Whenever I go back to L.A., my hometown, I am always in search of spots that are family-friendly, but also have an adult aesthetic (and menu), where we can take advantage of some much-needed sunshine after a long East Coast winter. The Brentwood Country Mart was my usual haunt (chicken baskets and fries. Mmmm...). Now it’s Gjelina for wood-burning-oven pizzas, delicious organic small plates and salads, and a nice wine list. Best of all, they have a lounge-y outdoor space where your kid can get up and walk around a bit or sink into a comfy sofa (excellent for squirmy toddlers). It’s got a great rustic-chic vibe, filled with great reclaimed wood floors and vintage industrial chairs. While you are waiting for your food to come, take a stroll with the little ones down the street—there is almost always somebody playing the guitar. 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, (310) 450-1429.

Disclaimer: While I happily dine at any number of restaurants (Cittanuova, Sam’s Pizza, Rowdy Hall) in East Hampton, New York, during the off-season, our rule of thumb during the summer is to avoid town as much as humanly possible--lest you get honked at by the owner of a yellow hummer with skin like beef jerky. To this end, our haunts consist of all markets, restaurants, and farm stands that lie on the outskirts of town. Find out where after the jump.


Continue reading Summer in East Hampton »

Sarah Engler, Associate Editor

I recently went on a behind-the-scenes tour with the creative director of Disney Cruise Lines and a handful of other journalists to see what's in store for families next summer. One new port city will be St. Petersburg, and along with the glitzy onion-domed palaces and ballet, we had lots of Russian cuisine on our agenda.

My favorite dish was this Herring Under Fur Coat (yes, the name alone scored points) that we had at Sadko during our last lunch. Made up of layers of beets, potatoes, herring, egg, and onions, it's like the slightly healthier transatlantic cousin of 7-layer dip. And I have to say, it was surprisingly delicious. Find out how to make it here, and be sure to keep an eye out for more about Disney Cruise's new ports in our December/January 2010 issue.

Jenny Rosenstrach, Features Director

The always fine culinary scene in Charleston, SC has been getting extra fine in the past decades (See Gourmet's lowcountry dispatch in the May 09 issue for the lastest evidence) and it seems that every time I visit, which I do once or twice a year, there's a new discovery to get excited about. The latest is The Wreck a local seafood hang-out in suburban Mt. Pleasant, over the Ravenel bridge from downtown, so named because it sits on a marina where a trawler was upturned and wrecked by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.  (My friend, a professor at College of Charleston who lives in Mt. Pleasant asked "How did you even know about this place?" when we met him there for dinner. The answer: Matt & Ted Lee's Lee Brother's Southern Cookbook of course!) The restaurant was woefully understaffed and we picked the wrong time to go with the kids (prime time, 7:00) which resulted in a loooong wait to be served. But my friend assured me that our experience was unusual. And that usually the greasy spoon is the perfect place for a no-frills night  of savoring the fried (or grilled) scallops, shrimp, flounder, and oysters that seemingly swim right to your plate from the marina you are overlooking at sunset. My daughters, of course, particularly liked the doughnuts...I mean hush puppies.

Elisabeth Lepine, totntow

To the Parisian artisans who have amply supplied this chocolate-lover with another reason to celebrate Easter....thank you! As always, the French take great pride and joy in their food, resulting in elaborate Easter chocolate window displays that look more like works of art than edible creations.  I made it my mission to sample the edible art this Easter weekend and have found an new appreciation for this holiday.  Chocolate bunnies, chicks, eggs, and France's unique ringing bells and fish have invaded the French capitol. 

Parisian chocolatiers, patisseries, and confiseries (candy shops) seduce, delight and tempt their customers with a festive menagerie of sculptured chocolate.  The pastel arrangements are crafted with perfection and beckon people of all ages.  Here it is obvious that Easter chocolate is not just for kids and I was thrilled to jump right in and indulge!

Although many shops were closed on Sunday, the cocoa-art was proudly peering out of various shop windows..  It was delightful to wander Paris' streets and stumble upon another decadent and whimsical chocolate display.  This seasonal chocolate tradition was this cocoa-lovers' wonderland!

I can't wait to go to Local Burger. I just read about it in Bon Appetit (Feb 08) and it sounds amazing--all grass fed beef burgers, alongside buffalo, elk, pork, and veggie burgers. As the name says, everything is sourced locally.

By the way, Lawrence is in between Topeka and Kansas City.

Posted by: Yolanda Edwards

Wow, there are some good food bloggers in Cleveland. I just found this one, which even has a section that is called "kid approved", with some pictures of what the kids ate, and very honest and well written posts about the restaurants (and their kids' menus) they go to as a family. I really think a Cleveland story is in order.

Posted by: Yolanda Edwards

I found this really lovely food blog about all things food in Cleveland. I never have had the chance to go there, but after reading about all the great restaurants, it makes me think it should go on the travel wish list. The blogger is also a new mom, so she now has the mom lens on when eating out. I first found her blog when she did a post about the kids cooking classes at Bar Cento--they make their own pizza with their parents and the chef, Jonathon Sawyer, a father of two, with all local and organic ingredients.

Posted by: Yolanda Edwards

When in the Boston area make sure to check out the East Coast Grill and Raw Bar in Cambridge. The food is creative and tasty, and the bright décor and rowdy atmosphere make it a great place for the family. You may have to wait for a table, so bring something to entertain the tots.

Rebecca Etter / Travel Assistant

On a recent trip to Mexico, I fell in love with paletas (ice pops that are milk- or ice-based and traditionally include pieces of fresh fruit). I searched for a store in the U.S. to satisfy my cravings, but couldn't find anything close until I visited Locopops in North Carolina. 

Locopops currently has three locations: Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. But they are planning on opening more stores. The pops come in two sizes--the smaller size being the perfect portion for kids. I tried the milk-based cookies and cream and the strawberry pop, and they both hit the spot. If you're traveling to the area, you should definitely check it out. I know I can't wait to go back.