in september, james and i took julia to new york for the first time. it’s becoming a tradition now, going for a long weekend during this time of the year, since it’s typically quiet, and we were in a much needed break off island.

we were also visiting james’ brothers who hadn’t met julia yet, and his mum who was visiting from california. we tried to pack a little bit of everything in 3 days and find the right balance –  family time + enjoying the city with julia.

we stayed at the smyth tribeca hotel (view from our room above), we loved the decor and the friendly staff, and having never stayed in this neighborhood, it gave us the chance to explore the tribeca.

we specially liked – the ginormous whole foods around the corner, yes you get this excited about a whole foods when you live in an island! – the chipotle on the same block, perfect for a quick dinner when it was way past julia’s bed time – locanda verde, where we picked up take away for dinner because julia was fast asleep, though it still felt like a nice treat – and the pain quotidian just next door to the hotel, where we had breakfast every morning and loved that its so kid friendly.

the nine michelin starred restaurants located within 5 minutes of the hotel will have to wait until next time!

we sat julia on a baby chair for the first time, so between that and our beloved baby bjorn, i managed to enjoy our family daily breakfasts out.

on friday, before meeting james family, we walked from our hotel to the 9/11 memorial, i have to be honest, i loved the memorial but had mixed feelings about it, it’s so packed with tourists taking pictures (like us!), but at the same time it’s so moving how america joined forces to remember those who died that day.

on saturday we met up with friends in williamsburg for an early brunch at five leaves, the place was packed and had a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but the food totally blew me away. everything we ordered was incredible, the house made ricotta with figs, the vietnamese spiced lamb, the sage scrambled egg panini, but the ricotta pancakes were specially good!

these pancakes were insane…

we stopped at the wythe hotel on our way to smorgasbord. located in brooklyn’s waterfront, the flea food market has an amazing view. and the weather was perfect to relax a little on the grass lawn whilst feeding julia. we weren’t planning to eat here so we didn’t get to try many of the stalls. the ramen burger had the busiest line and that usually speaks for itself – not my cup of tea if you ask me.

as long as i don’t have to wear shoes…

on our last day we walked the brooklyn bridge, second time for me, but it was a first for james. i got inspired by this under the brooklyn bridge guide, and so glad i did – we grabbed the best pizza from juliana’s, picked up a chocolate chip cookie for dessert from jacques torres chocolate,  and went on jane’s carousel for a ride with julia. next time we’ll be on a bike!it was a packed weekend, we even fit in a quick stop at our favorite sushi spot, blue ribbon sushi, and met up for dinner with a long time friend from portugal who i missed so much (and i may have eaten a few too many burratas…).

wearing fall clothes and doing a bit of city life felt like such a treat! new york, we’ll be back…but only after the winter!

ps – my sea story travel adventures here!

four leaves picture from their website, all others by myseastory.