PHOTOS: Yumi Matsuo
A trip to the Big Apple might not be a viable option right now (mid global pandemic) however, there’s nothing like scribbling down a few ideas, screen-shotting a good pizza place or some impressive coffee art, or sending a link (0f this very article) to friends and family to keep the travel inspo flowing.
We chat to Sophie Demenge of the much-loved Oeuf NYC about her favourite spots in New York’s Brooklyn.
FIRSTLY, PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, WHERE YOU LIVE & WHAT YOU DO…
Michael and I have 2 kids, Mae who just turned 18!! And Marius who is 15. Throughout the year we have been taking field trips around the country in search of a university for Mae. It was so great to have those mini trips together. We will find out soon where she is accepted and decides to go. It’s very exciting and hard to believe. She spent 4 months last year in a school located on the coast of Maine on an ecological and sustainable farm.
Marius loves to cook when he is in the mood and skis every chance he gets. He adores his sister’s cats and knitted some blankets for them a couple of years ago. He learnt on his own watching youtube videos. He writes the sweetest love letters and birthday cards.
NEW YORK
LET’S START WITH THE ESSENTIALS… BEST COFFEE?
Hungry Ghost has great coffee and croissant aux amandes!
FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT WITH THE KIDS (WHEN THEY WERE MINI!):
Brooklyn Crab Shack is fun for the kids because they can run around and do outdoor games with other kids.
Saraghina makes a good pizza which is always a top choice for kids.
AND WITHOUT THEM:
I love La Mercerie because it’s quiet. People can have conversations without yelling. And even though it’s a large space it feels very cozy. They have pomme dauphine!
Le Cou Cou is great too.
ANY SHOPS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:
I shop at Bird. They carry my favourite brands. It’s a one stop shop and on the way to the office.
Beacon’s Closest is a great vintage store. The Brooklyn Flea has treasures.
KIDS PLAYTIME:
There are so many things to do with your kids that are super enjoyable for adults too. In Red Hook you can go kayaking in the summer or take the subway or ferry to go to the beach to play a game of soccer, volleyball or take a surf class.
Pioneer Works is a gallery/event/artist residence space with a huge garden. It’s always great when the kids can run around.
My daughter and I are hooked on trapeze. It’s pretty close and they have classes all the time.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is magical. The kids took some gardening classes there. They were so proud to share their harvest with family and friends.
Prospect Park has several playgrounds, iceskating in the winter and rollerskating in the summer and also slew of free concerts and movies in the summer as well. It’s nice to cycle through the little paths or climb trees.
PHOTOS: Yumi Matsuo
MAMA’S PLAYTIME:
Sweet Poly has great cocktails.
I love BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), they have a very eclectic program.
With my girlfriends we like meeting in each other’s homes.
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
Brooklyn Museum – Great museum and 5 minutes away from my house. When the kids were little, they could play for hours in the fantastic fountain.
I love the Noguchi Museum in Queens. It’s very peaceful. Each time I have gone there I’m practically the only one. MAD Museum is nicely curated and its’ small scale makes it very intimate. They offer workshops which I have done with my daughter. The restaurant on the top floor is kitchy and good. It’s right by Central park which is always nice for a stroll.
GETTING OUT IN NATURE:
The Catskills, where we have a little cabin in the woods on a lake. For a day trip I love Storm King Mountain. It’s a sculpture park upstate NY.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT:
All year, each season offers something special.
GO TO: oeufnyc.com
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Inspiration/ImageCredits: Oeuf NYC, Yumi Matsuo | Featured Image: Graphics featuring Oeuf NYC, Yumi Matsuo and Saraghina
