Wednesday, May 27, 2009

eating my way through nyc

Architectural ornaments as seen from the fire escape of our small, boutique hotel room.

I usually day-trip to New York, since it's so close. But last weekend, I spent an impromptu, much-needed overnight in the Big Apple. Changing the view every once in a while is so life-affirming. I was blessed with gorgeous weather.


I lunched on these pan-fried veggie dumplings at a Korean hole-in-the-wall restaurant across from the hotel. Sublime – and just $1.99.



As I wandered through Little Italy, I happened upon the annual St. Anthony parade and festival.


It reminded me of the block parties that churches in my home town threw each year.


Street vendors, food stalls, kiddie rides and swarms of people took it all in.


All that good, clean fun made me hungry so I headed to Zezra, a sweet little Moroccan restaurant on curry row in the East Village. I started with Moroccan Lentil Soup, followed by this mezze plate. It featured 3 dips: baba ganouj, bakoula [spinach and herbs, sort of like a North African saag] and matbucha [a tomato and red-pepper spread]. Please excuse the grainy photos. I love my iPhone but I'm not crazy about its camera, especially on indoor shots.


I cleansed my palette with a post-dinner pot of fresh mint tea.


The next day, I lunched at S'Nice in Brooklyn. It's a cheerful, sunny neighborhood joint with wall to ceiling windows and a patio for outdoor seating.


I ordered the smoked tofu, sun-dried tomato, and pesto panino – a classic flavor triple play. It was served on some of the best bread I've ever tasted. [I have to remember to try out this combination on my new panini press.]


Time to hydrate again, this time with a strawberry bubble drink at a little sweet shop in Chinatown.



I'll leave you with a few more shots from the hotel fire escape. Looking west toward Union Square...


Another view of the architectural details. How much we miss by staring straight ahead.


I love how the mature trees reach up to tickle the toes of the fire escapes.

25 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Wonderful photo essay, as always. I'll be in NYC next month, so I appreciate you sharing your "dining hotspots" :-)

Andrea said...

I miss those little trips to NY that were possible when we lived in Phila. It was fun to live vicariously for a few moments through your great photo story.

Vegan_Noodle said...

What a fabulous weekend getaway! I wish I was that close to NYC and all those fine dining, hydrating, and dehydrating spots!

mamapasta said...

it sounds so easy to eat vegan in NYC! Thank you , I just travel without any jet-lag in your posts; and I love it!

Tami said...

It's always so cool when you happen upon things you don't expect on a trip...like that festival. So cool!

You sure know how to dine and hydrate well. Sour apple, yum!

Christo Gonzales said...

what? NYC and I didnt know...give me a heads up next time - dont worry I can whip up some kosher vegan food too ya know...(I threw the kosher in there for fun) It was great weather for sure!

buffalodick said...

I really think NYC is becoming a bigger travel destination than ever...

katie said...

great choice on the pesto panini at S'Nice! I live in Brooklyn and that sandwich has recently become my favorite. Glad you had a nice visit!

Theresa said...

What a lovely little weekend away!

Amy said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time! Fantastic NY eats! Yum!!

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

Sounds like a great day! I always love NYC.

Susan G said...

Great photos! We live so close to Manhattan and so rarely go. You have motivated me to make a trip in before we move to Chicago.

East Village Vegan said...

Beautiful photos of the architecture on the facade of the hotel. That's why I enjoy reading your blog because you always include great scenic photos in addition to your tasty creations. Btw, never tried the place on 6th st...so thanks for the tip.

Unknown said...

You really need to go to Veg Paradise 2 or Red Bamboo.

Carrie™ said...

I'd love to visit NYC. I've never been. :o(
All of the food shots look delicious, especially that sandwich. Yes, please try it out in the panini press and then blog about it. Your drinks, especially the acai tonic and hibiscus iced tea, look so refreshing. I'd love to experience one of those Italian parades & festivals. Makes me think of the Godfather movies. ;o)

aTxVegn said...

You make me wish I wasn't 3000 miles from NY!

tavolini said...

Very cool!! A weekend in New York sounds like the ticket :)

I love it when you happen onto random parades!

MeloMeals said...

What fun!

urban vegan said...

Yell, I've been to Red Bamboo. I get a little sick of the mock meat.

Tanya Kristine said...

so lucky. i wish i could go to new york. that panini DID look awesome.

Anonymous said...

Can I ask which hotel you stayed at? It looks like a great location and we're always looking for neat boutique hotels to stay at in NYC...

Alana K-K said...

where is this magical korean dumpling place!? I just went vegetarian and have been moping over losing my $1/5dumplings spot!

beezneez said...

I recommend Kyotofu in midtown. I would love to know what hotel you stayed at near Union Square. Have you been to Republic on Union Square?

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