Squats, Science Hall, Tacos

I made a quick trip over to Le Petit Bakery in Fort Greene this morning, after reading about their cronut knock-off, the "squat", on Serious Eats. The most enticing flavour for me was the pumpkin one: nutmeg-cinnamon laced pastry, with a pumpkin pastry cream filling and spiced pepitas sprinkled on the icing. I enjoyed this very much, and didn't find it oily like some reviewers. Items are pricey, but not outrageously so (e.g. a very good, plain croissant was $0.50 more than a good one back home).

Our exciting destination this morning was the New York Hall of Science. At a full hour by public transit, we decided to take a taxi. Unlike Manhattan, there are no cabs for hailing in Brooklyn: cabs must be hired in advance. This morning, after waiting 15 minutes for one at our doorstep, a cab from a different company saw us waiting and ended up getting our business. The trip didn't take long at all on the Expressway and cost us $35. We brought our own car seat, and was able to check it for $1 at the front desk. This is another free museum covered by our Ontario Science Centre membership!

What a fabulous museum! The exhibits combine science and art in interesting ways, to make it entertaining and informative for both young and old. Many, if not all, of the young staff are students earning a high-school credit for volunteering. I especially liked the hall with the sports exhibits. A series of renovations and expansions over the last twenty years has turned the hall into a modern, up-to-date science centre. Highly recommended if you're going with children!

For lunch, we left the carseat at the hall, and walked a few blocks along 47th street to Tortilleria Nixtamal, a recommendation from a local friend. We enjoyed delicious tacos and chips made from fresh corn tortillas. Delicious, filling and cheap. A cab ride back home (this time, $30) completed our morning.

In the afternoon, we took the G Train into Greenpoint for a playdate, picking up prepared food for dinner. On the way home, we called a cab company with a carseat. Taxi travel tip: make sure to mention the toddler's weight! Our driver had a Graco Snugride 35 which barely fit Gabe! The 15-minute ride only cost us $15; we were actually asked by the driver how much we usually paid.