A Vegan in New York

Author: Amber French

I recently had the opportunity to go to New York City! I was lucky enough to spend 4 glorious days there. In the hope of being as transparent as possible, let me share with you, I have a massive crush on New York City.  This was my second trip and it was as beautiful as the first time and I was making notes for when I go back this summer and take my mom and daughter with me!

But, this trip was different. I was FOCUSED on food. My intention was to write this article while I was there, so I researched where I wanted to eat and which neighbourhoods I wanted to visit.  And I will let you know, I jumped in with both feet.

So come along while I paint the picture of New York from a vegan’s perspective. Not planning on going to NYC anytime soon? No worries, because I bet you are eating, just finished eating or are planning to eat very soon!

The highlight of my trip was Chelsea market. It is a great indoor market of ALL things, independent artists, bakers, a brewery and even a fresh food market. I wanted to go back (although time didn’t permit) everyday! While we their hanging out underneath the HQ for YouTube we found an awesome little Mexican place that had more than ½ a dozen people crammed behind a counter whipping up fresh everything. It was here that I enjoyed my first cactus taco!! It was nestled in a sweet little homemade corn tortilla and the counter had giant bowls of mild medium and knock your socks off salsas. It was yummy and a little slimy but it made me realize that all plants are edible (except the ones that might kill you) and that I need to open my arms to all things dandelion, aloe, and celery root. I probably could have eaten 5 more and I highly recommend Chelsea Market especially if you are a creative soul.

New York has a very high New Yorker to juice bar ratio! They are everywhere (pay attention Toronto, I think you are next). They range from hi-end glossy chains to little Vietnamese bodega’s. I think I drank my weight in greens while I was there and I took some major notes (watch for a blog on juicing and some pretty killer juicing recipes coming your way!) The Juice combinations are out of this world and they have a concoction for all ailments and beauty needs (my fav was the “Fresh Complexion” a lovely combo of Kale, carrot, cucumber and pineapple!)

We chose one totally vegan upscale place to visit on our journey. After some debate Candle Café was the winner. The atmosphere and staff were unbelievable. Very elegant, great bar and apparently super busy during the dinner rush. The Food was unbelievable and good sized portions (which sometimes you don’t get in a Vegan restaurant)

We also checked out Chipotle’s as they recently added Sofrita’s (braised tofu) to their protein options. I had the bowl, basically you can add anything you want to your bowl and top it with the braised tofu! SUPER HUGE portions and ridiculously yummy.

On our last night we went to a small little eatery called Vegetarian Paradise 2 (they have 3 locations in New York) I had something there called a Soul Nugget – it actually blew my mind. They had unbelievable juice options there as well!

Long Yummy Story Short – if you like food New York City is the place for you. If you love your veggies New York City makes you feel welcome and very full! Can’t wait to go back! Hope this helps or entices you to eat outside the lines the next time you are visiting another city!