NYC Day 1
When I run through suburbia, back in Texas, I see very few other runners. So it was really exciting to run with a lot of other people in Central Park. The energy in that place is electric. I made up a new running game, called Pass or be Passed.
Basically, the rules are: you get a point for every runner you pass, and you lose a point for every runner who passes you. I passed fourteen runners and was passed by zero… although three of the runners I passed were together, so maybe that should only count as twelve. Eh, it’s my game. I can make up my own rules ;).
Post-run breakfast was a Single-Serving Oatmeal Cake.
I made this one Elvis-style, with banana and peanut butter. I also grabbed some fresh honeydew from the breakfast bar downstairs. Our little hotel room is so cool: it has a microwave, fridge, freezer, pots and pans, even a dishwasher! Did they have me in mind when they set it up? I could easily make all my own meals here. But considering NYC is right outside, I’ll probably stick to making oatmeal breakfasts… and taking full advantage of the fridge for storing to-go meals from all the restaurants I want to try!
Josies Restaurant West:
When Jessica finally woke up, we headed over to Josies–a veg-friendly establishment on the upper west side–for lunch.
Choosing between the pumpkin ravioli and the veggie lentil loaf was so tough. In the end, I decided to go for the loaf, which features organic lentils, mushrooms, sweet potato, and tahini, with miso-sautéed bok choy. (Note: the loaf is usually only available for dinner.) Good, good choice! The greens were just your average greens (not that this is a bad thing). But the loaf, itself, was fabulous—flavorful, soft, and chewy without being tough. Love love love.
Peacefood Cafe:
After lunch, we walked a few blocks to a place called Peacefood Cafe, for some chocolate-dipped macaroons. Peacefood Cafe is an awesome vegan restaurant that boasts whole-grain desserts and uses no refined sugars.
We took our chocolate macaroons to-go and ventured into Central Park.
Eventually, we made our way up to Belvedere Castle.
It’s a tiny castle (although not as tiny as my Harry Potter Castles). But it gives you a BIG view of the city. Then we found a quiet spot in the park to devour the incredible macaroons. I’m already thinking of going back to Peacefood—I want to try their coconut cream pie!
Well-fed, we walked all the way back to our hotel, taking advantage of the beautiful NYC day. (I read that it was 106 in Texas. Definitely not sorry I missed that!)
That looks so fun, I love NYC! I really want to be a runner – maybe if I play your game while I run… though what happens if your points are in the negative at the end? LOL.
On a side note, I figured out how to get my daughter to eat chia seeds (instead of planning her chia zoo, which we have decided to do whether or not we win the chia seeds giveaway). We put them in our overnight oatmeal! She feels like overnight oatmeal is a science experiment, and we have to “adjust the variables” each night. Chia seeds count for an excellent variable.
yeah, it’s a risky game! :-/
Looks Like a great day in NYC! That castle looks so cool! Architecture like That is Really interesting.
You have to love all the food options in the big apple. 🙂
I’m sure your productive morning was perfect. It sounds that way to me 🙂 The chocolate maccaroon looks delicious and the post was not even close to too long. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your other New York eats
Ohmigosh, I’ve always wanted to go to NYC! I LOVE the little running game you made up. I wish I could play that here, but this SW Florida “town” is barely a town at all. The only people I ever see on my runs are elderly people taking their morning walks. 😛 Of course, it’s summer now, so I’ve been swimming more than running anways. But I’d love to run in Central Park someday! 😀
We NEED to be in NYC at the same time one of these days.
Oh my gosh are you staying on the upper west side?! Because I am too! Yesterday I ate at citrus, which is owned by the same restaurant group as josies, and I think just one or two blocks over! And I’ve been meaning to check out peacefood!
I’m right by times square. But I feel like there are even better places on the upper west side. Take advantage!! 😉
ahh, isn’t NYC amazing?? I love it! I give you props for running there too- I cant imagine doing it. just TOOOOO crowded for me- I need to be able to zone out!! 🙂
im so checking out peacefood cafe- no refined sugar and whole grains?!? count me in 🙂
I totally play that game. whenever someone passes me, I get pretty jacked up to run faster and re-pass them.
yeeeuup, I’m that girl.
So glad you’re loving the upper-west Vegan establishments! (It’s my ‘hood, hehe.) Don’t forget to try Blossom, Cafe Viva and The Hummus Place. 🙂
Cafe Blossom is already penciled in. I’m so excited!!
Interesting running game! Around me there’s barely anyone on the road, so that wouldn’t really work. But I guess it would really just make the game more challenging. I’d really have to push it when I finally see someone!