Category: FOODIE

Meg’s Favorite Things: Vegan Restaurants in New York City

I love a good culinary experience!  I find vegan food to be so inventive and delicious, and further accentuated by the atmosphere and service wherever I am dining.  Here are my top picks and what you should absolutely order!

 

Planta – New York | PLANTA in the US and Canada

My favs: Everything here is so good! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But my must have’s are the Torched and Pressed, Crispy Rice, Potato Truffle Dumplings and Udon Noodles.

 

Willow – Vegan Restaurant Chelsea NYC – Dine In, Delivery, Takeout | Willow

My favs: MUST get the Mac and ‘Cheese’. It is legit the best, vegan or non-vegan. Also, don’t skip the Chef’s Cookie Skillet.

 

Coletta- Vegan & Kosher Italian Restaurant Gramercy, NYC – Coletta

My favs: You have to start with the Olive and Rosemary Bread! Don’t forget the Potato Pizza and Eggplant Lasagna. Chef Guy Vaknin is changing the face of vegan dining in NYC! He owns Coletta, as well as Willow, Anixi and Beyond Sushi. 

 

I also have to mention, Chef Mario Buccellati who is working with Chef Guy Vaknin and is making a big splash on the NYC vegan scene!

 

LadyBird- Ladybird – Vegan Tapas & Wine Bar | NYC | East Village — Overthrow Hospitality | Vegan Dining | New York City

My favs: The brunch vibe is on point!  Get the whipped coffee and the Matcha waffles!

 

Delice & Sarrasin- Delice & Sarrasin

My favs: I love the ‘cheese platter’ and highly recommend the Galettes Gourmandes (especially the La Paysanne).

 

The Butcher’s Daughter- https://www.thebutchersdaughter.com

My favs: I love the cold-pressed juice flights. Add some bubbly to them if you’re in the mood. Then order the loaded banana bread and the Butcher’s Bowl with Tofu scramble.

 

Double Zero- https://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com/double-zero

My favs: Everything Chef Matthew Kenney does is my favorite!  You will be hard-pressed to find a better vegan chef and his many restaurants prove it.  He put potato pizza on the map and I adore his Cacio e pepe.

 

P.S. Kitchen- P.S. Kitchen

My favs: The Chicken Pot Pie is a must. I also love the Homemade Lasagna and Beyond Burrito.

 

Le Botantiste- Le Botaniste | Food and Wine Bar | Plant-based Organic | NYC

My favs: The Pasta Bolo. Also the Spicy Chili Sin Carne, which came highly recommended and did not disappoint!

 

Hangawi- http://hangawirestaurant.com

My favs: My friend Jenny introduced me to this spot. My top picks would be the Black Truffle Dumpling and Vermicelli Delight

Meg’s Favorite Things: Vegan Ice cream Edition

Beat the heat!  It’s not summer unless you have a sweet treat to cool off.  Whether you are vegan, dairy-free, or just want to try something new, you will love my favorite frozen treats!  Looking for a base of almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, macadamia nut milk, coconut milk, or even avocado or pea protein? I have you covered!  Countless delicious flavors to choose from, and everything from a scoop to a bar to a bite.  Read on to explore all the options.

Oak Park, Illinois & Andrea Bocelli

Oak Park, Illinois is one of my favorite places to visit.  Located right outside of Chicago it was designed for families that want that city feel without actually living in the city.  Oak Park has been home to some influential people, including Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright; In fact, you will find many of his home designs here.  Downtown Oak Park is full of shops and restaurants and hosts countless community activities year-round.  I made the trip with my mom and niece to see Andrea Bocelli, but we took full advantage of the area while we were there and so I want to share with you the places we stayed, dined, and shopped along the way. Read more


 

Meg’s Favorites: Vegan Chocolate

Calling all chocolate lovers!  Chocolate is one of my favorite small pleasures and I have been so happy with the vegan options I have found, that even non-vegans will love!  Whether you enjoy chocolate by itself, with a glass of wine, on a tasting board, or with fresh berries I have some great options for you to try that you may not have heard of before.  Grab some of my selections and host a chocolate tasting for friends, give as gifts, or just to enjoy yourself while curled up with a good book or a new movie.  Here we go…. Read more

Wine Pairings with Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa is one of my favorite wine makers.  I love visiting their authentically-styled 13th century Tuscan castle winery in the Napa Valley (highly suggest going for a tasting experience if you are in the area).  Fortunately, if you aren’t planning a trip (or lucky enough to live nearby) you can also enjoy their selections at home!

I just stocked up on some of my favorites so I thought I would share with you how I like to serve them for my guests with some delicious pairings. Read more