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Atlas Cafe: NYC

Vegan Philly Steak ( $6.75)

So I headed down to the LES to try a cute little quaint NY cafe. Called Atlas Cafe. This place is a small ( very small- no room for a bathroom. ha) This place offers cheap, healthy, yummy sandwiches, paninis, wraps, crepes, breakfast items, smoothies, salads, pastas, eggs ( for those of you who don't go totally vegan), and a HUGE case of desserts ( some non vegan but mostly vegan).  I have to admit I had one problem with this place.. TO many choices! I was so torn on what to get but narrowed it down between a breakfast bagel ( which I will have to try next time) and the Vegan Philly Steak Sandwich- which is what I ended up ordering ( $6.75) Mixed Greens, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato, Onion, and Carrot on a whole wheat baguette- served with chips although I subbed for a side salad. This sandwich was a good portion of food but didn't leave me feeling overly stuffed. When I think of  a philly I think of a big "meaty" sandwich but this was nice and light. Really delicious. At first bite I didn't get a whole lot of flavor but then it hit me a  scrumptious spicy taste with fresh Vegan meat that was just fabulous! This place offers a lot of Moroccan type middle eastern type entrees which is pretty cool. They had a huge case of desserts but I arrived kind of early and didn't really feel like dessert at that point, and knowing that I would be coming back for that bagel I decided to wait, so you'll have to check back for a review of desserts... I did take a snapshot of that dessert case though just to get you excited. Like I said I will most assuredly be going back to Atlas, there are just to many great things I have to try.. Atlas is everything you would think of a NY cafe. Small, quaint,  quick service ( 5 minutes if that waiting for my food), kind but fast paced servers. Really enjoyed this cafe. They kept the doors open so we all got some of that great breeze blowing through the city today. All in all a great cafe with great prices and great food!:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Atlas Cafe
75 2nd Avenue (4th street)
New York NY.
212.539.0966

Teany: NYC

Turkey Club ($8.00)

Cookie ($3.00)

Vanilla Berry Cream Tea ($4.50)

So I found a cute little place that has a vegan menu with some eggs available and is such a cute place for brunch/lunch. Teany on the LES. This place is a great place to sit outside on a nice cool day or enjoy the cool temperature inside with a pot of tea:) It has SO many varieties of hot tea ( to many to choose from!), ice tea specials, food specials, breakfast and lunch. Today I arrived around 11 but to my dismay ( the only complaint I have btw) they were already out of vegan scones.! what?! 11 a.m. on Saturday and already out of scones. sadness.. I did however end up ordering some fantastic items! I started off with a pot of "Vanilla Berry Cream Tea" ( $4.50) - no worries about the price this is for a pretty big pot so worth the money. This tea was so scrumptious. Hibiscus blossoms, apple bits, rosehips, and genuine bourbon vanilla combine to produce a fruity, creamy flavor. Let me tell you it absolutely did, slightly sweet but fresh felt as if I was eating fresh fruit while smelling a rose garden. mhmm. I then ordered the "Turkey Club"($8.00) made with tempeh bacon,vegan turkey slices,greens, tomatoes, and veganaise. served with a side salad and dressing. This was a thick and "meaty" delicious sandwich the bread is freshly toasted so that comes hot and the middle is almost to thick to eat (almost) I loved this sandwich and cannot wait to try the other offerings at Teany! I saw in the bakery case so many vegan desserts like carrot cake, apple crumble pie, and peanut butter bomb cake..but i wasn't really in the mood for a big rich piece of cake, so I just decided to skip dessert UNTIL I passed by a HUGE cookie that looked to good to say no to, so I didn't! I never really got the name of this cookie but from what I ate I will call it the "Oat Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie" ($3.00) Thick cookie filled with vegan chocolate chips, fresh pieces of coconuts all pulled together with divine oats. I am in love with this cookie. It's right up there if not above the cookies you can order at Candle Cafe. All in all I love this place, it's a cute place to sit and read a book while sipping on tea or grabbing a bite to eat with a friend. You have to head down to the lower east side and grab a seat!:) Eat Clean and Healthy!!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Teany
90 Rivington St.
New York, NY.
212.475.9190
8 am.- 1am. everyday:)

The Green Bean Cafe: NYC

So I after eating at The Green Bean Cafe yesterday I decided to get me something to go ( since they have such a great case of to go sandwiches and goodies) I decided to get the "Tempeh BLT" ($6.00)- This sandwich was just as great as the other one I tried. This had tempeh, tomato, vegan mayo, and romaine lettuce on delicious seeded whole grain bread. I absolutely adore the bread that it came on, I could have simply eaten the bread and been satisfied. It was full of seeds which gave it a great crunch with the tempeh and veggies. A delicious sandwich and great to grab on the go! Eat Clean:)

The Green Bean Cafe
1413 York Avenue
New York NY.
212.861.1539

The Green Bean Cafe: NYC

Cheddar Burger ($7.50)

Peanut Butter /Oatmeal Cookie($2.00) Macaroon ($1.75)

Banana Chocolate Muffin ( $2.50)

I got a chance to go by a place that I have been skeptical of trying, simply because I havent found to much information online about the cafe and the reviews were mixed. "The Green Bean Cafe" on the UES. Let me begin by saying I really enjoyed the food at this place. It's a small cafe so a lot of people get things to go ( which they have a full case pre-made.. sandwiches, salads, desserts, drinks, and smoothies.. but they also have sandwiches and food like pizza made to order along with raw dishes and desserts like vegan ice cream!) There is only about 6 seats available so if you want to eat in come early. They also offer breakfast starting at 7 a.m. The service was sub par. The guy who served me was nice but not to knowledgeable about the food they offered and didn't have many suggestions, the other woman working there was simply put a little rude. Let's get back to the food though - the most important part. I ordered the "Cheddar Burger" ($7.50)- this is a homemade soy vegetable patty ( which was mouth watering good), sauteed onions, mushrooms ( which i opted out of), tomato, romaine lettuce, vegan mayo, dijon mustard, served on a Whole Wheat Bun, and of course daiya cheddar cheese. This normally comes with a side of organic tortilla chips and a pickle but I decided to get a salad ( $1.50 extra). { you can also swap out the chips for homefries, or steamed greens}. As I said this sandwich was way beyond my expectations of amazing. Great portion, comes out hot from the kitchen, with a thick slice of tomato and fresh organic lettuce.. simply delicious. Now for dessert! They had so many I decided to get a few things and try a piece of each so I could review them for you! I got an "Oatmeal Cookie" and a "Peanut Butter Cookie" ($2.00 each)- they clearly label all the desserts whether they are wheat free, raw, gluten free, and also list each ingredient. These cookies were both fantastic! You can tell they are freshly baked on the premises each day, soft and crumbly with huge raisins and fresh peanuts! I favored the Oatmeal Cookie simply because as a whole I enjoy oatmeal cookies over most others. I also ordered the "Wheat Free Chocolate Macaroon" ( $1.75). I really enjoyed this- thinner than a regular macaroon so it almost reminded me of a cookie. Soft and oozing with fresh pieces of coconut, one of the best macaroons I believe have touched my lips;) Finally the guy working behind the counter convinced me to get a "Chocolate Chip Banana Muffin" ($2.50)- I'll admit I finished this muffin without saving a piece- moist and fluffy from the banana with some chocolate chips to give it that extra kick. A fantastic muffin - Of course we all know my favorite muffins come from Chef Brookes in Fort Myers. This muffin was yummy though. As a whole I would tell everyone to go to The Green Bean Cafe- even though its small its worth it to come early and get a seat or take your lunch and head over to central park on a cool day:) Eat Clean kiddos:)!

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

The Green Bean Cafe
1413 York Avenue
New York NY.
212.861.1539

S'Nice: NYC

So I tried a new place in the city 'Snice- a quaint little place filled with young people reading and older people enjoying the calm of the restaurant. I read  Quarry Girls Post about 'SNice and I knew I had to try it out. She ordered the Tempeh Reuben ( $8.75) and it looked so amazing thats exactly what I ordered! The sandwich was absolutely amazing! Whole wheat toast lightly toasted with with tempeh, sauerkraut, vegan thousand island dressing and soy cheese. yum. this was like the most amazing grilled cheese you could possibly ever have then add tempeh and all the goodies listed above. A perfect combination, I don't know how they do it but it is divine. Generally it comes with a side of greens but they 
had just brought out fresh broccoli with red pepper flakes so I had to have that ($1.50 extra for changing). The broccoli was delicious as well the flavor was fantastic! After lunch I ordered one (ok I took another one for later;) } Energy Cookie ( $2.75) Full of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, cranberries, and other dried fruits all pulled together with oats- simply put Heavenly. I don't

Tempeh Reuben ( $8.75)

think I can find anything to compain about at this restaurant. I will most definitely be coming back. They have a HUGE menu with almost to many choices to decide ( I asked for a recommendation and knowing how much quarry girl liked it, I had to taste)  . They offer smoothies, desserts, sandwiches, paninis, salads, and breakfast. ( lunch starts at 11) . SO head on out and try 'Snice you won't be disappointed:) Eat clean and healthy kiddos:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris


'Snice
45 8th Avenue
New York NY.
212.645.0310

Energy Cookie ( $2.75)

Homemade: Seduction Seitan Sandwich.

So today I made my own lunch ( simply due to the fact of having to work- you know otherwise I'd be hitting up a delicious vegan joint in the city to review.. but I make due) I decided to take some seitan ( west soy brand one of my favorites they make different kinds depending on what your cooking) I slice up the seitan and added a little bit of chili powder to it then baked it for about 20 minutes on 400 degrees. I then added it to a seduction roll I got at Wholefoods - a yummy roll filled with seeds, which gives it a perfect crunch. I also put some mustard, lettuce, and tomato on. A simple but amazing sandwich if I do say so myself - a healthy lunch. SO if you ever feel like being creative or maybe saving a little cash cooking at home go ahead and try this seitan- even if you don't make it a sandwich its amazing by itself!!


Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

p.s. hitting a new vegan joint to review for you tomorrow:)

Candle Cafe: Seitan Chimichurri.

Seitan Chimichurri ($8.00)

So I've reviewed Candle Cafe on the UES a few times before- mostly for selfish reasons since it is one of my favorite places to eat in NYC. Great service, great food, great area.. why wouldn't I keep going back? Out of all of the times I've dined at Candle I've never tried the ever so popular Seitan Chimichurri ($8.00) - big pieces of seitan ( a wheat protein) marinated in a citrus herb sauce then grilled up to perfection. Let me tell you a delightful appetizer, the seitan is grilled to a perfect texture and the sauce was unbelievably delicious. They offer this seitan at Whole Foods NYC in the case to take home- I have tried this version of the dish but I have to say I think you get a completely different and better experience having it served fresh to your table at Candle. So go on to the upper east side and try this bite of heaven. You won't be sorry!
Eat clean stay healthy:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris



Candle Cafe: Website
1307 3rd Avenue ( 74/75th street)
New York NY.
212.472.0970

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe: Ft. Myers Fl.

Vegan Mac N Cheese ( GF*)

I've written a few reviews on Chef Brookes in Fort Myers Fl, but this dish Im going to review tasted so delicious it became a necessity to review it to let you all know what your missing! ;) Macaroni and cheese a comforting all american dish.. kids, adults, teens who doesn't love it? Well for vegans or maybe those of you who just don't enjoy cheese we miss out on this delicacy..until now friends... Vegan Mac N "Cheese"( gluten free*) : Brown rice pasta cooked perfectly topped with "cheese" but no, not your typical boring soy cheese you would normally find at another vegan joint. Chef Brooke has taken it further with much more creativity.. The "cheese" is actually made from roasted yellow squash and delicious herbs-homemade. I can honestly say this is one of the best things ever to hit my tongue . Hot and comforting just the way mac n cheese should be. A healthy vegan and gluten free take on a classic, and let me tell you a successful one at that! Chef Brooke offers different specials everyday along with fresh baked goods, and smoothies.. I can't say if you stop in that you'll catch her making the mac n cheese but maybe you can put in a request - tell her I sent you;)
Alrighty eat clean and healthy kids:)


Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe:
1850 Boyscout Drive
Fort Myers Fl.
239.332.2433
Hours: Mon- Sat. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Check it out:)

Let me start of by saying this is not a blog about food ( the picture says it all right?)

Just letting you few faithful readers ( I have a few don't I?) who enjoy the different food pictures and blogs why I haven't been out and about eating and reviewing for your enjoyment. one simple, horrible, terrible word that I've come to hate more than maybe any other word in the last 10 days ..ready?.. PNEUMONIA. ugh:/ I havent been sick in about 5 years but about 3 days after being back in NYC I started feeling horrible ( I honestly don't remember the first few days of it.. 105 degree fever, chills,cough, weakness.. I won't go into anymore detail but basically any symptom you can get with pneumonia I had). Which  needless to say put my eating out ( eating anything in general) and reviewing on a bit of a hold. Fortunatly my mom was in NY with me at the time but ended up having to be back in FL, so I flew down here to get back on my feet. I am glad to say that all my symptoms are gone after some heavy antibiotics and I'm feeling 100%  better. The worst part about it though is getting back into my workout routine. Im a pretty hardcore runner ( everyday) and it's been difficult hitting the miles and pushing and getting my strength back but I am, and am pretty much back. Just trying to rest and build back up my strength then head back to NYC. Im trying to look at the bright side of things here... Im a pusher, and honestly I sometimes push myself to much with a strenuous daily work out that I havent given myself a break from in the past 5 years basically.. this forced me to be completely down about 6 days total ( then of course I was back at the gym working to get back to normal)  a few days of couch time ( with light yoga and what not at home except the days of suffering :/ ) with really no control over my body or routine or situation. Ordered some take out ( when was able to eat) , cooked some nice meals, watched some movies with mom.  I enjoyed that part { and only that part}. Now that Pneumonia has come and gone though it is back to the normal but not without a little more appreciation for my body and health and my mom for taking such good care of me:) Alrighty so Im sure this blog was pretty boring compared to amazing food pictures but I had to let you in on what was going down lately. I should be back to reviews soon so keep looking out:). Eat Clean, live healthy friends.

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Good Enough to Eat: NYC

Strawberry Preserves 

Irish Oatmeal ( $8.00)

Multi Grain Toast

So today we did breakfast. "Good Enough to Eat" is a place on W. 83rd Street a block away from church. This place is not a total vegan place but we always pass it after church and there is ALWAYS a line outside. We got to the place around 9:45 a.m. for breakfast and their was a small line since it was early. We got seated right away since we were a party of 2. This is a cute little restaurant everything is pretty much homemade, they have a big menu with waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, oatmeal, homemade granola, you name it! As I said most of it is not vegan as the waffles and all have egg and milk but the oatmeal is vegan, the grits, bread, granola, they also offer 2 vegan tofu scrambles. The decor is cute old type country ( almost reminded me of a cracker barrel) I ordered the "Irish Steal Cut Oatmeal with Bananas and Raisins", which came with a side of Multi Grain Toast ( $8.00) I also had a side of strawberry preserves with my toast. The oatmeal was delicious thick but creamy with some soymilk, fresh bananas and raisins. The toast was thick and homemade, they give big portions (4 BIG pieces of toast), smudged with the nice fresh strawberry preserves a bite of heaven. Me and mom also split a side order of grits($3)- I've always been a fan of good, hot grits with fresh pepper on top and toast. . nothing better... and these were no exception. Some of the best grit's I've eaten! This place also offers lunch and dinner ( so many options so check out the menu online) What I love is that they have most everything as a side order so if you wanted to try a bit of everything you pretty much could! This is a great place for non vegans but they do have great options for vegans as well ( seeing as I enjoyed it:)} Eat good and eat clean:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Grits ($3.00)

Kris



Good Enough to Eat:
483 Amsterdam Avenue ( 83/84th)
212.496.0163
http://www.goodenoughtoeat.com/

Sacred Chow: NYC

Very Berry Smoothie ( $8.25)

Tempeh Reuben ($12)

So today for lunch me and the mom headed down to West Village to one of my favorites Sacred Chow. This is such a cute little college type vegan health place ( 20% discount if you bring in a student I.D.) Haven't been feeling my best so today before our amazing lunch I started off with the Very Berry Smoothie ($8.25) bananas, strawberries, and blueberries with your choice of soymilk, apple juice or coconut milk (GF) I opted for the apple juice. Let me say I know most of you are thinking $8.25 for a smoothie really?! At first glance you may think it is expensive, but i'll remind you that all of the ingredients are Organic, vegan, and sugar free. I'll also put in this note that the smoothie is nice and thick so you can easily split it, which is what we did ( so really you can cut the price in half) and at Sacred Chow everything comes in BIG portions. After this creamy amazing smoothie we decided to split the Tempeh Reuben ( $12) with chow slaw, and pickles. This sandwich was one of the most amazing things i've ever tasted here in ny. This sandwich came with roasted tempeh, sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and a russian dressing which was to die for! The coleslaw was small but flavorful so it sufficed for the meal, with a couple of lovely crunchy pickles:) We also split the Power Bowl- You can order this with multiple choices of protein, a grain, and a veggie. Today we got the soba noodles, with BBQ seitan, and broccoli. This bowl was perfect and HUGE bowl of food but left me feeling light and healthy ( like all of their food actually). I would definitely recommend trying both of these dishes if you ever hit the west village for some sacred chow. Really anything you order here you will love:) Alrighty kiddos eat healthy and keep it clean:)

Power Bowl: ($10)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris



Sacred Chow:
227 Sullivan Street
212.337.0863
http://sacredchow.com/

Quantum Leap : NYC

West Village 

Satay ($4.95) 

Vegan Grill Burger ($7.50)

So today was a fabulous food day ( not to mention the weather was significantly better here in NY). We headed down to the West Village to Quantum Leap, just about a block away from Sacred Chow. This place gave great portions for great prices. We started of with an appetizer today the "Satey"($4.95)- Skewers of bite size pieces of seitan ( a wheat protein) in a peanut satay sauce. These were delicious you get 2 skewers over a small bed of salad a great start for a delicious meal:) We decided to split today. First we ordered the "Vegans Grill Burger"($7.50)- Soy-based patty topped with grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms, served with a lovely side salad. This burger was soft and had great flavors, filling but not to much. Really great! Then we headed on a little trip to Mexico for the " Taco Ole'"( $10.50) - three vegan soft corn tacos: soy chorizo, veggie, chik'n, and seitan steak tacos. Served with refried black beans, guacamole, and tofu sour cream  ( don't knock it til you've tried it;)) a spectacular mexican healthy dish. The flavors were fabulous, and getting 3 different proteins to try made it that much better! The best thing about this place is that the prices were cheap but the food was so much bigger than the price! A great place in the west village to dine for a great healthy meal! Eat clean people:)

Taco Ole' ($10.50)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris


Quantum Leap
226 Thompson Street
212.677.8050
http://www.quantumleaprestaurant.com/

11:30 a.m. -......?

Josies: UWS NYC

Vegan Denver Scramble ($12.75)

Organic Oatmeal ($8.75)

Today we brunched before church on the Upper West not to far from home. Josies on Amsterdam Ave. This place serves organic food with a few vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...The setting inside is large for a restaurant in Manhattan, a nice calming environment. They start of coming around giving out Spelt bread with cinnamon which was pretty delicious they give you an applesauce as a topping, a good starter. Got a herbal tea to to sip on BUT these not so big glasses of tea will set you back $5 and no refills, so keep that in mind when ordering.  We ordered two things, one being the Vegan Denver Style Scramble($12.75)- organic scrambled tofu sauteed with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, vegan breakfast sausage, and a toasted whole grain english muffin with strawberry spread. This was a pretty delicious light brunch. Came out sizzling hot.. I loved the vegan sausage and muffin with the spread. We also ordered the Organic Oatmeal- sweetened with maple syrup and topped with sliced bananas, blueberries, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds($8.75) This bowl of oatmeal was everything you would want a bowl of oatmeal to be. Sweet, gooey and delicious, with a bit of crunch from the almonds. I would love to say that everything about this place was fantastic.. BUT the experience with our server today wasn't  the best. A bit of an attitude honestly which is fine because Im there for the food, that being said the food I ordered ( the scramble) I ordered with out mushrooms and it came smothered in mushrooms when I had them take it back to return it took longer to make then the original time it was ordered.. which was quite irritating. Then we were offered "some more tea, seeing that I had to wait for my order" ( which to me sounds like a refill because we had to wait) Little did we know until the check arrived we had been charged an extra $5 for another tea. So the food was delicious just know what your getting into when you go for lunch/brunch/dinner. Alrighty Eat good peeps:)

Strawberry Spread

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Josie's West:
300 Amsterdam Avenue (74th st)
212.769.1212
http://www.josiesnyc.com/

Sacred Chow/Whole Earth Bakery: NYC

Breakfast Sandwich ( $12.75)

Chocolate Crisp ( $4.00)

So this post is a little late off but lets go ahead and do it. Let me say if your looking for a great place for a weekend brunch in NYC head on over to Sacred Chow on Sullivan Street ( west 4 area).  Today for brunch I ordered the Breakfast Sandwich($12.75)- which was phenomenal! A soft soy buttermilk biscuit filled with tofu scramble & tempeh strips served with fresh fruit ( or a garden salad or steamed greans. for Gluten Free you can get a corn tortilla) Im not sure what words to use to describe this.. All I can tell you is to try it yourself - you wont be sorry. Everything was fresh, hot and delicious:)

Chocolate Blondie ( $4.00)

After this scrumptious brunch I had to head over to Whole Earth Bakery and Kitchen on St. Marks Place not to far by subway. This place is all vegan/organic/no sugar... I ordered 3 different things and tasted each ( I had to try this and put it up against Babycakes- can you even do that?!)  First I tried the Chocolate Chewy - which basically can be summed up as a Chocolate Blondie ($4.00)- It was my favorite of the 3 ordered ( doesn't touch Babycakes just let me say that) It's so hot in the city that by the time I got to a starbucks to enjoy the treats the chocolate had melted but that made it gooey and yum:)  Let me not that is one thing there really is no place to sit in this place, and no a.c. so I would take it to go. Second on the list was the Chocoalte Crispy($4). Pretty much a Chocolate Rice Crispy snack (vegan of course sans the sugar. ) It was alright a little bland.. Third was something a little more ordinary the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie($2.75) which once again was good nothing mouth watering. All in all I most likely came in pretty biased since Im a lover of Chef Brookes in Fort Myers and Babycakes here in NYC. That being said these little goodies weren't  quite as flavorful as I would have liked them to be, but still a light decadent dessert on a hot day.. Thats all for now. Eat good, green and healthy:)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie ( $2.75)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Sacred Chow:
227 Sullivan Street
212.337.0863
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
http://sacredchow.com/

Whole Earth Bakery and Kitchen:
130 Saint Marks Place ( 8th St.)
212.677.7597
info@wholeearthbakery.com
http://www.wholeearthbakery.com/

Candle Cafe: NYC

Smoked Tempeh & Grilled Veggie Sandwhich with Potatoe Salad.($14)

ah Candle Cafe is one of my favorites here in New York. Sister restaurant to Candle 79 just a few blocks away. They change there menu for the different seasons and recently added the Smoked Tempeh and Grilled Veggie Sandwhich ( $14) which was on my plate for today. This was absolutely incredible. Grilled tempeh, zucchini, roasted red pepper, arugula, and sundried tomato pesto on mixed grain bread served with basil aioli and potato salad ( woo all in one sentence!) A thick sandwhich with the freshest veggies to bite into with the creamy aioli to let it melt in your mouth. Amazing - If you ever go there order this- you wont be sorry! The potato salad was also yumo thick soft potatoes with some chopped veggies that made it crunchy. All in all a fantastic meal at Candle. You never let me down:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Candle Cafe:

1307 3rd Ave (74/75)

(212) 472-0970

11:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m. 

http://candlecafe.com/

Cafe Blossom: NYC

So life has brought me back to the big apple for a bit.. who knows exactly how long...eventually plan on heading back out to LA but a couple of great internship opportunities have come up here so I'll be doing that along with school and OF COURSE blogging about some amazing vegan food. I plan on doing more of NYC and lots of the east coast since those trains are so handy:) enough blabbing I'll go ahead and give you what you want. that delicious food review right? ;)

My mom is up here which is always so much more fun ( someone to enjoy a good meal with and we split) . Today was a Cafe Blossom day. right on Columbus Ave. on the upper west not far from the new apartment. but let me say with this heat it seemed MUCH further honestly, has NYC ever been so hot??!

We started of with two nice cooling ginseng teas- which quickly took the body temps. down thank God.

Sweet Potato Autumn Rolls ( $11)

Red Quinoa Salad ($12)

TOFU BLT ($13)

Then we ordered the Autumn Sweet Potato Rolls($11) as an appetizer - this is a raw and gluten free appetizer if that tickles your fancy;) These little rolls were filled with coconut noodles, jicama, carrot, red and yellow pepper, scallion, avocado, served along with an almond ginger dipping sauce. These were nice and refreshing but I can't say that I would order them again. They serve better almost as a palate cleanser maybe between a course if you will. They were not bad by any means it was just as if I was eating cut up veggies with not to much spice. Kudos to Cafe Blossom for offering a Raw and Gluten Free dish though:) Then we split the Tofu BLT($13) which was simply delicious. A big sandwich ( so you can split and feel content after your meal) but also light. A big piece of grilled tofu, tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a basil mayo. All of the sandwiches come with either french fries, sweet potato fries, or a house salad. You can substitute for steamed or sauteed greens ($2) which is just what we did - love the greens:) This was great just what we needed on a hot day.. Im not sure the exact kind of bread it is served on but its fantastic! Im also a big fan of vegan sauces and different aiolis. This tomato basil mayo was light and creamy and delicious ( side note: My favorite vegan sauce is the Tempeh Reuben Sauce at Chef Brookes in Fort Myers- I would drink that really. ). We also split the Red Quinoa Salad ($12) this was served with red quinoa, black beans, julienne peppers, watercress, toasted seeds, mango guacamole, and a lemon vinaigrette. This was a cooling salad ( which once again works perfect for a hot summer day in the city) light and fluffy quinoa but a little crunch with the seeds and beans. Very light and another great GF option. All in all a delicious lunch at Cafe Blossom. If your ever hanging around the upper west side I'd recommend stopping in for a quick healthy lunch or maybe a smoothie to cool down:).

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

Cafe Blossom
466 Columbus Avenue
New York NY.
212-875-2600
http://www.blossomnyc.com/

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe.: Before you read just look at the picture and enjoy its beauty:)

Today and everyday since I've been in Fort Myers for a visit I've gone to my favorite cafe:) Had some amazing food and great desserts of course. Today Chef Brooke out did herself ( once again) . She made me a special Goodbye for now cake.. As if the picture doesn't say enough I'll tell you what it consisted of. Vegan of course.. Pineapple, Raspberry, Goji Berries, topped off with a vegan Chocolate Sauce.. I think this cake was the most amazing thing I've ever put in my mouth- but I wouldn't put it past Chef Brooke to surprise my mouth again next time I visit. This simply melts in your mouth but has a little chew with the pineapple and then the gooey raspberries and chocolate. absolutely perfect. I have to be honest I've tasted some amazing vegan food in many different places and nothing compares to this cake of perfection. Chef Brooke puts so much work and love into everything she bakes and cooks. One of the most kind hearted people I know and Im glad to call her a friend. The fact that her food is amazing makes it all that much better. :)


Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,
Kris




Chef Brookes Natural Cafe
1850 Boy Scout Drive
Ft Myers Fl.
(239) 332-2433




Visit her Website: chefbrookeonline.com

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe: Ft. Myers FL.

SO, It's been a while since my last post/review. I've been in Fort Myers (visiting the family/friends) for a bit trying to figure out some things make some decisions about my life. Kind of a vacation. Now I have to say that when you first glance at Fort Myers you expect to find no delicious vegan healthy food, thats only if you don't know Chef Brooke. The previous chef at Adas Cafe ( closed down) she's opened her own cafe. "Chef Brookes Organic Cafe" She offers amazing vegan food from tempeh, tofu egg salad, hummus, salads, sandwhiches, wraps, you name it she has it! She also caters to some meat eaters with healthy dishes like chicken stir fry. curry chicken salad, and an amazing variety of soups everyday! On top of all of that healthy food she offers a case of baked goods, with desserts suitable for gluten free eaters, vegans, sugar free, or the people who want the full sugar savory desserts. She also makes fresh juices, and smoothies! Her food is beautiful much like a work of art ( almost to good to eat...almost;)} Rest assured a visit to Brookes and your stomach will be forever happy! For my review today I couldn't possibly review all of the amazing food I've tasted from Brooke over the years so Ill start of with "Raw Hummus" - I have no idea what she puts in this stuff but its addictive, this has to be the most amazing hummus I've ever eaten. Don't let the "raw" scare you into not trying this! She also has a bit of south of the border cooking- which is what I call her "Tempeh Burrito" Filled with Veggies, Pinto Beans, a side of Vegan Sour Cream what else could you ask for. She also puts some of her delicious vegan cole slaw and potato salad to finish you off!. The thing I love about the food I eat at Brookes is that it is clean, light, and so healthy for you. Dessert for me was the Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffin, and as if it wasn't already delicious enough my great friend Brooke poured hot Vegan Chocolate Sauce on top. YUM. Nothing better than Pumpkin and Chocolate is there? So if you ever find yourself wandering the streets of fort myers looking for a healthy organic cafe.. Def. stop at:

Chef Brookes Natural Cafe

1850 Boy Scout Drive

Fort Myers, FL 33907-2127

(239)332-2433

. Friend her on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Myers-FL/Chef-Brookes-Natural-Cafe/94844851162

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

KRIS

Real Food Daily: WeHo CA.

or simply "The Caesar Wrap" - that was my meal of choice today at RFD. After my long trek from Wilshire to La Cienega Blvd ( where RFD is located). The Caesar wrap is pretty self explanatory I guess.. It comes with romaine lettuce, dressing, and blackened tempeh wrapped in a spinach tortilla. I got a side of potato salad with mine and some BBQ sauce because everything taste better with RFD BBQ sauce on it:) So all in all this was a nice meal. Great for a hot day because it comes cold.. Delicious like everything at RFD:)

Peace, Love, and Vegan Food,

Kris

www.realfood.com