01 | January | 2012 | alexandchika.com

It wasn’t midnight (in Germany at least), but we did make our own mini celebration New Year’s Eve day. An over-anticipated screening of the latest Mission Impossible installment, was salvaged by each enjoying an entire bag of gummy candy each. Afterwards, we had tried to go for a drink at the Ritz Carlton, but the bar there was not that special. So we hopped a quick S-Bahn train to Brandenburg Tor (or Gate) to find out that the Adlon Hotel was off limits since it was too close to the festivities (maybe we book a room for next year). But two young kids having a good time, we made do and grabbed a hot cup of gluwein (hot, spiced red wine) and took a nice stroll before heading home to relieve the baby sitter. But not before Chika had prepared some traditional Japanese New Year traditional udon noodles. A tasty and happy way to end 2011 and head towards 2012. Will be a great year for the family I am sure.

Yes, Kai has been to restaurants before, but usually sleeping or eating food we brought with us. But now, Kai is a true customer. He had woken up a little earlier from his nap than usual in the middle of our lunch, so we just asked for a high-chair and gave it a go. We quickly realized that buffet is the right way to go in these situations. You can select from the foods which you think he might like, and not worry about the cost (zero) or if he likes it or not. It turns out, he was into most things including noodles, fish, rice, miso soup and almond jelly was one of his favorites. Now we also have a new favorite lunch place to go for the family to enjoy (details after the photos).