Waffles & Nostalgia: Brunch at Treehouse Restaurant & Pub (Buckhead)

Toddler Foodie Rating:  3 out of 5 Gummy Bears

:) = The restaurant isn't big, but there's ample space for Saturday/Sunday hair of the dog seekers and brunching families alike.  Earthy, homey décor that makes you and your little ones feel comfortable.  Heated screened in patio that protects you from springtime pollen while giving you the sense that you're dining outdoors. Casual, non-judgmental crowd.  Friendly staff.  Kids menu.  Satisfying food.  Great late '90s/early 2000s soundtrack playing throughout the restaurant that will make older millenials feel young again.

:( = Small parking lot.  No changing tables in the restrooms.



"You grownups can have your dog hair.  I'll stick with this waffle." 

One morning we were driving around town looking for a place to brunch that we'd never tried before, and we were somehow led by Google (and Yelp) to Treehouse Restaurant & Pub.  Daddy and Mommy had heard of Treehouse in the context of having dinner/adult beverages with friends before a night out in Buckhead, but had never thought of it as a family-friendly restaurant.  We were just excited to be visiting a place called "Treehouse."  Would we have to climb a tree to get inside?  Do they serve acorns for breakfast?  Would we see monkeys there?  We had so many questions for Mommy and Daddy.

We arrived at Treehouse to find that it's not actually in a tree.  However, it's built with natural wood and decorated to remind guests of one of those old-school treehouses where, according to Mommy, kids would spend summers holding secret meetings with their friends, far from the prying eyes and ears of adults.  We made a beeline for the heated patio because it was a gorgeous day out - and, hey, we were supposed to feel like we were dining in a tree.

"This is awesome!  I get to eat outside without going into a pollen-induced sneezing fit!"

Our server stopped by to greet us and bring us a high chair.  She was friendly, casually-dressed, and attentive to our needs without being too salesperson-ish.  Without much input from her, we ordered Lisa's Artichoke Dip (which the menu describes as a "house favorite"), Eggs Benedict (a poached egg and Canadian bacon on an English muffin, topped with Hollandaise sauce), Salmon Benedict (the same thing but with smoked salmon instead of Canadian bacon and an added spoonful of sautéed spinach), and a New York World's Fair Waffle (large waffle topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar).  The eggs benedict dishes came with brunch potatoes, but we substituted cheese grits on one of them. The waffle came with brunch potatoes and bacon. 

Lisa's Artichoke Dip.
Photo taken by 2-year-old Toddler Foodie.

New York World's Fair Waffle.
Photo taken by 3-year-old Toddler Foodie.

The artichoke dip, waffle, and bacon were the highlights of our meal.  The artichoke dip had a great homemade feel to it and a distinct ingredient - perhaps it was Dijon mustard? - that made it really unique.  The waffle was pretty much perfect.  First of all, it was huge.  We ended up taking some home because we couldn't finish it, despite our fondness for it.  It also had great flavor and needed little to no syrup.  The delicious house-made whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and light sprinkle of powdered sugar were more than enough.  And then there was the bacon served alongside the waffle.  We hate to say this, but sometimes restaurants just don't do bacon right.  Sometimes it's too greasy and limp; other times it's too dry and tough.  Treehouse's bacon was perfect:  crispy but not overcooked; oily enough that the delectable flavors of bacon fat were still traceable, but by no means dripping with grease. 

 

"Check out this perfect bacon!"

As for the eggs benedict dishes, we were a little disappointed by them.  Both dishes were satisfying, but they lacked the flavor and heart that overflowed from the waffle and artichoke dip.  Moreover, Mommy thought the smoked salmon on the salmon benedict was not as fresh as it could (or should) be.  We all love smoked salmon, so we were a little disheartened by that.  We did note, however, that the poached eggs on both dishes were flawless.  Like bacon, restaurants sometimes mess up on poached eggs.  But Treehouse definitely got them right.  We also loved that the eggs benedict dishes were served with fresh cantaloupe and orange slices.  Fresh fruit is always welcome at our table.

 

""Hello, little cantaloupe.  I'm looking forward to eating you."

Our visit to Treehouse was pleasant even though we weren't overly impressed by the food.  We think the biggest benefit Mommy and Daddy got out of the experience was a sense of nostalgia for the carefree days when they didn't have us.  As we started to wind down our meal, the patio started to fill with sunglasses-clad, beer-drinking twenty-somethings who looked as if they hadn't slept much the night before.  We heard Mommy say to Daddy, "Remember when we used to look like that at brunch?"  We're not sure what she meant by that, but the comment must have meant something to Daddy, because he gave her the look he always gives her when they're hiding something from us.  Hmm, maybe he and Mommy were part of one of those secret treehouse societies before we arrived...   

 

"Why is everyone wearing sunglasses here?"

        

Sunday Brunch Buffet at 57th Fighter Group Restaurant (Brookhaven)

Toddler Foodie Rating:  4 out of 5 Gummy Bears
 
:) = Unique European farmhouse bunker theme honoring the 57th Fighter Group aviation heroes of WWII, complete with WWII décor that small children will find fascinating.  The restaurant is located right next to DeKalb Peachtree Airport, so little ones get to watch planes and helicopters take off while enjoying their food.  AYCE brunch buffet with a wide variety of breakfast and lunch entrees.  $2 champagne and mimosas, and a full bar available after 12:30 PM, for mommies and daddies.  Huge restaurant with multiple spacious dining areas.  Great for large parties.

:( = Their brunch is popular, so the buffet area gets crowded - a parent dining alone with small children may have a difficult time here.  There's no changing table in the restroom, although there is a marble counter that can be used for the same purpose - make sure to bring a changing pad so baby's bottom doesn't get cold.  Also, the size of this place is both a blessing and a curse for parents.  Toddlers will love running away from mommy and daddy here, if given the opportunity.  Bring distractions that will make them want to stay put.       

Notes:  The Sunday Brunch Buffet is $25 for ages 13 and up; $15 for children ages 4-12; and, according to our server, free for children 3 and under.  The buffet is only available from 10:30 AM-2:30 PM.

"Mommy said this is a restaurant.  Looks like a bunker to us."

We visited 57th Fighter Group Restaurant on a chilly, rainy Sunday morning.  Mommy got us really excited when she told us we'd be able to see airplanes and helicopters there and we'd be able to eat all the breakfast food we love - and as much of it as we wanted.  When we walked up to the restaurant, one of her promises was fulfilled.  We were awestruck by the cool airplane standing nobly on the front lawn.

"Do you think they'll notice if I climb in and start her up?"

We walked through a short tunnel with sandbag-covered walls to get to the host stand.  The host then led us through the big restaurant to a room in the back where our tables were waiting for us, already set with waters and silverware.  We were part of a large party, so we took up most of the room.  The room had many big windows that looked out onto the DeKalb Peachtree Airport runway.  Because it was rainy, there wasn't much action happening on the runway, but there were a few helicopters parked with their propellers spinning through the rain.  Fascinating!

"One day, I'll learn how to fly one of those helicopters."

Now the best thing about buffets is that you don't have to wait to eat.  And that's exactly how it went down at 57th.  Mommy had some backup with her, so she tried to leave us with them while she went to the buffet to get our food - but we weren't having that.  So she took us to the buffet area.  Big mistake.  The restaurant was already pretty crowded by that time (it was around 11:45), and we got into everyone's way as Mommy tried to keep us close to her and away from the hot chafing dishes.  She made a mental note to never bring us here alone, no matter how much she was craving a brunch buffet.

57th's buffet is extensive.  It has multiple stations offering hot lunch entrees (such as baked fish and pasta); hot breakfast entrees (such as cheese grits, sausage, bacon, and a delicious salmon frittata that we gobbled up); a variety of fresh bagels and fruit; a selection of cured meats and cheeses; a carving station featuring prime rib and ham; various salads and soups (including the restaurant's famous "Beer and Cheese" soup); seafood dishes (such as shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon); an array of desserts (puddings, eclairs, cakes, cookies, etc.); and a fresh waffle station featuring several different toppings.  Mommy's favorite waffle topping was bananas foster - she'll take any opportunity to sneak adult beverages into her meal when she's out with us.)

"I think I'll start with this shrimp.  It looks ready to be eaten."

"The waffles we make at home never taste this good!"

 

The second best thing about buffets is that you can get as much food as your little tummy can eat.  We must say, we did a pretty good job at 57th.  We liked the breakfast food best, especially the waffles.  Sometimes waffles lack flavor and have to be coated in syrup or other toppings if the batter isn't sweetened properly.  But these waffles were outstanding - we had no problem eating them without toppings (although we did steal a few bites of bananas foster from Mommy).  We were also fans of the smoked salmon and shrimp.  The smoked salmon was very fresh and cut into sizeable portions; and the shrimp was seasoned just enough that we could enjoy eating it plain.  We also really loved the offering of fresh fruit - it made Mommy feel a little better about eating all we could.

While we loved nearly everything available at the buffet, one item really stood out to us Toddler Foodies:  at the waffle station, one of the toppings offered was... Gummy Bears!  Think they knew we were coming?

"Shh.  I'm calculating how many of these to give to this restaurant."

Overall, we enjoyed our visit to 57th.  We'll probably come back for a special occasion because this is a really good place for large groups.  Or maybe we'll come back in the summertime to sit on the patio, watch the planes take off, and hope civilization can learn from the past and never fall into worldwide war again. 



Wise younger Toddler Foodie to older Toddler Foodie:  "Soldiers ate lots of canned, non-perishable food during World War II.  Fresh fruits like this grape were not readily available.  Peacetime is better than wartime, don't you think?"
 

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall (Old Fourth Ward)

Toddler Foodie Rating:  4 out of 5 Gummy Bears.  Best for kids who eat like adults (there's no kids menu, and there are no chicken fingers, macaroni & cheese, or French fries).  Come for brunch or an early dinner to avoid the cocktail crowd. 

:) = Awesome location right on the Beltline.  Neat campground theme complete with wooden picnic tables in the dining room, stuffed deer heads on the wall (which are a great distraction for little ones), a huge mural featuring a large owl and a bear that makes you feel like you're lost in the woods (another good distraction for littles), and creative camp-style dishes (including Fluffernutter sandwiches... hellooo, retro).  Staff is friendly and attentive to children, and the crowd there doesn't seem to mind children. Lots of nice outdoor seating. 

:( = Parking is probably difficult when it's busy.  Some of the dishes require some tweaking/perfecting.  Small bathrooms with no changing tables. 

"We have to eat this burger before the bear gets it!"

When we learned that there's a restaurant right off the Beltline that transports its diners to a bona fide campsite and serves old school camping-inspired food, we said, "Sign us up!"  We couldn't dream of a better way to spend a chilly, drizzly, winter evening.

We arrived at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, recently crowned one of the hottest new restaurants in Atlanta, around 5 PM.  Mommy, who was apprehensive about taking us there because Yelp says it is not good for kids, was elated to find that there were quite a few young diners present - even toddlers!  And there were lots of high chairs by the hostess stand - a sure sign that kids are welcome.

The stylish hostess knew right away to grab a high chair for us and seat us at a table near the restrooms.  We were awestruck by Ladybird's dining room.  It was hip, artsy, retro, and down-home casual all at the same time.  The natural wood tables and bar, authentic campground décor, and huge mural of a dark forest featured on the main wall made us feel like we were on a scouting trip and got us really excited about trying the food.  We started our meal with "Trail Snacks":  Navajo Fry Bread and the Fluffernutter.

Navajo Fry Bread
Photo taken by 3-year-old Toddler Foodie.

Fluffernutter
Photo taken by 2-year-old Toddler Foodie.

Both dishes were delicious - and messy.  Prepare to ask for more napkins or bust out the wet wipes.  The Navajo Fry Bread was like a salty-sweet flatbread pizza topped with a generous portion of country ham and oozing with fresh honey.  The Fluffernutter was overstuffed with homemade versions of marshmallow crème and hazelnut butter, served in a brown paper bag with bacon crusted banana chips.  (No, we're not joking.)  We devoured that Fluffernutter like we had been lost in the woods for weeks.  How could we not?

We got a sampling of dishes to taste and share:  the creamy ham & potato soup, hearty greens and farro salad, grass fed beef carpaccio, Fisherman's Stew, and double-stack burger.  What we loved:  the soup, the Fisherman's Stew (steelhead trout, littleneck clams, chorizo, sofrito, yucca, & baby onions, served in a cast iron skillet with a cute tin camping cup for the shells), and the carpaccio (definitely made with high quality beef and topped with delicious grana cheese).  What we thought could use a little perfecting:  the burger (the meat and bun were clearly high quality, but the patty was a tad salty; we loved the pickles served alongside the burger, though - they had a sweet-smoky-somewhat spicy flavor and were clearly made in-house) and the farro salad (it had too much farro and not enough greens, and the farro seemed undercooked).

Grass-fed beef carpaccio (top)
Hearty greens and farro salad with bleu cheese on the side (bottom)

Fisherman's Stew

A little after 6 PM, the restaurant started to fill up with adults looking for a good meal and/or tasty cocktail(s).  The cool thing was, the dining area was large enough to accommodate the grown-ups and us (we tend to get antsy toward the end of our meal and start moving around the table a lot); and the noise level was high enough to drown out the dinner-is-over-now-we're-ready-to-go whining that was starting to come out of our mouths.  Of course, Mommy couldn't leave without trying dessert; so before we were done with our entrees, she ordered the Strawberry Shortcake.  We are sooooooo glad she did.  Ladybird's Strawberry Shortcake is one of the best desserts we have ever had in the ATL.  The "shortcake" part of it is more like sweet cornbread straight out of  a Southern grandmomma's oven.  Imagine topping that with subtly sweet, without-a-doubt-house-made citrus crème anglaise and whipped cream, and a smattering of fresh strawberries.  We were in food heaven. 

"Floyd Mayweather is not The Best Ever.  This Strawberry Shortcake is!"

We absolutely loved the atmosphere and entire motif of Ladybird.  We hope that as the restaurant matures, the recipes will reach perfection - because this spot has so much potential.  We look forward to coming back when the weather is warmer, so we can sit on the patio, watch Atlanta go by on the Beltline, and pretend we're Cub Scouts on a mission to brave the unknown. 
  

"Can someone please bring the Fluffernutter back into fashion?! It is life-changing!"

"Okay, brontosaurus, I guess you can have some of my Fluffernutter."

 

Egg Harbor Cafe (Buckhead) & Le Petit Marche (Kirkwood)

Pancakes.  Warm, sweet, chewy, gooey circles of batter topped with any type of yummy goodness you can imagine.  What kid wouldn't like them?  We think even the pickiest eaters can get down with some fresh-off-the-griddle pancakes.  So, for our last post in this week's "Selective Eater Series," we decided to try a couple brunch spots that are known for their hotcakes.

Egg Harbor Café (Buckhead)

Photo Credit: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/egg-harbor-caf%C3%A9-atlanta-3#C57vQZ-xzhXOXo_llI_Rww

Toddler Foodie Rating:  3.5 out of 5 Gummy Bears

:) = Convenient location on Peachtree Rd.  Free parking garage.  Multiple spacious dining areas.  Very kid-friendly and groups-with-kids-friendly.  Noise level is perfect for kids and large parties.  Staff seems accustomed to serving children.  Extensive menu featuring many variations of brunch staples (and pancakes), including gluten free and vegetarian options.  Fun kids menu that comes with crayons.  Tasty food.  Friendly, quick service.  Large, clean restrooms with changing tables and stools at the sink for little ones to wash their hands.

:( = Your entire party has to be present before they will seat you (although they may make an exception if you have little ones in tow).  The food is pretty standard - hardcore foodies shouldn't expect it to change their lives.  You have to pay the cashier at the front of the restaurant on your way out.  This is a bit challenging for a parent dining alone with a small child - even tougher for someone with multiple small children.

*****

When Egg Harbor opened its Buckhead location, ITP parents jumped for joy.  Egg Harbor has established its reputation as a family-friendly brunch spot, thanks to its great service and kid-friendly food.  We decided to check it out one Saturday morning to see if it could withstand our stringent Gummy Bear analysis.  When we arrived, Mommy was delighted to find that parking was easy and free.  She also breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the restaurant was packed with other kid-toting parents.  So far, so good.

 

We got a table pretty quickly, and our server came to take our drink order before we were even in our seats.  After we got our drinks, she was back at our side again to take our order.  Mommy got the Chicken Sausage & Goat Cheese Scrambler with cheese grits instead of Harbor Potatoes.  Off the Kids Menu, she ordered us the Rainbow Pancake - a buttermilk pancake with miniature M&Ms cooked inside - to share.

Chicken Sausage & Goat Cheese Scrambler
Served with cheese grits instead of potatoes & an English muffin

"Mommy always splits my pancakes in half. Sigh."

The pancakes were a little too doughy - we speculated that they were either undercooked or had too much butter.  But, aside from that, the food was fine.  We liked the fresh basil that accentuated the Chicken Sausage & Goat Cheese Scramble.  Mommy said the coffee was good, too (but, as usual, she bragged to us about it but wouldn't let us try it).  Someone in our party ordered the green tea, which came in this neat contraption:

 

Green tea thingamajigger.

Aside from the doughy pancakes, Mommy was not a fan of having to pay the cashier on her way out.  There was a line to pay and, even though it moved quickly, she struggled to keep us from running out the door as she fumbled with retrieving her credit card from her purse and signing the receipt.  

 

There are lots of breakfast/brunch spots in Atlanta, and, in our short existence, we have already chosen a few favorites.  We may not add Egg Harbor to that list for now, although we will definitely plan to come here - or to the sister locations in Sandy Springs and John's Creek - if (a) we just happen to be in the area at breakfast/brunch time and/or (b) we are part of a large group that includes other little ones. 


Le Petit Marche (Kirkwood)

Photo Credit: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/le-petit-march%C3%A9-atlanta-2#yJt6_Z3imF4JsQqJuACnRA
  

Toddler Foodie Rating:  3 out of 5 Gummy Bears

:) = Lots of free parking.  Diverse crowd and warm, comfy atmosphere.  Eclectic menu featuring many variations of brunch staples (and pancakes), including vegetarian and a kids menu.  Flavorful food with home-cooked appeal.  Friendly, attentive staff that seem comfortable with little ones.  Patio that allows for more dining space in warm weather.

:( = The restaurant's setup is bit challenging if you're dining with mobile small children.  Prepare yourself by reviewing the details and tips below.  Also, the tables are small and have a lot of items on them (sauces, flowers in vases, keepsakes and other knickknacks) - be ready to move them away from grabby toddler hands.  

*****

We've been wanting to try Le Petit Marche, the acclaimed breakfast/lunch spot in Kirkwood, for some time now.  When we arrived, we were happy to see that parking was plentiful.  However, we were a little disheartened when we got inside.  The restaurant has a non-traditional setup that goes a little something like this:  you walk in the front door, stand in a line (that can spill out the door and onto the sidewalk during peak hours), then order and pay for your food at the counter.   We hadn't done enough research before our visit, so we had no idea what we wanted to order when we arrived.  The line behind us was already pretty long, so we felt rushed to make a decision.  On a whim, we ordered the Olvera Street Tacos (breakfast tacos filled with eggs, chorizo, & other goodies), Griddle Cakes (pancakes served with eggs and your choice of meat - we chose chicken sausage), and a side of cheese grits.

Olvera Street Tacos featuring Spotted Trotter chorizo.

Griddle cakes served with chicken sausage & scrambled eggs
And on the side... Bananas, chocolate, & sweet cream.  Yum.

Tip #1:  If you're visiting Le Petit Marche with your small, active/mobile children (ages 1-3 - you know, the ages when mommies and daddies have the least control), review the menu before you get there so you know what you want to order. 

Once your order and pay for your food, the cashier gives you a number, then you go to the back of the restaurant where you wait for your number to be called.  The waiting area is in a narrow corridor near the restrooms.  Mommy and Daddy had a difficult time keeping us out of trouble and out of other people's way in such a confined space, which we think gave them a little bit of pre-breakfast (and pre-coffee) stress.

Tip #2:  Have a small, easy to access distraction on-hand to make this line a little more bearable for your little ones (and yourself).

We stood in the waiting area line for about 10 minutes before we got a table.  Once we were at the table, Mommy and Daddy realized that they had to get up and get our utensils, water, coffee, napkins, and juice at the front of the restaurant.  So one of them stayed with us at the table while the other took care of that task.  The food arrived in the meantime. 

"Daddy forgot to get me a fork, so I might as well start eating
with my hands. Can't let these griddle cakes get cold!"

Tip #3:  Grab your utensils and napkins (and water/coffee/juice) when you first arrive and order your food - especially if you're a lone parent dining with your little ones.  Be prepared to make multiple trips to the front if you have your hands full of toddlers and miscellaneous toddler baggage. 

All the logistical challenges aside, we thought the food was good.  It tasted like it was made with a lot of love and fresh ingredients, like something Mommy would make for us at home.  The griddle cakes were perfect - fluffy, well-cooked, and just sweet enough to allow us to top them off with a little syrup and the bananas with sweet cream & chocolate that was served alongside our tacos.  Daddy really liked the fresh pico de gallo in the tacos, and Mommy raved over the chorizo.  We'll come back to Le Petit Marche to try some of their other dishes, but we'll probably avoid peak hours - and make sure we are better prepared.

*****

And while you're in Kirkwood...

 

We highly recommend checking out Taproom Coffee.  This hip spot features premium quality coffee and espresso drinks (including lattes adorned with frothy designs), craft beer, and more.  It's a chill, zen-like space that appears to be a popular study spot.  

 

Mommy's oh, so pretty vanilla latte.

Mommy and Taproom's owner, Jonathan, have known each other since they were both toddlers, so we're not going to subject Taproom to the full-on Gummy Bear test.  If you really want to know what we think, check out Taproom's awesome reviews on Yelp.  The good reviews pretty much echo our feelings about this place.

 

"Do you think Mommy will buy all of these for us?"


 

Well, that's all for this week, folks.  We hope you've found some useful dining-out tips in this week's "Selective Eater Series."  And remember:  picky eaters can be foodies, too!