Some Reasonably Priced Wholesome Meal Options in NYC

When we planned our trip to New York City, I researched restaurants.  Prior to traveling, I try to google "Vegan Restaurants" and whatever local I plan to visit.   Most restaurants that provide vegan options offer wholesome, healthy food, though occasionally there are exceptions.  I check out the menus ahead of time, generally, so I can make a choice that sounds both interesting and nutritious.

This time, I utilized Happy Cow http://www.happycow.net/.  It is a searchable database for vegetarian and vegan restaurants and natural food stores that provides information for spots around the world.  I also noted restaurants that were recommended by acquaintances who had been to or frequent restaurants in New York City.  I noted the names and addresses of the restaurants that were in the vicinity of where I would be meeting a group of friends from college (and their families).  Happy Cow even had the option of looking at a map, to assist in picking out the most convenient spots.

That day, I turned my list over to a friend who made the final call.  The restaurant  he chose, Le Pain Quotidienne, http://www.lepainquotidien.com/, located at 922 7th Avenue, right on the outskirts of Central Park, seemed like it would be an ideal local and had food that would please both the small group of vegans, as well as the carnivores and pescetarians (vegetarians who also eat seafood) in our party.

The ordering process was simplified, as all vegan (made up of completely plant derived ingredients / no animal products) items had (v) after them on the menu.  I ordered most of them for myself and the girls to try! My favorite entree was The Six Vegetable Quiche.  The serving size was small, but the flavor was excellent.  It was served with a small side salad.  We also shared a Mediterranean Plate which came with an assortment of their baked breads, hummus, babaganoush, and quinoa tabouleh.  That was pretty standard, and the quinoa tabouleh  seemed more like cold quinoa, rather than tablouleh, as the absence of the parsley and tomato, or enough to be visible was obvious.  But it was interesting, and fresh bread is a drawing point.

For the road, we grabbed a couple of  Seasonal Cannelé (v).  They were moist and delicious, a bit like a sweet wet muffin.  I think they and the quiche were memorable.  I would recommend this restaurant and if you click on their link, you will see that they have locations across the country, as well as across the world.  So  wherever you are, consider dining at Le Pain Quotidienne.  The atmosphere was comfortable, the ingredients fresh and mostly organic,  and the offerings likely have something to please every palate!

So to hear the rest of our dining experience in New York, check back tomorrow!