Dining In - American Flatbread Vegan Harvest Pizza

Vegan Harvest Pizza - American Flatbread

I picked up this frozen pizza at Organic Basic Food in Hoboken, NJ, but I'm sure they are available in other grocery stores (in fact, here is the American Flatbread Product Locator so you can check it out yourself). I wanted something quick, but still tasty and a little bit indulgent and while I didn't plan to eat the entire pizza... I did. Indulgent? Check! This pizza reminded me of Naked Pizza (which sadly seem to be closing quite rapidly, including the two Boston locations). It had a nice thin crust, tomato sauce, seasonings, and a generous amount of Daiya cheese.

This was very easy to prepare. All you have to do is preheat the oven to 425 degrees and put the pizza on the rack (no pan needed) for about 6-8 minutes until crispy. It's a thin crust so it will crisp up, which I loved since the frozen pizzas I remember had thicker crusts that were soft or soggy when done. Try not to eat the whole thing like I mistakenly did, but do know that if that happens, stay calm. Here's the overall damage - 520 calories and 18g fat, not good, but not awful for a whole pizza. 

Check out the American Flatbread website for more details on this vegan-friendly variety!

Dining Out in New York City - 'sNice

Curried Cauliflower Wrap - 'sNice

This artsy, hipster cafe that feels more like a relaxed coffee shop, devotes a majority of its menu to vegan food. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, baked goods, and coffee. Though the staff isn't overly friendly, I found it to be an otherwise pleasant dining experience. This is a good spot if you're looking for a more laid back, quiet atmosphere to grab a cup of coffee and a delicious vegan meal. It's like a Starbucks (I'm sure they would hate to hear that) in that a number of people had "set up camp" with their laptops at the larger communal tables. 

Smoked Tempeh Wrap - 'sNice

When I went to the West Village location for the first time, I ordered a wrap to go - the Smoked Tempeh Wrap. It's a favorite on Yelp and I agree with the positive comments. With a generous portion size you get smoked tempeh, with avocado, mixed greens, cilantro, tomatoes, and a spicy, creamy chipotle dressing (which I didn't find to be that spicy) bundled up in a whole wheat wrap. I wolfed this down in a matter of minutes! I loved the hearty, filling tempeh and the creamy dressing and avocado worked well to compliment the spice. When you dine in they serve the wraps with a small side salad and dressing, which is a nice touch. I went back with my friend a few days later. We ordered the Curried Cauliflower Wrap with chickpeas, brown rice and mango chutney and the Bueno Burrito Wrap with black beans, rice, avocado, tomatoes, salsa verde, and salsa rojo. My friend enjoyed the Bueno Burrito, but commented that it was pretty darn spicy. The Curried Cauliflower had great, fresh flavor while still being mild. Again, you get a large serving so it will definitely fill you up. I've heard good things about the vegan baked goods, but haven't tried them yet. I'm sure it won't take me long! I'm also excited to try a few other vegan entrees on the menu - the Meatball Sub with vegan cheese, and the Vegan Panini with smoked tofu. 

Bueno Burrito - 'sNice

'sNice has 3 locations throughout the city

'sNice Website

'sNice

45 8th Avenue

New York, NY 10014

150 Sullivan Street

New York, NY 10012

315 5th Avenue (at 3rd Street)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Dining Out in New York City - Blossom Du Jour

Un-Chicken Avocado Griller - Blossom Du Jour

Midtown Melt - Blossom Du Jour

Blossom Bean Burger - Blossom Du Jour

I came here the day I officially moved to the city, in the midst of running around looking at apartments with my boyfriend. We were starving and needed a quick bite - this is a great spot for that since it's small, with minimal bar stool seating, but quick. I've been to the original Blossom Restaurant, which is a fine dining experience, but having just as delicious vegan fast food at your fingertips is so refreshing coming from a city where you have to search high and low for a good vegan meal! No offense, Boston.

I asked the staff for a recommendation and they suggested the Midtown Melt, which seemed to be a popular choice since the other customers who ordered after me got the same thing. My boyfriend went for the Blossom Bean Burger.

I loved my sandwich - Midtown Melt is made with Cajun spiced seitan, vegan cheese, agave guacamole, lettuce, and chipotle alioli served on a focaccia-style square bread. The Blossom Bean Burger is a house-made burger with tomato, guacamole, and lettuce. 

I enjoyed my meal so much I went back for more the next day, and ordered another staff suggestion - the Un-Chicken Avocado Griller. This one was equally as tasty. It was served cold vs. hot like the Midtown Melt. It comes with grilled rosemary lemon mock chicken, avocado, vegan pesto mayo, and lettuce, on the same bread as the Midtown Melt. 

The sandwiches are on the pricier end for what they're calling "shrewd fast food" so I won't be visiting everyday, but it's nice to know there are quality vegan sandwiches located throughout the city. If you're in a rush you can pick up pre-made wraps, side dishes and salads from the cooler. They also sell their own juices. 

Blossom Du Jour (BDJ, for short) Locations
BDJ Website

BDJ Chelsea (Flagship Location)

259 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

BDJ Midtown West
617 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10036

BDJ Upper West Side
165 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10023

Dining Out in New York City - The Cinnamon Snail

Maple Mustard Tempeh Sandwich - The Cinnamon Snail

The Cinnamon Snail Menu

Cinnamon Snail, I'm so glad I found you! I hunted you down (no vegan pun intended) on 48th Street & 6th Avenue and was immediately delighted by the glass display of vegan pastries, quoting their website, "Our donuts and pastries are too many and change too often to mention here. Swing by the truck to be strait up baffled by the overwhelming tidal wave of vegan pastries in front of you!" I then saw the full and varied menu offering breakfast items from burritos to pancakes, and a generous list of sandwiches, burgers, and beverages. I was lucky to come by on a day that the truck had almost no line, because I've heard quite the crowd forms during lunch hour. My food was ready quicker than I expected.

Vegan Donuts & Pastries - Cinnamon Snail

For lunch I ordered the Yelp fan favorite Maple Mustard Tempeh Sandwich, served with kale, onion, tomato, and garlic alioli. The sandwich was delicious and filling, a meal I would order again. I do wish it was served differently though. It was packed with fillings and started to fall apart between the thin slices of untoasted bread. Serving this as a wrap might do the trick. I thought the price was fair at $8 (it is organic, vegan, and in NYC after all). Also with help from the Yelp reviews, I picked up a Vanilla Bourbon Crème Brûlée Donut. This was the best damn donut I've ever had, vegan and non-vegan. Yum yum yum! It was moist, fluffy, creamy, with a sugar crust on top. I ate this as slowly as I could so I could savor every last bite! It was heavenly and sinful at the same time. It's certainly not something I could eat at every meal (though I wish I could get away with that). 

Vanilla Bourbon Crème Brûlée Donut - The Cinnamon Snail

To track down The Cinnamon Snail truck (which is what I will now be doing on a regular basis) check out their Facebook or Twitter pages, links below. For more information on the guy behind this successful food truck, read this recent VegNews interview.

Cinnamon Snail

Find Locations throughout NYC and NJ on Facebook and Twitter

Cinnamon Snail Website

I'm Moving! - Boston to New York City

I have an exciting update to share! I'm officially moving from beautiful BOSTON to the bustling NEW YORK CITY. As you can imagine the food options alone have me overwhelmed. It's a city I've always wanted to live in and thankfully I was able to find a job opportunity that will enable me to make the move. The amount of cooking I will be doing will be slightly reduced due to lack of kitchen tools and appliances (luckily I will still have an oven!). Expect to find many more posts on restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and products. I am so grateful to have the chance to explore this amazing city.

Goodbye Boston!

 Hello, New York City!

Vegan-Friendly Places I have visited so far (blog posts coming soon, as I revisit them!):
Terri
Candle 79
Blossom Du Jour
Blossom
Babycakes
Red Bamboo

Vegan-Friendly Places I can't wait to try:
Lula's Sweet Apothecary
Dunwell Donuts
Dirt Candy
Angelica Kitchen (Crossed off the list! See my post here)
Pure Food & Wine


If you have any recommendations to add to my list, please let me know!

Dining In - Marinated Kale Salad

Marinated Kale Salad - The Chalkboard Mag

Here was yet another fabulous find on Pinterest. This was a simple and delicious salad. Anytime I can prepare raw kale and make it taste this good it's a win! It reminded me of the Green Goddess dish from Life Alive, but without the creamy dressing. It is wholesome, flavorful, filling, and gluten-free. It got the stamp of approval from the non-vegan boyfriend, as well! This would work well as a lunch or served as a side dish for dinner. You can find the full recipe online at The Chalkboard Mag

I'll be making this again!



1 bunch kale, torn or chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 avocado, sliced
2 lemons, juiced
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt (I recommend reducing this slightly)
2 cups brown rice, cooked (I use Trader Joe's frozen variety)
1/2 cup almonds, toasted, chopped or sliced


Put all ingredients into a large bowl, except for the almonds. Toss together until evenly distributed. When serving, top with the toasted almonds. 

That's it! How easy was that?