Daisy Doodle & Pizza

City-Kid Review:

I’m a dog, woof! I’m a dog! Woof! Woof! Can we go again?

As an actor, I am used to watching people transform, but there is something particularly magical when you see it in the world of children’s entertainment.

This was not at a children’s party. This was in a pizza franchise on the Upper West Side.

When she walked in, she looked like an ordinary, long-time New Yorker: curly hair, slightly hunched over in a black overcoat and pulling some sort of carry case by a handle. She briefly smiled at the eager kids who had been kept waiting a few minutes past 5pm for their idol to arrive. She settled into her space, set up her carry case on her assigned table and disappeared into the back of the restaurant.

A few minutes later, she re-emerged dressed as a clown with bright red trousers and multi-colored braces over her blue top. She walked straighter and brighter. Not a complete transformation….yet.

The kids eagerly hovered, one had already sat in a chair by the table.

The woman took out balloons from her case, placed them into some of her numerous pants pockets, followed by a balloon pump. While quietly chatting with the girl in the chair, she pumped up a few balloons, twisted them into an enormous hat shape and placed it on her head. That’s when I saw it. Before my eyes, as if a light switched on, this ordinary woman dressed as a clown became…Daisy Doodle.

Her experience and talent shines through. She engages with the kids in a particular way; she hears them, she validates them, she calmly responds and fulfills their requests for balloons or face-painting.

The rest of the world went away. It was just the kids and Daisy Doodle. It was heart-warming to witness someone who is so great with kids.

Oh, and Pizzeria Uno has a make-your-own-pizza option, which is fun. They provide an apron for the child who adds her desired toppings to the crust. Then it is whisked away, cooked and returned.

Where was this? On the Upper West Side.
Was it an official kids party? Heck, no! It was Pizzeria Uno behind the American Museum of Natural History.
Did you have to pay? No. (She accepts tips and you do have to purchase food from the restaurant)
Is the food great? Not really; it’s a franchise. But they have something for everyone and it is not expensive.
Do I have any personal connection with Daisy Doodle? None.

If you happen to be planning a visit to the museum, or are around the UWS on a Tuesday evening, it is worth popping in to see Daisy Doodle do her magic.

Need to Knows:

Daisy Doodle is at Pizzeria Uno every Tuesday from 5-7pm.

Pizzeria Uno location: 432 Columbus Avenue, NYC 10024. Right behind the American Museum of Natural History, on the corner of Columbus and 82nd.

Daisy Doodle accepts tips but you do need to purchase something from the restaurant in order to see her.

The menu has something for everyone. It’s not great but it’s fine, and worth it for the experience.

Information correct at time of writing. 

Top-Tip

Ask the staff to show you where Daisy Doodle sets up and grab a table nearby.

Combine this with an earlier trip to the Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History. Or a trip to the butterflies if it is between October-May.

There is, also, a great playground in Central park directly opposite the museum. I believe it’s the Diana Ross Playground. Plus, you can always watch the dogs in the dog run. In the summer, walk up the steps to the water fountains behind the dog run, behind the planetarium at the AMNH. Or visit the planetarium and learn all about the Big Bang.

Do you have a favorite children’s entertainer you would like to share with us? Where can do they perform? Please tell us about it in the comments section.

Sign up to become a City-Kid Insider. You will receive upcoming adventure tips and ideas, which I only share on email.