Healthful Eating...in the big city and beyond.

      Those of you that know me personally, know that I'm a high raw food vegan.   I've been actively practicing the lifestyle for nearly 7 years.   So that should tell you why all the places I mention are predominately Vegan and Raw not to mention Organic.   However, I do eat some cooked food occasionally- particularly during the winter time or when traveling and raw organic food is not as accessible.

In New York City:

Juice Press*- (numerous locations but my fav is UES at 63rd street and lexington Ave) Best raw, organic, norwalk pressed juice bar by far!!!! I did a 30 day juice fast with them a year ago with great results.  They have a huge selection of fresh all organic juices along with several food options including salads, soups, puddings, sushi, raw pies, and chocolates.   Also all is easily packaged to pick and take with you.  www.juicepress.com

Organic Avenue*- (various locations but I like UWS location best) They have a come a long way since their first store on Stanton St that since has relocated.  Everything is raw, vegan, and organic.  So of course no soy or gluten! Now with locations all over the city and a large following with their Love Cleanses your sure to become addicted.  My favs are the Big Arugula Salad w/cheese, Morroccan beet salad, Dandelion kale Salad, Green Coco Juice, and Green Love juice.   Take out friendly.  www.organicavenue.com

Pure Food and Wine*-(125 East 17th street and Irving Place)   If you want atmosphere and top notch organic and gourmet raw cuisine then look no further than Pure.   They have an extensive organic wine list and hippest mixed drinks.   The cuisine changes frequently with a few permanent staples like their raw lasagna.   Definitely save room for dessert because your jaw will drop and what these chefs can create without using gluten, dairy, eggs, or animal products.  www.purefoodandwine.com  CLOSED AS OF FEBRUARY 2015 For more info: http://gothamist.com/2015/01/13/pure_food_and_wine_walkout.php

R.I.P. One Lucky Duck..all vegan, sugar free, gluten free, and raw desserts.

One Lucky Duck*- (125 East 17th street passed the corner bar and also located at Chelsea Market)   This is the juice bar side to Pure Food and Wine.  I frequent this place as I love their salads and decadent desserts.   All of which is organic, raw, vegan, and gluten free. Not to mention the fact that they are open late which is a big plus for health fanatics like myself.   My top picks would be the S&M salad, Falafel Salad, moon pie, tiramisu, and mint sundae. www.oneluckyduck.com CLOSED AS OF FEBRUARY 2015 see above link for more info. 

The Squeeze- (Wagon parked outside of Union Square in front of HSBC bank) What started as a small company making mostly raw organic food and selling out of Organic Avenue soon branched out and became the first raw vegan truck to park outside of Union Square and sell their goodies.   I love their green juices, onion rings, and walnut artichoke brushetta.  www.thesqueezejuice.com

Gingersnaps Organic- (113 West 10th St NY, NY).  This is the newest of the organic raw cafe's in new york city. But it quickly became popular.  Everything is organic, raw, vegan, and gluten free.  Additionally they use minimal nuts in their cuisine.  My top picks would be the sunflower caeasar, portabello rueben wrap, and Ramen noodles.  Keep in mind their portions are quite a bit smaller than other places so you might consider ordering more than one entree or adding a side salad to fill you up if you're used to larger portions. www.gingersnapsorganic.com

Peacefood Cafe*- (460 Amsterdam Ave at 82nd street) Although almost entirely a cooked vegan food menu.  There are a couple raw food options available.  With that said, nothing is organic here so don't be surprised if you prefer the taste of their cooked fare.  Particularly addictive is the peace bowl where you get your selection of 3 vegetables like kale, pumpkin, eggplant, bok choy, or brussel sprouts.  And definitely don't forget to order yourself a plate of chickpea fries- these are sooooo yummy and super filling!  If you plan to try a juice go for the Asian roots which is a blend of sweet potato, daikon radish, apple, and gingerroot. www.peacefoodcafe.com

ABC Kitchen- (35 E 18th Street)-  Not vegan but famed Chef Jean-Georges is doing something right using all organic and local ingredients as much as possible.  Not to mention the atmosphere is super cool with all the sustainable interior design accents.   When I first went there I ordered a bunch of vegetable sides since the main entrees where mainly geared towards meat eaters.  I couldn't believe how brussel sprouts could taste heavenly but however they prepared them they did.  And definitely try out their chocolate mint sorbet.  www.abckitchennyc.com

Quintessence- (263 E 10th Street (b/t 1st and ave A)-  One of the longest standing raw food restaurants in new york city.  It definitely is a main stay place for many especially folks in the lower east side borough of manhattan.  They have diversified their menu a lot in the last few years- reducing their use of nuts/agave and adding some cooked food to their menu.  Ironically, I have found in past years I much prefered their cooked food to their raw food dishes.  But they change their menu frequently so there is sure to be something to satisfy your taste buds.  www.raw-q.com

Jennifer's Way Bakery 

Caravan of Dreams-  (405 E 6th Street).  A nice restaurant in lower east side with a large dining area and live music.  All vegan and organic (although I did hear through the grapevine that they're not using all organic cuisine as they claim to be...but I don't have proof)  They do have a nice wine list as well as raw and cooked options alike.  www.caravanofdreams.net

Jennifer's Way (263 E. 10th street between 1st ave and Ave A)- Hands down- THE BEST VEGAN GLUTEN FREE BAKERY AROUND!!!  Created by famous actress Jennifer Esposito.  This little bakery located across from the Russian Turkish Baths and next to Quintessence is surely going to be your new favorite spot.  Everything from scones, muffins, and bread with a wide variety of daily flavors.  I have yet to succeed in saving a slice of bread for the next morning.  www.JennifersWayBakery.com

Pala Pizza- (198 Allen Street) -  If you're anything like me, you grew up enjoying pizza with your favorite toppings while watching a great film.  Until the last few years, going vegan and gluten free meant giving up all the comfort foods of our childhood years.   But thanks to the surge of healthy eating popping up not to mention more and more people becoming gluten sensitive, Pala Pizza listened and managed to create tasty, savory, and more importantly vegan and gluten free pizza.  As well as delicious traditional pizza with cheese, meat and all the goodies you so desire.  A more upscale italian dining atmosphere with dim lighting and perfect wine pairing its sure to be your new favorite date spot.   www.palapizza.com

HanGawi-  (12 E 32nd street) This Korean vegan restaurant situated not far from the flat-iron district has an intimate decor.  Come prepared to take your shoes off upon entering and site on the floor to dine here.  The food is delicious, simple, and elegantly presented.  I enjoyed their gluten free kale pancakes and gluten free vegan bibimap bowl.   www.hangawirestaurant.com 

Rockin Raw- (171 Sullivan St. b/t Houston & Bleecker St.)- A raw food cuisine that originally started out in Brooklyn with a new orleans flare- they since transitioned out of that and got their desserts picked up by Organic Avenue and Live Live.  Their restaurant now is small and quaint but the food is delicious.   All raw and organic.  They do use oats in some recipes.  So even though they claim to be gluten free take care when ordering in case you are still sensitive.  My top picks would be the rawboy sandwich, cinnabon, cheesy burrito, and "crabcakes," or carrot cake. www.rockinraw.com

Angelica's Kitchen- (300 E 12th street) One of the longest running vegan restaurants around in new york city.  It also happened to be one of the first vegan restaurants I ever ate at.  Nearly everything served is organically sourced.  And they have a wide variety of gluten free and sugar free options.   Their cuisine is simple yet flavorful.   If you ever find yourself dining alone- have no fear they have a community table where you will quickly make new friends.  www.angelicakitchen.com

Lulu's Apothecary Ice Cream Sundae

Lulu's Sweet Apothecary- (516 E 6th street).  A completely vegan and soy free ice cream parlor that uses cashews to make their ice cream.  They offer a huge selection of flavors and even make a vegan whipped cream!  They are not low glycemic however as they use cane juice or maple syrup to sweeten their ice cream.  But don't let that stop you from going. www.lulussweetapothecary.com

Candle 79 (154 East 79th street) - Fine Vegan Dining at its best in the Upper East Side.  It has a completely stocked bar with organic wines and beers and a delicious array of vegan dishes for both the gluten free and traditional vegan connoisseur.  I particularly liked the morroccan spiced chickpea cakes and mexican chocolate brownie for dessert.  www.candle79.com 

Candle Cafe- (1307 3rd Ave or 2427 Broadway).  A long and running vegan cafe that is the sister to Candle 79.  Almost everything is organic.  They take a more traditional approach to vegan fare- using a lot of soy products unlike their raw vegan counterparts.  www.candlecafe.com

Maoz Vegetarian- (various locations in NYC but I've visited Union Square location)  Originally opened in Amsterdam.  This place took on NYC with great success.  They have a nice selection of vegan and gluten free veggie options to accompany the falafel which is far more tasty and fresh then Moshe's one of their competitors.   Also they're open quite late which is another benefit.  www.maozusa.com

Terri's- 60 west 23rd st-  Located right next to new york city health and racquet club.  This cafe is a great quick stop for roasted veggie sandwiches and raw salads.   Quite a bit of the food is organic.  Although not raw- I love their chickpea tuna melt and portabello pesto sandwiches which I order with gluten free tortilla wrap.   The spinach salad is also not bad.   I would recommend people to steer away from soy protein based dishes as most soy is GMO and stick to more veggie based options.  Also worth noting- they keep a good stock of my fav raw organic coconut water from exotic superfoods and sell cheaper than their competition.   www.terrinyc.com

Souen 28 East 13th street (b/t university place and 5th ave)- A popular organic macrobiotic restaurant located not far from union square.  The macrobiotic lifestyle is eating a balance plate of grain/veggie foods that are in season and more locally sourced.  I recommend the macro plate so you can choose several veggies that are lightly cooked, beans, grain, and your choice of dressing.   www.souen.net

Blossom Du Juor- (multiple locations) This vegan cafe is an extension of the Blossom Restaurants here in new york city. A great fast food vegan spot with gluten free options as well.  My favs are the faux tuna salad, beet burger, and vegan quesdilla.  www.blossomdujour.com 

Seasoned Vegan (55 St. Nicholas Ave) - One of the few vegan spots that exists up uptown.   This cute Mom/Son owned and operated restaurant is sure to make you want to eat your veggies.  The menu has a selection of both raw vegan items such as raw nori rolls, kale salad, and vegan mac.  As well as some one of a kind soul food items using soy protein as the base like "crawfish" in garlic basil sauce.  www.seasonedvegan.com

SweetGreen- With locations now all over the DC metro area, NYC, and other metropolitan areas. This place is definitely not your typical salad bar spot.  They work with local farmers to bring fresh in season produce and animal products that are free of hormones and antibiotics to serve you at an unbeatable price.  They also take the step of labeling which items are gluten free and vegan to make for easier pickings. You can choose one of their custom made salad options or build your own.  Its worth noting I have yet to try out the new york city location but thought it was worth noting.  www.sweetgreen.com 

The Green Radish Truck

The Green Radish (check facebook for location status)- A Vegan Organic food truck parked right in the heart of midtown.  James Gaffearty a classically trained food chef wanted to bring delicious organic vegan cuisine to more people.  Checkout the McChickpea burger, the TLT (tempeh, lettuce, tomato), and the black bean burger. www.thegreenradish.com

Outside of New York City:

Khepra's Raw Food Juice Bar- (402 H St NE between N 5th St & N 4th St) This spot is not in new york city.  But if you happen to be in the nations capital (aka Washington, DC ) and have a vehicle to get around to it.  This place is definitely worth checking out.  The staff are super friendly.   The Juice Bar is situated in the very back of a small african decored healthfood shop.   They have several premade raw food dishes that although might not look asthetically pleasing- they definitely make up for in taste!  And also don't have new york city's high price point.  http://kheprasrawfoodjuicebar.com

100% Natural- I discovered this restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Mexico last year.  The restaurant is situated on the 2nd floor underneath a canopy of trees and waterfalls nearby.  The atmosphere is amazing.  This is some of the cleaniest best vegetarian fare you're going to find in Mexico.  They make smoothies, salads, etc.  Definitely worth checking out.  www.100natural.com.mx

Acai Bowl @Choice Health Bar

Ah Cacao- Also in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  If you're a raw chocolate fanatic then you will love place.   Not sugar free but for an occasional treat it fits the bill..especially when you're miles away from raw food chocolate bars from the states.   www.ahcacao.com

Choice Health Bar (1087 Limahana Place, Lahaina Hawaii) - I absolutely LOVE this spot! The energy, the cuisine although pricey for Maui peeps is totally worth the cost for delicious organic and fresh raw cuisine in Hawaii.  The acai bowl is a must try! As is their superfood salad.  http://www.choicehealthbar.com/choice-menu/

Choice Health Bar in Maui, HI

SweetGreen- With locations all over the DC metro area, NYC, and other metropolitan areas. This place is definitely not your typical salad bar spot.  They work with local farmers to bring fresh, organic, and in season produce and animal products that are free of hormones and antibiotics to serve you at an unbeatable price.  They also take the step of labeling which items are gluten free and vegan to make for easier pickings. You can choose one of their custom salad creations or build your own.  www.sweetgreen.com 

Native Foods Cafe-(150 Connecticut Ave NW Ste 108 in Washington DC) A vegan cafe utilizing GMO-Free soy and wheat in their kitchens.  They also offer a variety of soy/gluten/nut free options.  The staff was super friendly and attentive.  And there is a good amount of seating to accomodate parties large and small.  My family and I enjoyed the Baja blackened tacos and Bangkok Curry Bowl.   www.nativefoods.com 

*Denotes my personal favs