or water aerobics when you’re working out for two. 

12. Your snuggly, warm cuddle buddy will arrive just in time for cooler weather. Having your baby in your arms as the days turn cooler is an excellent reward for being pregnant in summer. Baby snuggles are always special, but there is something particularly wonderful about cuddling a newborn wrapped in a fuzzy blanket in the fall and winter months.

—Suzanna Palmer & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

RELATED STORIES:
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