Guess where I am…
If you said Hawaii, you’d be…
Wrong 
.
I’m in New York for the week. My friend Jessica and her boyfriend rent a tiny NYC apartment, and they’re being gracious enough to let me crash on their couch (and commandeer the fridge). It’s pretty crowded and is going to get even more crowded later in the week when S flies in for a few days, but we’ve had a lot of fun so far!
After lounging around all morning, Jess and I headed down to Greenwich Village and grabbed lunch at a place called Quantum Leap. My food:
Normally, I’m not a fan of mock meat (at all!). But every now and then it appeals to me, which happened today. This particular dish is known as the Zen Platter, and it features a deliciously-spiced orange seitan (with hints of Chinese 5-spice powder).
Jessica ordered a grilled portabella burger:
And then we split a coconut peanut butter pie for dessert:
It wasn’t the best dessert I’ve ever had, but it was coconut and peanut butter… so of course we ate it anyway!
Questions of the Day:
Have you ever been to NYC?
What are your favorite things to do there?
Any suggestions, send them my way!
Link of the Day:
I was never healthier than when I lived in NY with all those whole foods around. It’s so hard to get to organic stores where I am now.
We used to live in Battery Park City and it’s the most beautiful place in Manhattan. If you take the 6 train down to South Ferry (last stop) and walk along the park, you’ll get to Robert Wagner Park, which is open and breezy and has a gorgeous view of the S of Liberty. (It’s less touristy than where the Circle Line Ferry cues up). Then you can follow the boardwalk along the Hudson River up to the Marina where they shot the movie “Hitch.” I used to walk there all the time with my newborn – such happy days!
If you have time, try the restaurant Wild Ginger. It’s kind of between Little Italy and China Town. It’s a healthy vegan Asian fusion restaurant and it is phenomenal. Before I was even a vegetarian, I loved this place. I no longer live in NYC, but I still think about this place all the time. When I go back to visit, it will be at the top of my list of things to hit. They have this Miso Eggplant…mmm makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Have fun! NYC is an awesome place to visit…don’t get too overwhelmed by all the people. And if anyone is rude to you, just ignore them, it’s definitely not personal! 🙂
Sounds like so much fun! I LOVE New York! I’ve always thought it would be fun to live there some day, but my marriage brought me to London, which is a pretty cool big city too- very different though!
I just love wandering around and getting a bit lost in New York, but it looks like you have loads of great recommendations for fantastic destinations! Especially foodie ones… it’s making me hungry! 🙂
I was just there for the first time myself a few weeks ago! I saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Dream come true. But I love theatre. So if you can do that, do it. And go to FAO Schwarz! Best toy store I’ve ever seen.
As for food, I loved this hot dog place called Dogmatic. Their vegetarian option was sauteed asparagus in the roll instead of meat. I don’t know if their rolls are vegan, though.
LJ
I used to live there briefly and my room mates and i would always checkout myopenbar.com. They list a bunch of parties that are always free and sometimes the drinks are free as well. It’s pretty cool and sometimes the parties can be really fun. Kind of random fun.
Caracas Arepa Bar in the east village is amazing and affordable. Really for meat eaters (it’s amazing really) but they do have vegan options. And the juices are reaaalllly good. Yum.
http://www.caracasarepabar.com
How fun! I LOVE to visit NYC and eat at veg restaurants. I second recommendations for
Babycakes
Blossom Cafe
The Vegetarian Dim Sum place
Candle Cafe
And of course you may want to do a little walking or running between meals? Go to
the High Line Park!
Walk the whole thing! It is amazing. I also enjoyed walking or running the path around the reservoir in the middle of Central Park–just stunning views of the city skyline from in there. I also go to
The International Center for Photography
each time I visit. It is near Bryant Park and has late hours one day a week. Have fun!
i would love to be in nyc trying fabulous food and exploring fabulous little places!!!
The chocolate room!!
Hey!
that’s so exciting that you are in NYC!
I live here, but I’m not vegan, but I am vegetarian and I can definitely name some places to check out!
1. The HIgh Line park (on 10th avenue)
2. Chelsea Piers/ The hudson path/park (on 12tha ve I think) its a park that goes the entire length of the island pretty much and is a great spot to sit by the water and have lunch.
3. Just walk through washington Square park in the evening. There are always musical groups/ acrobats and many other unique people performing.
4. If you want to see a show, I would definitely definitely recommend Fuerza Bruta in Union Square…It’s truly AMAZING. And I think they have cheaper ticket deals on either scoutmob.com or livingsocial or groupon.
5. If you’re going out somewhere, the Hudson Hotel is really amazing. It’s kind of fancy, but the bar and outside terrace are so unique and a great NYC experience.
Have fun!
I’m so jealous of all these awesome vegan places. The closest place of anything I have is a trader Joe’s 3 and a half hours away. We are going to New York next year for my highschool “music” trip(we perform once or twice and vacation the rest of a week) so maybe if we have free time I can check some of these places out.
By the way, what is your favorite nondairy milk, Katie?