We took a trip up to Greenpoint the other day to meet up with River & Latonya at the infamous & classic Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (great name, right?!). Peter Pan is an old-school diner-esque establishment in a Polish neighborhood and has been selling hand-cut donuts for over 60 years. The place is a bit of a legend, and now I know why. While I can take or leave cupcakes (tried to jump on that bandwagon but honestly, cupcakes just aren't my thing), I can eat donuts any day, especially a box of them from this old-timey establishment. While we waited in line, a little old woman walked by and, without saying anything, stopped and firmly patted Lucien's head for a few seconds (which would creep me out in almost any other setting, but here it was endearing). Then not a minute later, a terribly fashionable little old man walked right up, pinched his cheek, and said "Hello there Sonny! What a handsome little fella!" and then walked away smiling, donut in hand. Sometimes I think about Biet's future in New York City, with so many high-end specialty shops and restaurants displacing classic Mom and Pop diners and bakeries, and I wonder if these kind of places will still be around when she's grown. I certainly hope so, because its hard to get more "New York" than donuts for under a dollar, old Polish couples sipping coffee at a wrap around counter with twirly bar stools, and a cranky waitress giving you the stink eye because you can't decide if you want the honey-dipped or the chocolate cake.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, I think I love you.
Afterwards we found a nice spot in McCarren Park and lounged awhile. Biet and River stood guard at the fence, which was just their height, and scared off passing onlookers with their tough Brooklyn attitudes. Baby Lou tried out River's stroller, and I watched helplessly as a feisty squirrel walked right up and stole my donut right in front of me! Seriously, NYC squirrels are the scariest. I have some stories...
Until next time, Peter Pan! (and you can bet there will be plenty of next times! I'm itching to try the donut ice cream sandwich. Yes, that' a real thing.) :)
