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You own several restaurants in Clinton Hill. Has becoming parents affected your menus?
Chelsea Altman We had a chef who wanted to take the chicken fingers off the menu at our Mediterranean restaurant, Olea, and do something healthier. It was the one time I’ve confronted him. I said, “I’m okay with anything you cook, but we have to keep the chicken fingers.” Otherwise Oscar wouldn’t have anything to eat there!
Has growing up in restaurants shaped Oscar at all?
Sam Barron He loves to talk to everyone, and he’s got manners. He also tips well.
You both have extended family in the city. Do they help out?
Sam My sister lives downstairs; she babysits when Chelsea and I go out. Our brothers aren’t quite as savvy—they’re the good-time Charlies. Handy with the lollipops, but not so good with the diapers.
Chelsea Sam’s mom has been heroic. She’s a major help.
You gutted and renovated a 100-plus-year-old house in Clinton Hill. How did you do it with a toddler around?
Sam We did some subletting, then we lived in the basement apartment for a while. Fortunately, I was able to make the house my full-time work. So while it was difficult and stressful, it was no different from any other father working while raising a family.
What’s your advice for making kids behave when eating in restaurants?
Sam You’ve got to say, “The minute you start misbehaving, we’re out of here.” Then the kids know the rules. And hold out on the ice cream until the last second; once the kid has it, your parental leverage is gone.
—Julia Israel
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