Slurp it... new review for the Giddy Goose

The Giddy Goose Cafe was the first review we ever posted back in January '11, having recently read the review I have realised as our blog is not the only thing to have grown. The Giddy Goose was relatively new itself back then and it really seems to have completely found its feet this last few months. So here is a new review, a little more up to date and fitting to the Giddy Goose today...

This week the Giddy Goose is participating in Soup for Life - National Soup Week.

Soup for Life is a fun and positive campaign which urges everyone to sip some soup!
For every bowl of soup sold in the Giddy Goose this week, a donation of €1 will be made to Gorta

Donations will help the poorest families in Uganda secure a better future. The money raised will provide seeds, tools, livestock and training on nutrition and food security.

Good on ya Giddy Goose and I urge everyone to get down and support this campaign. Now for our review...


THE GIDDY GOOSE CAFÉ

A :     138-139 Lower Georges Street
          Dun Laoghaire

T :    (01) 2148634

The Giddy Goose... we go back to again and again, baby friendly you ask? Well Yes! How friendly you ask, well honestly you can't get much better. The staff are brilliant and the service is really fresh and friendly, there is always a helping hand with your buggie or baby. The coffee is consistently good (it is what has always kept me returning to the GG.) There are a couple of high chairs for the littlest ones and for slightly older kids with better dexterity and larger appetites the Giddy Goose has all sorts of treats from colouring pencils and toys for entertainment to delicious kids options on the menu. They even sell babychinos to complete the cafe experience for the youngsters. Ame loves the ginger bread men, pretty much for the tiny chocolate buttons. Beware it can get super busy on the weekends so it makes a little squishy for too many buggies! I can't say much about the food as I always order the same thing, very tasty eggs Florentine with a side of sauteed mushrooms and a sausage to share with Ame. The pastries are fresh daily and there are always very tasty homemade cakes in the counter. Overall we go back again and again because it is a lovely little place with a lot of character and a nice buzz to it for Yummy Mummy and Jetsetting Baby alike.

High chairs Y – 2

Baby Changing Y

Children’s Menu Y

Children’s Activities Y

Colouring, Puzzles, Blocks

Love Angi x

Review # 20 Tram Yard Cafe, Dalkey

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I am a little late with the review this week. With Tara so busy moving to London town I should be keeping up the blog but I have been a little slack, too busy missing her I'd say :) All this college work is building up too, if you don't know I have returned to college study Early Childhood Development so should have plenty to blog about in the near future, if I ever get a free moment. Enjoy this weeks review and start getting excited about some post from London coming soon.

The Tram Yard Cafe

A: Castle Street, Dalkey, County Dublin

O: Mon~Sun 9am~6pm

This stunning little café and gift shop in Dalkey is just off the main street in the old Dalkey Tram Yard, hence the name. The interior of the café is clean, vibrant and oh so pretty with my favorite Cath Kidson patterns adoring the tables, wares and even the staff in the form of pretty aprons. The decking for sitting out is in my opinion the best part of the café and there is a lovely casual but cool atmosphere that is enjoyed by an eclectic mix of people.

I tried a quiche which was served with a side salad and crisps and my friend ate from the outdoor barbecue being cooked right by our table. I am not sure if there is a specific children’s menu I was enjoying myself too much to stop and ask but there is a full sandwich bar so you will find something tasty for your littlen’s. We both had a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and were lucky enough to be get some sunshine and free live jazz music to top off the experience.

Of course none of this would have been as enjoyable as it was if Amelie had not been content the whole time we were there. We were provided with a high chair and she happily sat nibbling in my quiche and sipping her water bottle just watching all that was going on around her. We were there for quite some time and when she got  a little restless in the high chair I was able to take her out and let her have a wander around as there is plenty of space. She amused herself with going up and down the step, oohing at the dogs that were constantly passing and having a little bop to the Jazz music.

Amelie relaxing at the Tram Yard Cafe

The changing facilities were lovely, staff very accommodating and overall the place exudes child friendly. On Saturdays there is a farmers market held in the tram year and I have heard whispers of a fantastic local artist about open a shop selling his hand made silver jewellery, very excited. We will be back without question to shop, eat drink and relax!

To read more reviews by the Jetsetting Babies pop over to our Review Page and if you want to share your favourite family friendly place with us contribute a review of your own, visit our Contribute Page for more information.

You might also like the blog... "Book Festivals, Live Outdoor Jazz, and a Creative Re-use"

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies xxx

Review # 18 The Leopardstown Inn

A: The Leopardstown Inn , Brewery Road, Stillorgan Co Dublin

T: 01 288 9189

E: info@leopardstowninn.ie

W: www.leopardstowninn.ie

The Leopardstown Inn is located on Brewery Road, Stillorgan and is a vibrant fun venue which incorporates a lounge bar where you can order from the great bar menu or tuck in to the delicious carvery and Greens Restaurant on the second floor serving a full al a carte menu, if you happen to leave the kids at home the revolving cocktail bar is definitely a must.

The carvery is great and it is impossible to leave hungry, I asked for a small serve and my plate was overflowing, I had Lasagna and He had the Roast Beef we both had a little of all the vegetables on offer and were very satisfied. Amelie wasn't with us on this occasion but we will be returning with her she would have loved sharing our carvery.

What really caught my eye was the children's menu, Sausages, Chicken, or Burgers 'n' Chips... served get this inside a toy car.. yes that is right an 'Auto Classic Cruiser'. I thought that it was a fun and unique way to serve up a children's meal and keep them interested while you are out and about for lunch or dinner. The decor is very kitsch, vibrant and fun I just know Amelie would have been wide eyed and highly impressed.

 There are clean and adequate changing rooms, plenty of room to park your buggies and very friendly and outgoing staff. This is a great place for a family lunch or dinner and would be ideal for large family functions and special occasions.

High chairs - Y

Baby Changing - Y

Children’s Menu - Y

Kids Activities - Y

Read other reviews by the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting babies by visiting our Review Page, or if you wish to contribute a review visit our Contribution Page for more information.

Have a lovely weekend

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Review #14 - Suzy Wongs House of Yum, Nashville Tennessee

Well we are very excited to share with you this weeks review. The first one to be contributed to the Jetsetting Babies blog from one of our followers. We would like to say how we excited we are to bring you a review from Nashville Tennessee and remind all our readers if you would like to share one of your favourite places with us here at Jetsetting Babies we would love to hear from you, just pop on over to our Contribute Page and get all the information that you need. 

Suzy Wong's House of Yum

A: 1517A Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 37203

P: (615) 329-2913

W: http://www.suzywongsnashville.com/

E: info@suzywongsnashville.com

Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm - 11pm | Fri-Sat 5pm - 4am

Thankyou to our Yummy Mummy Liz and her Jetsetting Babies Emma and Lilly. Liz contributed the information for this weeks review all the way from Nashville Tennessee. Welcome to the Jetsetting Babies and we hope to hear more reviews from you.

Liz also has a blog why not pop over and check it out she has so many great recipes I can't wait to try some...

http://myfamilykitchen.wordpress.com/

Suzy Wongs House of Yum is located in the heart of the trendy alternative nightclub scene in Nashville Tennessee and is one of many chic and fashionable restaurants created and owned by chef and restaurateur Arnold Myint. The menu looks delish with a good variety of Suhsi, vegetarian and meat dishes some quite authentic others a little more western infused.

The food was rated at 7 out of 10 and Liz says "the food was above average... Lilly thoroughly enjoyed my tempura fried mushrooms and house salad." Service was rated a 6 out of 10 and it seems that while this is a fabulous restaurant with great food and is certainly a fashionable hang out spot it doesn't really cater for Mummies and their babies, here is was Liz had to say...

I managed to find the last parking space directly behind the building which is seated in a fairly industrial area of Nashville. Much to my chagrin, the back door was locked. So I trudged around the entire block to get the front of the building toting my one year old, 25lb child in my left arm, diaper bag, purse and two and a half year old’s hand in my right.  I managed to make it to the door without dropping anything, or anyone, and saw Jaime through the window. My first indication that this establishment was not particularly child friendly was when I noticed it was situated between two nightclubs. I was then told they did not have any kid’s cups or a kid’s menu and Emma was brought a sprite in a 7 inch tall glass with a straw.  I was a smart mom and brought along things for Emma to eat just in case. Lily, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed my tempera fried mushrooms and house salad. Not only were the bathroom facilities not kid or baby friendly, they were just plain guest unfriendly. One toilet for a place that is open until 4:00am? I don’t get it. The food was above average, the decor exuberant, the bar was enticing and I’m sure the patio was lovely. Unbelievably, there were a great deal of young parents with small children at the early hour. If Suzy Wong’s made an effort, it could capture a market to which they seem to peer down their 20-something year old noses.

Baby Changing - N

Highchairs - Y

Kids Menu - N

Children's Activities - N

(But Liz claims "a jar of apple sauce and four pairs of chopsticks cut in half can be wildly entertaining to a two year old.") Love it!!!

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Review # 12 - Eagans Bar & Restaurant

Eagans Bar & Restaurant

A:  Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laoise
T: +353 (0)57866754

We have a lot of family in Tipperary and decided a road trip would be an exciting way to celebrate St. Patricks Day. I am sure that my husband was just looking for any excuse not to have to brave the crowds in Dublin to see the parade, I dont blame him. We loaded up the car for the relatively short journey to along motorway. We decided to leave early during Amelie’s morning nap time and stop somewhere mid-way for lunch. Portlaoise was the perfect place and my husband remembered a little place that he had spent time with his family when he was younger. It was very sweet that he wanted to share this with us too. We walked down the busy main street and found an old looking bar and restaurant called Eagans. It was your average looking pub from the outside with not much to distinguish it from other pubs on the street but there were a few pleasant surprises on the inside. 

The space was used really well, I often find old Irish Pubs and Restaurants can be very poorly lit and while they are super cosy in the winter I tend to avoid them in the sunshine. Though in Eagans the use of sky lights, mirrors and large bay windows really lit up the pub and let the sun in. Amelie particularly enjoyed that murals dotted all over the walls painted by artist Naomi Heather. We found a sunny spot in one of the front windows. There were plenty of highchairs to go around and we were not the only ones there that day with a toddler, there were at least eight children of varying ages dotted about the place. We had vegetable soups and fed Amelie her lunch. I also got a coffee, to be honest I was not expecting the world from the looks of the coffee machine but that will teach me to be judgemental because it was great.

 

The place was totally baby friendly with at least 5 highchairs, several of which were in use while we were there. There were spotlessly clean and spacious changing facilities. There is endless space to park buggies and for a pub that has maintained its old school 'Irish Pub' charm it has modern facilities and great lighting. If your adventures take you through Port Laoishe, Eagans is a must for an enjoyable and ralaxed family meal.

Baby Changin - Y

Highchairs - Yx5

Kids Menu - Y

Childrens Activities - Y

Read more reviews by the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

Contribute a review of your favourite baby friendly venue anywhere in the world

Review #10 - Overends Cafe, Airfield Farm, Dundrum

Hi Everyone, if you read my previous post on Airfield Farm you will know that I promised a review of Overends Cafe that is part of the beautiful house located on the farm. So here it is...

Overends Cafe

A: Airfield Farm, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, D14

T: 01 2984301

E: bookings@airfield.ie

W: www.airfield.ie

After enjoying a wonderful walk around the farm ground we approached the old house feeling very hungry. The restaurant was much larger than I had expected and for those of you familiar with Powerscourt Gardens very similar. For those of you not familiar I will elaborate. There is several large rooms with seating for groups of two to about six and a generous outdoor area for al fresco dining with large tables overlooking a very beautifully well-kept garden. As we sat in the rare Dublin sun, feeding Amelie bits off our plate and admiring the view we were perfectly relaxed.

The food is all prepared on premises fresh daily and it shows. I had a vegetable roulade which was served with three gourmet salads all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was given a large dollop of homemade pesto to go with my leafy salad and at first I was not so sure, but after identifying the 'different' flavour as lavender I liked it a lot more. I wouldn't be looking for it every time I have pesto in the future but I always appreciate the little twists and extra effort put in by a chef to give your palate something to think about.

Desserts posed a problem there were so many to chose from, all as sickly looking as the last. My husband had a generous slice of chocolate cake served with lashings of whipped cream and I gorged over a huge slice of black forest cake served with the same over the top lashings of whipped cream. Both were too large for us to finish entirely but we were not complaining. The best thing was we did another lap of the farm before leaving so I am sure the extra walking helped with all those extra calories!

A visit to Airfield Farm is a must this Spring and if you are looking for a lovely lunch Overends Cafe is, in my opinion, a great choice whether you are visiting the rest of the farm or not. There are lovely changing facilities for the babies and plenty of high chairs to go around. It gets the baby friendly tick of approval and I will be back with Amelie without a doubt.

Visit our Events Page for up and coming events at Airfield Farm or check out my previous post on the day we spent with Amelie at the farm, the new born lambs were a highlight of the day!

Baby Changing - Y

Highchairs - Y x 3

Kids Menu - N

Children's Activities - Y The Farm!

Have a great week,
Angi x

New Look Reviews - The Sunshine Cafe

Hi, here is a review for the Sunshine Cafe, Dun Laoghiare. As we have now opened the review section of our blog up to contributers I filled out a contibuters form so you could see an example of the New Look Reviews. If you would like to contribute, copy the form from our blog or email us at jetsettingbabies.blogspot.com (That is why this review is written in the third person.)



The Sunshine Cafe


A: 107, Lower Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire,
P: 01 230 1828

Thankyou to our Yummy Mummy Angi and her Jetsetting Baby Amelie(13months). They contributed the information for this weeks review. Angi has a blog check it out: http://jetsettingbabies.blogspot.com/

(This photo could be of you and your little ones!)




The Sunshine Cafe is a genuinely good cafe on the main street of Dun Laoghaire with a nice vibe . Angi rates the service a 9 out of 10 and says "The staff always hold the awkward double doors so I can get the buggy in, I have even seen them stop in the middle of taking an order to help me."

The food gets a 8 out of 10 and Angi says "it is wholesome and flavourful, there is always a lot of desserts to chose from I really enjoy their soups." The Sunshine Cafe serves breakfast daily as well as a really good lunch menu. The freshest ingredients are used in their food with their open sandwich's seeming very popular.

Unfortunately much of their seating us upstairs and while the tables downstairs are nicely spaced the room could not accommodate more than a few at a time. There are also no changing facilities at all again this can pose a problem for families. On the up side there is a cute sandwich and juice deal for children and there are two highchairs available for use.

Angi mentioned that there was always some gret music playing, "I love the French Jazz that was on last time I was there" she commented. Thanks again Angi for sharing your expereinces.

 

Baby Changing - N

Highchairs - Y

Kids Menu - Y

Children's Activities - N

Contribute Form

Every day spent with your children should be filled with happiness and excitement. We want to help! Whether you are staying close to home or venturing to the far and exotic corners of the world we want to help you know where you can eat, play and explore with children of all ages without having to worry where you will change your little one, whether you will have enough room to park your twin buggies or if there is going to be healthy nutritious food for you to feed you family.

 

Help Tara, Angi and the Jetsetting Babies help mothers from all corners of the globe explore the world without worry. Do you have a great restaurant, café, playground or event you have shared with your families? Want to share your experiences with other Mums so they can have as much fun as you did? Fill in the details below and e-mail it back to us.


We will post a review on our blog with everything you send us. We will include a photo that you provide with your children and your name at the top of the blog to give you the recognition you deserve for providing us with the information. (If you wish to remain anonymous that is fine also). Copy the form below or drop us an e-mail at jetsettingbabies@gmail.com and we will send you a copy in word format. Try to fill in all the questions but if you don’t have all the answers no need to worry just leave it blank.

 

ABOUT YOU
Name:
Your Children’s Names and Ages
Blog/Website
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REVIEW INFORMATION
Venue/Event/Activity name:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-Mail:
Web-site:
Opening Hours:
Are there highchairs available? If yes how many?	Y	N
Are there changing facilities?	Y	N
Is there a children’s menu?	Y	N
Is there ample space to park prams/buggies/strollers?	Y	N
Rate the service out of 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent	1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10
Rate the food out of 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent	1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10

Tell us a little about your experience:

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Please attach some photos for us to include in the blog (Optional) Please, don’t forget to attach a photo of yourself with your child/ren so we can give you the credit)

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Want to see an example of how your contribution might look on our blog visit:

Review #14 - Suzy Wongs House of Yum, Nashville Tennessee

We can't wait to hear from you!

Love The Yummy Mummies & The Jetsetting Babies

xxx