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!)
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Lucky! I was supposed to go back to NYC this Summer, but a MILLION things came up and I ended up having to cancel my trip! If you don’t mind saying, which hotel are you staying in? If it has a kitchen it sounds like the perfect place to stay at for me!! Have fun and eat lots of yummy food!
Staybridge Suites on 40th and 8th
I’ve been to New York a few times but have never been to Belvedere Castle. I’ll have to look it up and see if it’s in the vicinity of the convention center we’re going to in October.
Glad you’re having fun!
I highly recommend heading to Lula’s Sweet Apothecary for some vegan ice cream! The cake batter soft serve is AMAZING!!
You must have been running super fast to pass by all of those people! I’m impressed! And how did you make your oatmeal cake in your hotel room… is there a microwave version that I haven’t seen?? That sounds like a wonderful NY day! And oh I love a good lentil loaf and macaroons enjoyed in Central park just sounds like a dream. Hope you are having fun!!
lol I made it the day b4 in Texas. I haven’t tried making it in the microwave yet, although I *think* other commenters have. I should try it!
Welcome to New York, Katie! I hope that you enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!
I am so overdo to visit NYC, you make it look so fun. And that castle isn’t too small! It’s the perfect size for me to move in.
Ahhh I’m so jealous!! 😀 Yes if you feel like it, deffo do 2 posts a day! Your NY adventures are too good to miss 😀
Oh this makes me want to visit NYC SO BAD! I love macaroons, those look heavenly 🙂
Love your blog and recipes!! Kudos to you for running in Central Park, I hear it’s super hot right now!
Seems like you are having an awesome time in NYC 🙂 Enjoy it, I so would like to go there some day! And I am all for two post in one day, we need to see all those lovely pictures :))
Games make everything more fun! Especially car rides. You could play that same game with passing cars! Haha! (Might be a little bit more dangerous, though.) Anyway, I’m super jealous of your NYC trip, and I wish I were there to test out all the incredible vegan hot spots with you! Come to LA next, so I can take you to MY favorite vegan places! 🙂