After a nice morning or afternoon at the Bronx Zoo, UltimateMama and her family dart over to Arthur Avenue for a nice meal and some homestyle Italian food shopping!

Do not leave Arthur Avenue without stocking up on prepared eggplant parmigiana, cheese, cured meats (prosciutto), focaccia, and more from Mike’s Deli on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.  Even Bobby Flay frequents Mike’s Deli and met with him for a Food Network Throwdown!

For Arthur Avenue bread try Madonia Brothers Bakery — a must!

If you want to hit an Arthur Avenue restaurant with your family try Zero Otto Nove or Roberto!

UltimateMama does not believe in taking young children to overpriced prix-fixe dinners for Valentine's Day.  Not only does it ruin the atmosphere for other patrons but it is also expensive to bring your children to such venues. 

UltimateMama is a fan of taking children out to eat for Valentine's Day at nice restaurants that offer brunch or lunch options at realistic prices. 

For example, UltimateMama's family will be treated to a Bobby Flay Valentine's Day at Mesa Grill (perhaps without Bobby actually present).  Although Mesa Grillhas a special Valentine's Day dinner menu, the restaurant is serving the regular brunch menu on Valentine's Day at regular prices (read:  not set or prix-fixe). UltimateMama's family will dine in style without worrying about the wallet!