Once your child hits the one-year mark, soothe their sore gums with baby teething biscuits and snacks that also give them a nutritious boost. This magical remedy is known by many names—teething biscuits, teething crackers, or baby rusks—and they’re easy to make yourself with these quick recipes, including no-bake versions, wheat-free biscuits, and sugar-free teething biscuits too. So the next time you see baby gnawing, you’ll be prepared with a homemade teething biscuit.

1. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Oats, bananas, and coconut oil are all you’ll need for these teething crackers. Add vanilla and spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for extra flavor, or keep them plain. Super Healthy Kids has the recipe.

2. Quinoa Teething Crackers

Protein-rich quinoa is the only ingredient in this crispy cracker. Cradle Rocking Mama blends the nutritious grain in three forms (cooked flakes, uncooked flakes, and quinoa flour) to get consistency kids like.

3. Sweet Potato and Chamomile Teething Biscuits

These flavorful biscuits from My Kids Lick the Bowl cleverly include chamomile from a tea bag to relax a child who’s suffering from teething pain, along with sweet potato and oat flour.

4. Apple, Banana, or Pumpkin Teething Biscuits

Mama Natural shares three recipes, highlighting apple, banana, and pumpkin. All three are gluten-free, thanks to a combination of rolled oats and steel-cut oats as the base. They also include maple syrup and baking spices for sweetness and baby-friendly flavor that makes this homemade teething biscuit top our list.

Related: 30 Best Baby Cups, Bowls, Plates & Utensils

a baby with a big smile sits in a crib waiting for a baby teething biscuit
iStock

5. Oat & Banana Drops

Momtastic offers up this classic vegan recipe full of oats and mashed bananas. Choose overripe bananas for sweetness and add a few spices like cinnamon and cardamom. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty homemade teething biscuit.

6. Fruit & Vegetable Teethers

Teething biscuits don’t get any healthier than these fruit and veggie snacks from Weelicious. Thinly slice fruits and veggies like sweet potato and kiwi, and then put them in a dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator, this banana leather version requires only an ovenand is a hit with older kids too.

7. Pear-rific Oat-tastic Teething Biscuits

The name of Everyday Champagne‘s recipe says it all. Pears plus oats=awesome teething treats. Mix together oat flour, baby cereal, pear puree, and allspice to make a sweet biscuit that’s free of added sugar or salt.

8. Grain-Free Teething Biscuits

Created by a nurse, these grain-free teethers from Real Food RN are packed with nutrients. The ingredient list is longer than some: coconut and cassava flour, applesauce, maple syrup, molasses, egg yolk plus spices. But the extra effort is worth it, as each ingredient packs a nutritional punch. The recipe also includes clove, a spice that some say soothes teething pain. When stored in the freezer, the biscuits last for months and offer a cool treat for your little one’s gums.

Related: Banish Bland: 10 Spiced-Up Baby Vegetable Recipes

9. Sugar-Free Baby Rusks

You probably have the ingredients in your kitchen right now for these sugar- and salt-free homemade teething biscuits from the Welsh-Italian Chiapa sisters: eggs, flour, baking powder, and applesauce (or another fruit puree). Add cinnamon, orange zest, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

10. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Boys Ahoy‘s recipe calls for rice cereal, flour, coconut oil, cinnamon and banana (or applesauce). Roll out the dough and cut with your favorite cookie cutter to create crisp mum-mums in fun, baby-friendly shapes.

11. The Natural Mum’s Super Easy Rusk Recipe

With only two ingredients, you can whip up these teething treats from the Natural Mum anytime. All you need is a fruit or veggie puree and a few cups of spelt flour. Because the puree choice is up to you, the flavor options are endless. Try sweet potatoes one day and peaches the next.

Make sure to capture all those toothy grins—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids. 

Red Tricycle is an anti-racist company against the systemic racism toward Black people and all people of color. We stand for justice, equality and humanity, and we support our Black families, co-workers, partners and community. One of the ways to do that directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses, many of which have already been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. From Mississippi-inspired BBQ and Creole cuisine to vegan skincare, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites below!

Restaurants

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ZbkJgh5qr/

AoSA Coffee

AoSA Coffee is a local fave and not only can you get a pretty amazing cup of coffee, but a baked good and tasty pastry, too! AoSA believes in supporting other local businesses, which is why they source their ingredients from neighboring shops to give customers speciality beans and the freshest food possible.

16821 Algonquin St. Ste 104
Huntington Beach, 92649

Online: aosacoffee.com

IG: @aosacoffee

Beale's Texas BBQ

Inspired by food from Mississippi and Baton Rouge, Beale's Texas BBQ incorporates family recipes and a whole lotta love. Enthusiasts will love sinking their teeth into ribs, brisket, tri tip, hotlinks and mouth-watering sides like collared greens, honey cheese cornbread and yams.

16400 Pacific Coast Highway Ste. 117
Huntington Beach, Ca 92649

Online: bealestexasbbq.com

IG: @bealestexasbbq

Cloud 9 Bakers

You'll feel like you're on cloud nine when you enjoy the only gluten, dairy, soy and wheat-free, organic, non-GMO bakery in So Cal! Cloud 9 Bakers serves breakfast, cupcakes, seasonal treats and frozen items that meet the diverse needs of food allergies.

31654 Rancho Viejo Rd, Suite G
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

*Pick up orders until further notice due to COVID-19

Online: cloud9bakers.com

IG: @cloud9bakers

Flame Broiler

Simple meets healthy at Flame Broiler. The eatery offers tasty rice bowls and plates in an easy setting that allows for quick takeout or dine-in options.

4525 W. Coast Hwy. Unit B,
Newport Beach, CA 92663

Online: flamebroilerusa.com

IG: @flamebroilernewport

Fork in the Road Catering

Fork in the Road Catering is not only here for your special events, but for meal delivery, too! Delivering to any address in Orange County or Long Beach, Monday through Friday, customers can prep their whole week with meals that include decadent chicken and lobster paella, spinach stuffed salmon and citrus grilled chicken! The duo behind Fork in the Road are husband and wife, Kyle and Marisa and they approach food with passion––something every diner feels when they sink their teeth into one of their meals.

Costa Mesa

Online: forkintheroadcatering.com

IG: @forkintheroadcatering

Georgia's Restaurant

Georgia's is gourmet comfort food at its finest. The soul-style food is creole-inspired and offers fast casual dining for brunch, lunch and dinner. Feast on fried Catfish, po boys, red beans and rice and plenty more.

Anaheim Packing District
440 S Anaheim Blvd #209A
Anaheim, CA 92805

Online: georgias-restaurant.com

IG: @georgiassoul

Hambones Bar & Grill

Chef Keenan Handy is the secret behind Hambones. The pitmaster of over 20 years serves up true Californian BBQ using three in-house BBQ sauces that patrons will love in both Huntington Beach and Bellflower.

10056 Adams Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA

Online: hambonesbarandgrill.com

IG: @hambonesbarandgrill

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOQM1lJPio/

Munchie's Diner SA

Enjoy both a vegan diner and deli when you stop by Munchie's! The eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and tasty meat-free temptations that include Bacon Temptation, Carne Asasa Fries and BBQ Pork & Mac Nachose.

313 N Bush St,
Santa Ana, CA, 92701

Online: munchiesvegandiner.com

IG: @munchiesdiner

 

Naughty Panda

Vegan sushi awaits at Naughty Panda! The Santa Ana restaurant serves up non-GMO whole foods, plant-based sushi and tons of vegan options that the whole family will love.

4th Street Market
201 E 4th St, Santa Ana

Online: myveganpanda.com

IG: @itsnaughtypanda

Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles

The famed LA-based eatery has it's own OC location! While the entire menu is delicious with options that include gravy and biscuits, let's be honest––everyone comes for the chicken and waffles!

2110 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802

Online: roscoeschickenandwaffles.com

The Fuel Shack

Feed your mind, body and soul at The Fuel Shack. The seaside eatery is blocks from the beach and serves up California cuisine like avocado toast, fresh salads and savory bowls.

360 Camino De Estrella
San Clemente, CA 92672
Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Online: thefuelshack.com

IG: @thefuelshack

The Nest

While the menu is a little on the fancy side for kiddos, we absolutely love the locale of this eatery. Located in the new SteelCraft Garden Grove, the cluster of restaurants are centered around a green space with games and music that is perfect for families. Feast on vegetarian, Keto, Paleo and other breakfast recipe choices that include poutine, bacon and waffles and chocolate milk.

SteelCraft Garden Grove
12900 S Euclid St
Garden Grove, CA 92840

Online: eatnest.com

IG: @eatatthenest

Tribute Coffee House

A warm and cozy environment awaits at Tribute that is perfect for a solo reading sesh or time out with the fam. Enjoy craveable coffee and delicious baked goods at this locally run java shop.

13960 Harbor Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA, 92843

Online: tributecoffeehouse.com

IG: @tributecoffeehouse

Services, Retail & Products

 

C|Dobbs

Shop local at C|Dobbs! The designer boutique is the place to find handbags, art, shoes, jewelry and men's and women's fashion.

CDM Plaza
928 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Online: c-dobbs.com

IG: @cdobbsfashion

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-lYjIUDM43/

Laguna Candles

Women-owned and family-run business Laguna Candles has been whipping up candles for over 15 years. Each candle is hand-poured and crafted locally and made with a proprietary soy and wax blend sustainable, ecologically-sound and free of pesticides, Phthalates, parabens and sulfates.

821-A Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Online: lagunacandles.com

IG: @lagunacandles

 

Sandra Johnson Designs

Sandra Johnson has been sewing for 30 years and loves bringing her knowledge of the craft to others. She hosts presentations, workshops and parties for kids and adults that teach others how to hand-stitch, quilt and repurpose denim.

Anaheim Hills, CA

Online: sandrajohnsondesigns.com

IG: @sandrajohnsondesigns

photo: Berkay Gumustekin via Unsplash

K.O. Dog Training

Founded by Philip Kaough, K.O. Dog Training is a husband and wife team who interact and train with every single dog they work with. The company offers basic obedience, puppy, behavior modification, service dog training and more.

Online: kodogtraining.com

Facebook: @KOdogtraining

Sporty Cuts

The full service salon is here for your hair! Both stylists and barbers are available for all your sport hair cut needs.

17777 Main Street, Suite C
Irvine, California

IG: @sportycuts

Love Amour Propre

Personal wellness through aromatherapy is the heart of Amour Proper. Perfect for gifts and self-care the lineup currently includes natural shave kits, body butters and scrubs and even face masks!

Mission Viejo, CA

Online: amourp.com

IG: @loveamourpropre

Lucky Black Skin Solution

Lucky Black is the vegan skincare line you didn't know you needed! The homemade products are made in small batches to maintain quality and include luxurious whipped body scrubs, body butter bars and natural deodorants. 

Tustin, CA

Online: myluckyblack.com

IG: @myluckblack

Rock City Climbing Gym

Time to get your climb on! Family-friendly Rock City Climbing Gym is great for first time climbers or masters, and offers all day passes with shoe rentals for tons of bouldering and top roping fun.

5100 E. La Palma Ave. #108
Anaheim, CA 92807

Online: rockcityclimbing.com

IG: @rockcityclimbing.com

Creations Salon & Barbershop

The whole fam can snag a trim at Creations! The full-service salon offers cuts and styles for men and women, and other beauty services like lashes.

17779 Main Street St F/G
Irvine, California 92614

Online: creationssalonandbarbershop.com

Got a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.com.

––Karly Wood

 

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Make this Easter a hopping good one for everyone—including those with allergies! Check out our comprehensive list of 25 allergy-friendly chocolate Easter bunnies you can safely include in your celebrations this year.  

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
Product: 9.9 oz. Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk and Soy
Precautionary label: none
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut. NOTE: Chocolate bunnies are produced in a peanut, tree nut, egg, and wheat-free production room within the facility.
Allergen Statement

2. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
Product: 9.9 oz. Dark Chocolate Easter Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: Processed on shared dairy equipment
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut. NOTE: Chocolate bunnies are produced in a peanut, tree nut, egg, and wheat-free production room within the facility.
Allergen Statement

3. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
Product: Crispy Chocolate Baby Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: Processed on shared wheat equipment
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut. Chocolate bunnies are produced in a peanut, tree nut, egg, and wheat-free production room within the facility.
Allergen Statement

 

4. No Whey Chocolate
Product: Jake the Milkless Easter Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Allergen Statement

5. No Whey Chocolate
Product: Chip the Vegan Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Allergen Statement

6. No Whey Chocolate
Product: Benny the Milkless Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Allergen Statement

7. No Whey Chocolate
Product: Cottontail the Milkless White Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Allergen Statement

8. Amanda’s Own Confections
Product: Big Sitting Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Sulphite, Crustacean, Lupin, Gluten
Allergen Statement

DEDICATED FACILITIES

9. Sweet William
Product: Hollow Chocolate Easter Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

10. Sjaak’s
Product: “Paleo Bunny” Coconut Milk Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg
Allergen Statement

11. Moo Free
Product: Dairy Free Milk Chocolate Bunny Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a factory that handles hazelnuts
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

12. Lindt
Product: Easter White Chocolate Gold Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: May contain tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut
Allergen Statement

13. Karma Candy
Product: Sitting Bunny Hoppy Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy, Gluten
Precautionary label: May contain: egg, wheat
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut
Allergen Statement

14. L.A. Burdick Chocolates
Product: Signature Bunny Box
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy
Precautionary label: Chocolates crafted in a kitchen where dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, and alcohol are present
Facility Dedicated Free From: Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

NON-DEDICATED FACILITIES

15. Mama Ganache
Product: Vegan Dark Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

16. Olivia Chocolat
Product: Vegan White Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

17. Pure Lovin’ Chocolate
Product: Vegan Dark Chocolate Crispy Bunnies
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

18. Sweet Pete’s
Product: Dark Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

19. Chocolate Emporium
Product: Floppy-Ear Bunny-Butterscotch
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

20. Lagusta’s Luscious
Product: Strawberry White Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Coconut, Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

21. Hershey’s
Product: Easter Milk Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

22. Ethereal Confections
Product: Large Solid Dark Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made on shared equipment with peanuts, tree nuts
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

23. Dove
Product: Solid Dark Chocolate Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: May contain peanuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

24. Ghirardelli
Product: Milk Chocolate Caramel Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: May contain tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

25. Reese’s
Product: Reester Bunny
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Peanut, Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statemen

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

You’ve heard the warning about having too many cooks in the kitchen, but at Tukwila’s new food hall, it’s a good thing. Spice Bridge features eight different women-owned food vendors with different cuisines to share. Not only is it a great place for tasty food, but consider it a cultural hot spot for you and your crew as well. Read on for the delish dish on this true melting pot!

Meet the Chefs

Spice Bridge Owners

Operated by the nonprofit organization Global to Local, the Spice Bridge food court helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch and build food businesses one delicious dish at a time. Since there are just four stalls, they rotate offering a new dining experience Tuesdays through Sundays. And when these chefs aren't busy cooking for you, they're busy providing no-cost meals for seniors and families in need. Ready to take the kids but not sure what to try? We asked Global to Local's Program Director to share her top kid-friendly picks for each spot.

Who's cooking: From top left to bottom right, meet Nasrin Noori of Jazze's, Theary Ngeth of Theary Cambodian Foods, Adama Jammeh & Oumie Sallah of Afella Jollof Catering, Monica Di Bartolomeo of Seatango, Liyu Wirdaw of WUHA, Mwana Moyo & Batulo Nuh of Moyo Kitchen, Krizia Cherece of Wengay's Kitchen and Caroline Musitu of Taste of Congo.

Taste of Congo

Want to try something you have never tasted before? You've gotta try Taste of Congo, the only Congolese food business in Washington! The beef stew is seasoned with garlic, nutmeg and onion and stewed with tomatoes, carrots and golden potatoes. The grilled mackeral is big enough for two and with enough seasoning to go around too. Also popular is the chicken mayo and fried plantains. You'll recognize the garlic and paprika used to flavor it, but consider the rest of the spice mix the chef’s best kept secret.

Kid-approved dishes: We think your kids will love the yellow rice and beef stew.

Operating: Tue., Sat. & Sun.
Online: tasteofcongo

Afella Jollof Catering

Stop by Afella Jollof Catering for authentic Gambian/Senegalese cuisine. Nosh on popular choices like the Veggie Samosa, which is not only tasty, but easy on the wallet. It's seasoned with the chef’s special marinade and the veggies are stuffed into flaky pastry dough. Heartier appetites will appreciate the Chicken Kebab Combo that includes jollof rice and veggie samosa or a beef pastell.

Kid-approved dishes: Stick with simple and familiar when you order chicken kebabs and samosa for the kids.

Operating: Tue.-Thurs.
Online: afellajollof

Seatango

Seatango

Hailing from Argentina, Seatango offers a variety of artisan empandas and sweet pastries made from scratch. Here you’ll find facturas and alfajores alongside special coffees and teas.

Kid-approved dishes: While the sweet treats are a gimme, pair them with a savory empanda for the kids.

Operating: Wed.-Fri.
Online: seatangofoods.com

Moyo Kitchen

Moyo Kitchen

This unique restaurant offers a fusion of Somali, Kenyan and Tanzanian dishes all inspired by Zanzibar, the world’s spice capital. It's a place where you'll find flavorful (and familiar) faves like Tandoori Chicken and Sambusa, alongside new-to-you taste sensations like Samaki Wa Kupaka (salmon or golden pompano floating in a coconut sauce) and Sukuma (kale stew served with cornbread). Most of the dishes are served with pilau rice or chapatti for you to enjoy.

Kid-approved dishes: It's stuffed sambusa and pilau rice for the win.

Operating: Fri.-Sun.
Online: moyokitchen

Wengay’s Kitchen

Wengay's Kitchen

Enjoy authenic Filipino food that is not only cooked with love, but also prepared with traditional ingredients when you visit Wengay's Kitchen. If you're looking for a special dish, try the Lumpia and Lumpiang Sariwa, eggrolls that are either fried or wrapped in a crepe. The Pancit Bihon noodle and veggie stir fry is an easy meatless option, and the Bicol Express, that features creamy chicken cooked in thick coconut milk, is a satisfying option if you're not going veg.

Kid-approved dishes: Order lumpia or pancit bihon for your cuties when you visit.

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Theary Cambodian Foods

Theary Cambodian Foods

Serving healthy, authentic Cambodian/Khmer cuisine, this food booth has lots of must-trys. The beef back ribs and veggies over rice found in the Soup Go Me Ga Tunk are a fall comfort food fave, while the Me Ga Tunk, sauteed meat and eggs mixed with seasoned vegetables, and the Cambodian Ka Ry Stew, with its specially spiced beef back ribs really stick to your insides. Are you hungry yet?

Kid-approved dishes: Nothing pairs better with a chilly fall day and your kiddo than Soup Go Me Ga Tunk.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

WUHA

WUHA

WUHA offers fast food Ethiopian style! The food options here include both authentic Ethiopian dishes and as well as American foods cooked with Ethiopian spices, serving as a gateway to more traditional dishes. Enjoy the Black Lentil Veggie Sandwich served with oven-roasted potatoes, Beef Roast Sandwiches and Injera Rolls available in beef, vegetarian and wheat-free options.

Kid-approved dishes: Injera rolls are always a hit with kids, as is eating with their fingers!

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Jazze’s

Jazze

Chef Nasrin Noori cooks up Afghan food made from organic, locally grown ingredients. If you're looking for some stand-outs, we suggest the Boulanee, a pastry filled with potatoes, leeks, pumpkins or carrots served up crisp with a side of yogurt for dipping. The signature fusion Pulled Lamb Sliders are an easy pick and the oven roasted chicken in the Pilau-E-Murgh pairs nicely with an Afghan mixed salad.

Kid-approved dishes: Because it's hard to go wrong with fresh-made savory pastries, Boulanee is sure to be a hit with your kiddos.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Good to know:
1. Entrée prices range from $8-16, so you can feed the whole fam.

2. Currently, Spice Bridge is only offering takeout meals due to the COVID-19 safety measures. Families can find outdoor dining seating options and a grassy area nearby if the weather is nice.

3. Free parking is available between Spice Bridge and the Tukwila Library.

4. While you’re there, take time to explore. The grounds are dotted with interesting sculptures and a giant globe fountain too.

5. While it’s too late in the season to enjoy it this year, this unique food court sits next to the Tukwila Village Farmers Market, open every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. from mid-June through mid-October. This is a great place for families too, as special activities for kids are often featured.

Spice Bridge
Tukwila Village
14200 Tukwila International Blvd., Ste. 141
Tukwila, WA

Hours: Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed on Mon.)

—Jeffrey Totey (all photos courtesy Denise Miller for Global to Local)

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When you’ve got a kid with allergies, Halloween is a unique challenge of its own. Navigating through piles of candy that your kiddo may or may not be allergic to is not the easiest task, which is why we’ve put together a list of candies and treats that skip some of the most common allergens, like tree nuts, gluten, soy and dairy. We hope it comes in handy both when buying candy and going through your little one’s haul, but remember: always check the ingredients list and manufacturing practices before letting your littles dive in!

Enjoy Life Chocolate Minis

Enjoy Life, a leading allergen-free food manufacturer, has released their latest treat—Halloween Chocolate Minis. Choose from dark chocolate, ricemilk chocolate, ricemilk crunch and a variety pack. All of the chocolate is free of the top eight allergens and is gluten-free.

Online: enjoylifefoods.com/Halloween-Chocolate-Minis  

free2b Foods Sun Cups & Mint Cups

Free2b

Halloween can be tough for kids with food allergies. That's where free2b comes in. Their line of sun cups and mint cups are top 12 allergen-free, and free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, palm oil and carrageenan, as well. The entire line is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher Pareve and Fair Trade Certified. 

Our kid tasters particularly loved the consistency of the filling in both the sunflower and mint options. Buy them in two packs or in Halloween-themed single packs for trick-or-treaters. You can purchase them online or at a store near you

Black Forest Organic Trick or Treat Mix

Made with real fruit juice and simple ingredients, trick-or-treaters will go wild for this tasty mix from Black Forest Organic. It’s got a nice variety of lollipops, gummies and fruit chews, and they’re all gluten-free and nut-free.

Online: blackforestusa.com/gummy-candy.html

SAFE + FAIR Cookies and Grahams

Allergy-friendly food company SAFE + FAIR has an awesome line of kid-approved treats, including Abby’s Cookies and Remy’s Grahams. The treats are nut-free (and made in a nut-free facility), non-GMO and made with whole grains, so you’ll feel good about handing them out to the little ghouls at your doorstep. SAFE + FAIR even donates 3% of proceeds to the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University.

Online: safeandfair.com

Hu Chocolate

This cult-favorite brand carries a range of delish vegan and paleo chocolate bars in flavors so good, you won’t even want to give them away. Try the cashew butter and raspberry jelly, the crunchy mint or the almond butter and puffed quinoa. All of the bars are free from dairy, palm oils, emulsifiers, soy lecithin, gluten, refined sugar, cane sugar and sugar alcohols, but note that some flavors contain nuts.

Online: hukitchen.com/collections/chocolate

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans

Made from organic fruit juice and cane sugar, these sweet beans are free of over 10 allergens, including tree nuts, soy, casein, sesame and more. And, they recently released a new multi-pack—just in time for the big night!

Online: amazon.com/Surf-Sweets-Organic-Jelly

Fear Not Spook Free Chocolatey Treats

Your kid can finally dig into a "peanut" butter cup, a "snickers" bar and "milk" chocolate on Halloween! These individually wrapped treats are milk free, nut free, gluten free and wheat free. They are also vegan, processed in an allergen-free environment and taste great.

Online: nowheychocolate.com

Partake Cookies

Partake makes cookies in three flavors: a yummy (and slightly spiced) carrot oat, sweet potato millet and a wholesome sprouted grain chocolate chip. Thought up by a mom who struggled to find a tasty, allergen-free snack for her own kiddo, each box of cookies is filled with veggies, fruits, and grains, and is free of top allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat and more. Gluten-free and non-GMO Project verified, there’s nothing but goodness left in these sweet snacks.

Online: partakefoods.com

Dum Dums

Kids love Dum Dums for the more than 15 different flavors, while parents love the price! Free of the top eight allergens, and made in an allergen-free facility, these suckers are always a good bet. Be sure to look for the newest flavor—pineapple!

Online: amazon.com/dum-dum-lollipops

Welch’s Fruit Snacks

This year Welch's Fruit Snacks has a Halloweeny box and pouch with custom holiday-themed fun shapes that include a bat, a spooky witch, haunted castle, and pumpkin. These guys are completely peanut & tree nut free (and also made in an allergen-free/isolated environment) and perfect for trick or treating, lunchbox treats or parties. The fruity, beloved treats will balance out the overflowing chocolate and candy options for you and your gang.

Online: target.com/welchsfruitsnacks

Sour Patch Kids & Swedish Fish

Even though these classic treats are free of the top eight allergens and are produced and labeled in compliance with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices, kiddos with severe allergies still might want to skip 'em. But, if they get the green light from parents, we found a great combo bag that offers both Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish.

Online: target.com/p/sour-patch-kids-halloween-variety-pack

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates

Annually a top pick: the name says it all. Lovingly made in small batches in Vermont, mail-order customers keep coming back for these incredibly delicious chocolates, creamy fudge, and every other candy you can think of! How about jelly beans? Check! Gummy Bears, crunchy-chewy Pretzel Caramel Bark? You know it. Everything is made in a tree-nut free facility (gluten/wheat, soy, eggs and dairy products are processed here, however), and worry-free seasonal candies can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

Online: vermontnutfree.com

Gimbal’s Cinnamon Lovers

Turn up the heat with these delectable, shiny, soft, allergy-free hearts. Zinged up with spicy real cinnamon oil and bursting with flavor, they're a throwback to the old-school cinnamon hearts from our own childhood. These little red guys are; "Hot! Hot! Hot!", and for calmer palates Gimbals' also has a complete line of other candies. Gimbal's candies are peanut-free, tree nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and egg-free and also include gourmet & sour jelly beans, Sour Lovers, Cherry Lovers, and black-as-Halloween-night Licorice Scotties.

Online: gimbalscandy.com

Smarties

Another one of the candy bunch you've already heard of, but did you know Smarties are free of all Top 8 allergens? These have been dubbed "America's Favorite Candy Roll" since 1949 and Smarties Candy Company has even been featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped" television show with a fancy-schmancy factory tour so they're about as legit as candy gets. Allergy-free, gluten-free and completely vegan. Timeless.

Online: smarties.com

Wrigley’s

So now you've met some of the new kids on the allergy-free block. Well: look no farther because here's a very familiar face! More than just Juicy Fruit or Spearmint gum, Lifesavers are delightfully allergy-free, the Gummy Life Savers and Creme Savers, too. Skittles & Starburst, oh my! Add Altoids to the allergy safe list, as well, and they're also gluten-free. So find the rainbow, taste the rainbow, and even ride the rainbow of favorite fruit flavors all while remaining allergy safe - and you can find these tasty treats absolutely everywhere.

Online: wrigley.com

PASCHA Chocolate

If dark chocolate is your thing, look no further than PASCHA Chocolate's original assertive, tasty bars. This allergen-free organic chocolate is just right for baking and is such a great addition to recipes it will take your culinary skills to a whole new level (even if the Martha Stewart gene skipped you!). How about kitchen fun on an afternoon that won’t cause any bad reactions? Mail-order chocolate chips can get whipped up into sweet batters for cookies and bars, and whole or mini-bars can be nibbled any old time without allergy-worry—so get cookin' and take a walk on the Dark Side!

Online: paschachocolate.com

—Mireille Schwartz

 

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Food Allergy-Friendly Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Finding snacks for kids with allergies used to be quite the challenge. But these days, there are whole shelves of products that everyone can enjoy. We did our research and found seven nut (and other common allergens)-free goodies you probably haven’t tried yet. From cheddar snacks to sweet-tasting chewy bars, keep reading to see them all.

1. Partake Mini Cookies
These cookies from new company Partake come in three flavors: a yummy (and slightly spiced) carrot oat, sweet potato millet and a wholesome sprouted grain chocolate chip. Thought up by a mom who struggled to find a tasty, allergen-free snack for her own kiddo, each box of cookies is filled with veggies, fruits, and grains, and is free of top allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat and more. Gluten free and Non-GMO Project verified, there’s nothing but goodness left in these sweet snacks.

Available at partakefoods.com, $14.97 for three boxes.

2. Enjoy Life Baked Chewy Bars (New Flavors)
Enjoy Life is one of the most trustworthy brands for families with allergies and dietary sensitivities. Good news because their fan-favorite Baked Chewy Bars now come in three new flavors: Carrot Cake, Caramel Blondie and (our fave) Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed. They are milk free, nut free, gluten free and soy free—in fact, all of Enjoy Life’s products are free of wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish and shellfish and are made without casein, potato, sesame, and sulfites. Our editor’s six-year-old son loved the Carrot Cake and the Caramel Blondie, but she insists the Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed are where it’s at. Try them all and you decide.

Available at enjoylifefoods.com/Chewy-Bars, $4.99 per box.

3. Good Health Veggie Pretzels
If you figure all pretzel sticks are created equal, we urge you to try Good Health’s new Veggie Pretzels. Not only are they yummy, they have lots of veggie power including broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets, spinach and more. Our editor road-tested these on a playdate with some seriously picky eaters and swears by these. If that doesn’t impress you, how about these figures? Each serving has 25% of daily Vitamin A, 20% of daily Vitamin B6 (that’s the equivalent of 7 cups of spinach) and 20% of daily Vitamin K—that’s all in just four pretzel sticks. They’re also made in a peanut and tree nut-free facility, with no artificial colors, no hydrogenated oils, and no trans fat!

Available at amazon.com, $13.95 for two 8oz. bags.4. Somersault Seed Bites
Made from seeds instead of nuts (wheat and sesame seeds are included ingredients, so these aren’t for kids with severe allergies), these bites from Somersault pack a crunchy, slightly salty protein punch, and are also a good source of vitamin E and fiber. You can opt to keep snack time simple with sea salt or make it a sweet treat with the cinnamon or Dutch cocoa flavors (each serving has less than three grams of sugar!). And the best part? The tiny bite-sized pieces can easily fit into your kid’s new favorite bento box.

Available at amazon.com, $12.95 for a six-pack.

5. COYO Coconut Yogurt
Made with nature’s superfood—coconut—this non-dairy, gluten-free, egg-free, vegan yogurt is also produced in a custom facility (coconuts are considered a fruit, and are not processed on-site), which means there’s no chance of wheat, nut or dairy cross contamination. It’ got a silky smooth texture, has a rich flavor and comes in yummy flavors like mixed berry, mango, and chocolate—all without any added sugar. COYO coconut yogurt is also filled with gut-healthy probiotics, and we especially love the small containers that you can toss into a lunchbox or bag for a midday sweet treat.

Available at Whole Foods, Sprouts and specialty markets across the country. You can find the nearest location by clicking here. $3.69 for 5.3 oz.

6. Good Health Eat Your Vegetables Sea Salt Chips
Okay, we’re just gonna say it: you are probably going to eat a lot of these yourself so buy two bags. That way, when the kids beg for more in their lunch or afterschool you don’t have to guiltily look away. Not only do they taste insanely good, they have eight veggies, including many your child may otherwise refuse to eat (carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, beets, tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms). The company uses “good manufacturing practices to segregate ingredients” but the facility does process soy, wheat and dairy so severe allergies should probably avoid this one. They are non-GMO, and gluten and trans-fat free.

Available at amazon.com, $11.95 for two 4oz. bags.

7. Snikiddy Cheddar Cheese Fries
These little crispers aren’t exactly packed with vitamins, but it’s what they don’t have that might sway you. They are gluten and wheat free, contain no MSG or cholesterol, are vegetarian (contains dairy) and are made with organic corn and sunflower oil. They are also kosher and made in a facility that does not manufacture peanuts or tree nuts. In short, if you are thinking about going for french fries or potato chips, go for these instead. They are better for you, and they taste better, too! We also love Snikiddy’s Grilled Cheese Puffs.

Available at target.com, $2.49.

Will you try any of these nut-free snacks this school year? Share with us in a Comment below.

— Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

The District is one of the nation’s healthiest cities. It is not surprising then that when it comes to ordering babies first taste of sugar we want it to be a little more than a cake from the local grocery store chain. That’s where these fine DMV bakeries come into play.  Each one offers up a healthier alternative to the typical lard-based or heavily dyed frosting that is so easy to buy for little ones first birthday bash. Find your allergen-free, healthy smash cake options now.

Photo: Tess Dixon via Flickr

Rise
First stop on the healthy smash cake train is Rise, a D.C.-based bakery that is also gluten-free. Rise proclaims their love for offering tiny tykes their first cinnamon roll; imagine what a smash cake experience would be like. Pick your flavor today and call ahead to order your sweet baby cake a Rise cake today.

2409 18th St., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-525-5204
Online: riseglutenfree.com

Out of the Bubble Bakery
No cross contamination worries here!  The Out of the Bubble bakery is a nut-free, dye-free, gluten-free, egg, soy and dairy-free shop that offers up sweet treats with options for everyone on your birthday rsvp. This vegan bakery whips up organic cakes and cookies and sells them at the Mosaic farmer’s market. Each one is not only tasty but beautiful too.  Email to order your cupcake a special cake for their big day.

(Springfield, Va)
Email to Order: celebrate@obubblebakery.com
Online: obubblebakery.com

Sticky Fingers
Two-time Cupcake Wars winner and owner of this DMV bakery, Doron Petersan, is a true “junk food genius”.  Her locally famous sweet treat vegan recipes garner many raves and it is all true.  For your next first birthday party the options are almost endless at Sticky Fingers. Custom cakes are special orders but don’t let that stop you as they are worth it. Fine, natural ingredients and wheat-free options abound at this bake shop.

1370 Park Rd., NW (Columbia Heights)
202-209-9700
Online: stickyfingers.com

The Happy Tart
With its home-base in Del Ray and another store in Falls Church this gluten-free patisserie is both charming and a delectable alternative to your usual bakery.  The Happy Tart boasts premium ingredients that transform classic French baking into gluten-free dreams.  The artistry in their cakes is both visible and baked right in.  Order up a custom cake for your cuddle bug to sink their chubby fist in now.

2307A Mount Vernon Ave. (Alexandria, Va)
571-290-0166
Online: happytartbakery.com

Fancy Cakes by Leslie
Celebrating 18 years of baking experience, this D.C. native now works out of a Bethesda store front. Her all natural confections are edible works of art.  You can pick up a mini-cake without a pre-order which is great for those last-minute affairs or if you don’t need a special design or theme for juniors first birthday.

4939 Elm St. (Bethesda, Md)
301-652-9390
Online: fancycakesbyleslie.com

Do you have a yummy spot for birthday smash cake? Tell us about it in the comments section below,

–Victoria Mason

Whether slathered in creamy peanut butter or a heaping helping of jam, toast is a classic kid favorite for breakfast and beyond. Restaurants around town are wising up to something our pint-sized foodies knew all along—toast is the perfect vehicle for getting yummy goodness into ones tummy. Savory to sweet, breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner and found in every corner of town, raise a toast to the newest food trend: toast!

photo credit:  Jolie Loeb

Lavender and Honey
Caffeine deprived with a car full of hungry tots? Morning or afternoon, you can head straight for Pasadena’s Lavender and Honey, which has an espresso bar for you and a kids menu for them. Parents (and adventurous kids) love the namesake toast spread with velvety goat cheese, drizzled honey, and a dusting of lavender. Kids dig the sticky sweet peanut butter, honey and banana option. Or pretty much anything else on the menu. Each toast plate is reasonably priced at $3 a pop. Grab a French Lavender Breve to go along with your snack. The combo will keep you going for the rest of the afternoon.

Lavender and Honey Espresso Bar
1383 East Washington Blvd.
Pasadena
Phone: 310-528-0745
Online: lavenderandhoneyespresso.com

photo credit: Joyce S. via yelp

Sqirl
Calling all parents of early risers: Sqirl is the place for you. We say that because the lines can get pretty long, and your best bet is to show up when the place opens. But the food is worth the wait, and worth the national attention this simple spot is garnering. Toast at Sqirl starts with thick slices of brioche bread. Then they add the good stuff like chocolate ganache, fresh almond hazelnut spread, and house made ricotta. And don’t forget about the jam: strawberry thyme, blackberry lemon verbena or Moro blood orange marmalade. Bring home a jar of the sweet stuff for a toasty morning at home.

Sqirl
720 N Virgil Ave.
Silverlake
Phone: 323-284-8147
Online: sqirlla.com

photo credit: Le Pain Quotidien’s facebook page

Le Pain Quotidien
Tartine is French for open-faced sandwich, but however you slice it this toasty treat is a hand held favorite. Big communal tables welcome strollers, high chairs and weary parents who are eager to feed kids and be fed themselves. Tartines come sweet or savory, but always go well with French press coffee for the adults or fresh squeezed juice for kiddos. Try a savory tartine with smoked turkey and avocado or basil chicken and mozzarella. And picky eaters delight in just plain toast and one or all of the tableside (free) chocolate, cookie or vanilla spreads for a sweet treat.

Le Pain Quotidien has locations in Studio City, Larchmont, West Hollywood, Downtown, Beverly Hills, manhattan Beach, Glendale and more.  To find the location nearest you, check their website.

Online: lepainquotidien.com

Black Dog Coffee
Hit this place up before a trip to LACMA or the La Brea Tar Pits for some down home grub that’s sure to fuel your day. Thick cut rosemary bread is the perfect vehicle for whipped butter and preserves – a little savory, a little sweet, a little salty. One order is enough to feed two kiddos or one really hungry grownup. Wash it all down with organic milk, hot chocolates, fresh juices and more. Insider drink tip: the Café Cubano is worth a try, made with deep, rich coffee with condensed milk.

Black Dog Coffee
5657 Wilshire Blvd
Miracle Mile LA
Phone: 323-933-1976
Online: blackdogcoffee.com

photo credit: Kim Orchen Cooper

Superba
Superba boasts five different toast offerings for hungry breakfast crowds. And if you thought that was superb, just wait until you taste their house made jams. To keep you coming back for more, they offer a new jam every week. And forget about peanut, almond, or sunflower. This place serves a mean pecan butter and jam toast that kids will love. Parents will go hog wild for the maple custard toast with bacon confit and sage.  Actually, kids love that one too, and it’s perfect for palate expanding.

Superba Food and Bread
1900 S. Lincoln Blvd.
Venice
Phone: 310-907-5075
Online: superbafoodandbread.com

photo credit: Tina M. via yelp

The Source Cafe
If you or your kiddos have a gluten sensitivity, The Source Café is serving up some delicious wheat free options. They are also vegan and vegetarian friendly and everything comes from organic ingredients. Talk about a wholesome start to the day. Toast flavor combinations are definitely for adventurous eaters—smoked wild white fish, walnut pesto with cashew cheese, curry egg salad. But you can also always get a plain piece of toasted paleo flax bread with or without toppings for picky eaters or ask them to toast up the cherry cashew bread that comes with ghee and honey for kids who are looking for a sweeter option.

The Source Café
509 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach
Phone: 310-318-1600
Online: thesourcecafehb.com

photo credit:  Swinger’s Facebook page

Swingers
Pre-kids you’d hit this place up for late night eats, but now it’s more of a post play date hang out. But time has not changed the deliciousness of this diner food. Buried in the larger than life breakfast menu (served all day) is the bright green, buttery and oh-so-kid-friendly avocado toast. It starts with an extra thick slice of multi grain toast piled high with California’s favorite fruit, sprinkled with sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. Make sure to ask for it sans red pepper flakes, as it might be too hot for tiny taste buds to handle.

Swingers
8020 Beverly Blvd
Mid-City Los Angeles
Phone: 323-653-5858
Online: swingersdiner.com

Where do you get your toast fix, besides the pop up contraption on your counter at home? Tell us your spot for this trending treat in the comments below.

-Christina Fiedler

Let’s face it, getting up early probably isn’t the best part of being a parent.  Remember the days of sleeping in (past 6) and savoring a fresh cup of coffee before a shower?  Getting the little ones ready for preschool, school or day care drop off, we barely have time to grab a mug of joe to go (unless there’s a drive-thru on your route).  And the prospect of finding parking at your local coffee shop, getting kids out of car seats, wrestling shatterable mugs from chubby little fingers, saying “No” to a chocolate muffin and then getting them back into car seats?  No thank you!  Luckily LA’s full of beans, roasting locally and in stores, ready to brew at home.  No need to skip a latte: wake up and smell the coffee from these local roasters, where you can get only the freshest beans. Your barista would approve.

Caffe Luxxe
The team behind Caffe Luxxe takes credit for launching the latest wave of handcrafted artisanal coffee in LA.   Prepared in a German Probat roaster in LA’s south bay industrial area, their specialty espresso and single-origin beans are delivered daily to their 3 westside shops, the aroma so flavorful you can almost taste it upon entering.  Bags of the incomparable beans are available online, yet when you buy in person, you also get to savor a beautiful cup crafted by hand in the European tradition. (Insider’s tip:  when in Brentwood, visit the Country Mart location, grab a to-go cup and take the kiddies for a whirl on an old-fashioned co-op carousel.)

Multiple locations on the Westside, check website for details.
Online: caffeluxxe.com

Demitasse
Demitasse started as a micro-roastery and tea bar in Little Tokyo, recently adding a cozy café off the Promenade in Santa Monica.  Roasting small batches, Demitasse takes its brewing seriously too, with each specially-trained barista preparing a signature drink – only available when s/he is working.  Bean selections from their seasonally revolving ‘Aroma Bar’ are for sale at each location and online, as well as by super-affordable bi-weekly subscription (roaster’s choice) for home or office delivery.

Locations in Little Tokyo and Santa Monica, check website for hours and locations.
Online: cafedemitasse.com

Groundworks
Starting in Venice nearly 2 decades ago, Groundworks takes pride as one of SoCal’s first organic roasters, having pioneered sustainable, relationship-based sourcing.  The popular roaster is now ubiquitous here while remaining community-oriented and true to its mission: Groundworks has 7 cafes throughout LA and distributes to several groceries including Whole Foods and Bristol Farms (try a bottle of their organic Cold Brew for a chilling pick-me-up).  3- and 6-month subscriptions make it easy to enjoy their varied beans in the privacy of your pjs.

Multiple locations across Los Angeles; check website for locations and hours.
Online: groundworkscoffee.com

Intelligentsia
Originating in Chicago, Intelligentsia first hit the scene in Silverlake then opened an outpost in Venice and café in Pasadena, officially conquering the Southland.  The seasonal roaster-retailer buys beans directly from growers worldwide.  The Direct Trade coffee arrives at their downtown LA Roasting plant, destined for fresh roasting daily in a century-old German roaster; the rich Black Cat espresso is reason enough to set an alarm.  Brewing education is all part of the process: no matter your preferred method, be sure to consult their online guide in pursuit of the perfect cup.  To simplify life to the fullest, subscribe for recurring home delivery – sorry, barista in a bathrobe not included.  (Insider’s note:  Try their tea, too, for a taste treat.)

Multiple locations; check website for locations and hours.
Online:  Intelligentsia@Home

Jones Coffee Roasters
Pasadena’s own globally sourced, locally roasted gourmet coffee originated on a family farm in Guatemala and remains family-run; their flagship sustainable beans are imported from a rich volcanic soil that’s been cultivated over 140 years.  All roasting of their specialty coffees takes place at Jones’ So. Raymond roastery, they also offer workshops on home brewing and cupping.

You can find the in Pasadena and at the West Hollywood Library.  See website for details.
Online: Jonescoffee.com

Urth Caffé
The bustling cafes pour 100% organic coffees, sustainably sourced from around the world.  Their downtown roaster processes a small portion of the beans sold at their retail outlets, while all products are subject to their strict standards of fair trade and shade grown.  Bags are sold exclusively online and at their 4 shops around town (which also serve freshly prepared healthy soups, salads and baked goods, including gluten-free bread you’d never suspect was wheat free).

Multiple locations; check website for locations and hours.
Online: Urthcaffe.com

Roasting Soon in a Neighborhood Near You
Beloved Ferry Building fave, San Francisco-based Blue Bottle Coffee inked to open a Culver City roastery – complete with tasting room and café – at the highly-anticipated Platform complex adjacent to the Expo Line.   And Portland’s Stumptown is also hiring already to staff their roasting facility and cafe.  Perhaps closest to launch is the new only-in-LA Ferndell on Abbot Kinney in Venice.  Check company websites for upcoming details.

How do you get your caffeine fix in the morning with wee ones underfoot?  And where do you prefer to source those precious beans?

-Kim Orchen Cooper

Photos courtesy of impromtukiss via Creative Commons; Caffe Luxxe via yelp; Groundworks via yelp; davidd via Creative Commons; motifake.com; philmikejones via Creative Commons; the author.

Whether you’re searching for cupcakes, a character cake, a gluten-free option or a good old-fashioned sheet cake, we’ve got the best options to make planning your kiddo’s birthday bash a well, er…piece of cake!

Borrachini’s
Parents and kids alike will be thrilled to see the distinctive pink box that means only one thing – a Remo Borrachini’s cake. Serving up sweet treats since 1922, Borrachini’s is one of the best deals in town for a classic sheet cake. With themes ranging from princesses to pirates – they do it all. Bonus tip: hit their well-stocked party supply section and make it one-stop shopping.

Trophy Cupcakes and Party
The cupcake craze is still going strong, and Trophy promises to “design the curious and remarkable” for your birthday boy or girl. Parents will appreciate the quality ingredients, including free-range eggs and Valharona cocoa – kids will just love the taste. While you’re there, check out their nicely curated selection of vintage-inspired cake toppers and party decorations.

Cupcake Royale
Not many cupcake bakeries can say they were the original, but Cupcake Royale can. In fact, they were the nation’s first cupcake bakery and cafe to open outside of NYC. These deliciously satisfying made-from-scratch cupcakes even come in a super cool party cart that you can rent, and it even comes accompanied by a friendly cupcake server.

Pinkabella Cupcakes
With dozens and dozens of flavors and cupcake varieties to choose from, you won’t have any trouble picking out the perfect selection of delectable little treats for your little ones next party. Don’t see a flavor you like? They’ll make a custom flavor just for you!

Madison Park Bakery
Another Seattle classic – Madison Park Bakery has been baking cakes from scratch since 1929. They can do a variety of designs, but we suggest you go for the rainbow layer cake – six brightly colored layers, one for each color of the rainbow.

North Hill Bakery
The motto at this Capitol Hill Bakery is “there is more to cake than round or square.” In addition to sheet and layer cakes, they can make a cut out cake in whatever shape your little one fancies. Want a cake in the shape of a butterfly or airplane? No problem!

Gelatiamo
Remember ice cream cakes? How about a gelato cake instead! Gelatiamo’s Torta Gelata has two layers of gelato on top of Italian sponge cake. The cake is typically soaked in rum, but can be left out on request. We suggest ordering two – a sans-rum version for the kiddos and a regular one for the grown-ups. Just don’t forget which is which!

Columbia City Bakery
Columbia City Bakery is the perfect bakery for a classic birthday cake. Their chocolate, black forrest, coconut, and carrot cakes have people of all ages ooing and awing (and drooling).

Cake Fixation
This mom-owned business specializes in custom cakes, taking a limited number of orders each week. The owner, Stephanie, will work with you to design a one of a kind cake in any theme you can imagine. Cakes can be picked up in Redmond, and delivery is available to the Eastside.

Flying Apron
There’s no reason that a gluten-free party has to be a cake-free party. Not only are Flying Apron’s cakes all gluten-free, they’re also wheat-free and vegan – but you’d never know it by the taste! Don’t forget to check out their new location in Redmond.

Mike’s Amazing Cakes
Fans of Ace of Cakes will love Mike’s Amazing Cakes, where “anything is possible within the limits of gravity and physics.” Specializing in sculptural 3D cakes, this is the place to go for a truly unique cake that will wow your guests.

Whole Foods
Sure, it’s just one day out of the year, but why load up your kids with artificial colors and preservatives if you don’t have to? Made from only natural ingredients and colorings, a cake from Whole Foods will look and taste just as good (if not better) than any other grocery store cake.

PCC Natural Markets
Started as a small ‘food buying club’ these co-op markets put forth some of the best offerings of natural food.  Their cakes aren’t bad either.  Make sure to give the German chocolate cake a look as it is also available in vegan chocolate!

New York Cupcakes
The east coast meets west over delicious cupcakes.  Take a ride across the country on a delicious highway of cupcakes.

Cakes.com
Cakes.com brings the idea of convenience to a whole different level. Simply order your birthday cake online and then select a local bakery near you that will make your creation. Their options range from Winnie-the-Pooh cakes to Barbie cakes to Spongebob to dinosaur cakes, and much more!

Stuffed Cakes
Stuffed Cakes are exactly what you think they are — stuffed cake! This bakery makes smaller-sized cakes (their largest is 10”) and each are filled with sauces, fruit, or candy. Added bonus: they have a very simple ordering menu – pick your cake, frosting, and filling and voila, you’re done!

Share the love with other Seattle moms and dads whose kiddos have birthdays coming up — what’s your favorite bakery to buy your little ones’ birthday cake?

Photo credit: Steve Snodgrass via Flikr