heartyspoonful

"There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless."

- Simone de Beauvoir

Taking proximity out of the equation, New York is one of my most visited cities. I can't help it - there's something for everyone, for every mood, for every tummy. My last few trips involved not only a lot of soul searching, but a lot of food research as well. I have incorporated vegetarianism in my life for a long time now, but I've only been vegan for a little more than three years. A few people have commented on "how much I'm missing out" because of my diet choice. Hello, New York pizza. But of course, I don't think I'm missing out on any New York experience due to my diet. If I do eat pizza, then hell yes, I wouldn't experience anything but excruciating tummy pain. So, ha!

Let's get real though. As in any major city, take Paris for example, New York is very much in your face with its food fare. There are so many different restaurants, so many choices, that of course it's difficult not to think, "Man, I want the vegan version of that." I can tell you that I have brought my little feet everywhere around the Big Apple to test taste what's availablw for hungry vegans. *Note that this list isn't comprehensive at all. I am only one woman.

Convenient Choice: Whole Foods
 (Various locations around the city, but my favourite is below)
Address: 95 E Houston St.



The food Mecca of not only vegans, but any health-conscious traveller. The aisles display an array of choices, from fresh pre-sliced fruits and veggies to "healthy" junk food. There is a salad bar and hot food bar, making it hard not to overpack your little brown box. My favourites definitely are the tofu dishes (very savoury and well seasoned) plus any quinoa salad available. Since you pay by weight, do make sure that you choose well, but I think the price is well worth what you get. There are also breakfast options. I haven't tried the oatmeal, but I have had a few of the vegan scones (chocolate chip, coconut, fruit) that are still warm first thing in the morning. If I know that I'm going to need a power boost or a snack in the afternoon, I purchase fruits or Medjool dates and Justin's almond butter. There are also coconut yoghurt in smaller packages so nothing goes to waste. If you're a kombucha fan, be aware that you'd most likely have a hard time deciding which to try. Sounds dreamy, right?

You can also shop for other organic products, such as supplements, beauty products and even workout items. Most locations have available tables for eating in, although locations in residential areas might not (e.g. location in Chelsea).

Feeling Homey: Angelica Kitchen
Address: 300 E 12th St
Website: http://www.angelicakitchen.com/


Possibly my favourite restaurant in New York and it feels like home. It always take me forever to order. Really. I have eaten my way through halfway of the menu, methinks. But there's always something new wheneve I visit again. Choices, choices.

Angelica Kitchen is more popularly known for its dragon bowls, which is a bowl with rice, beans, veggies and tofu with your dressing of choice. You can also go for the combo bowls - the decision of what goes in your bowl is your choice. There's more room for what you're craving. As a starter, I've loved to share the norimaki (rolled vegetable sushi) as well as the kimchee (a less intense version of the original Korean fare). There are daily specials, of course, considering what's seasonal. As an entree, I have tried the following: three bean chili (spicy enough and hmm cornbread) and Thai coconut-lemongrass curry (I can't repeat enough how much I loved this dish). There are also sandwiches, but I've only tried the New School marinated tofu sandwich (ahem, because of the added avocado). If you are gluten-free, fear not, you'll have a lot of options at Angelica Kitchen. I've never had enough room for dessert, but I did try their fig newton before and it was divine.

If you need more convincing, Kerry Washington used to work here and loved it. And so will you.

I Wanted to Be Cool: The Butcher's Daughter
Address: 19, Kenmare St. (Nolita)
Website: http://thebutchersdaughter.com/

To note: The Butcher's Daughter is not all vegan, but is vegetarian (i.e. you will find eggs and dairy on the menu). I found this little gem two years ago as it's located quite literally only a few steps from a friend's flat. With its name, I was a little doubtful as to whether or not I can eat anything on the menu. But, as a vegan, you have some choices. For breakfast or brunch, I especially like their coconut yoghurt parfait (coconut yoghurt with fresh seasonal fruits and granola). I've also tried their soaked organic muesli (it's the figs that won me over). One of my friends loves the tacos verdes (with avocado and tempeh) and if you're vegetarian, you can add eggs as well. I have also tried the smashed avocado toast (the curry and lime make all the difference) and bagel & schmear (with tofu cream cheese). There is also a lunch and dinner menu with a lot of salad and sandwich options, but I've only been here for breakfast and brunch.

I must also say that this place has the best decor, hands down. It's open and airy and colourful with its fresh flowers and plants everywhere. So, if you're going to shop all day in SoHo, stop by here for your fuel.

The Other Cool Spot: Two Hands
Address: 164 Mott St.
Website: http://www.twohandsnyc.com/


We stumbled upon Two Hands quite unexpectedly and that was one awesome surprise. It was a rather hot morning and I was glad to see smoothies and acai bowl on the menu. I tried their acai bowl and no regrets. We shared one of their smoothies ("Nice n easy" with dates and banana) and my friend had the avo toast (also smashing). The menu is more limited as it is a cafe, but the vibe is cool and you can people watch and have a nice conversation with your friends. It's definitely very busy around 9am, but service was still pretty good. A must-try for any traveller.

On the Go: Hampton Chutney
(A few locations, but my favourite is below)
Address: 143 Grand St. (SoHo)
Website: http://www.hamptonchutney.com/


There's a selection for vegetarians and vegans, but it's best to specify when ordering what you want in your sandwich/dosas. Hampton Chutney is my favourite spot for when I want a grab on the go. I usually take avocado sandwich (without the mozarella) when I want something light and easy to eat. But Hampton Chutney is well-known for its dosas and uttapams, and for good reason. The seasoning's always just right and if you're gluten-free, you have options as well. My favourite dosa has got to be the seasonal one (with grilled corn, roasted peppers, roasted onions and arugula) but the grilled portobello mushroom with spinach and balsamic roasted onions comes close. I want one just thinking of it right now.

The place gets packed during lunch time, but less so at night. There are some tables and benches available if you want to eat there. If you also want some caffeine fix, try their cardamom coffee - it's to die for!

This Girl Needs Dessert: Babycakes NYC
Address: 248 Broome St.
Website: https://www.erinmckennasbakery.com/


Back in 2013, I decided to search for the tiny Babycakes shop. I got lost along the way, but my tummy didn't care. It just wanted all the cupcakes if could handle. Well worth the sketchy walk because when I finally arrived, it took me a good 10 minutes to decide what to get. Over the past few years, the menu has changed, adapting to what's popular. These days, you can find doughnuts as well. On my last trip in June, I had the mocha flavoured doughnut for breakfast and I think that was one hell of a good decision. This guy in line with me took one of every flavour and even joked that maybe he'll just eat them all during his drive to Florida. His wife wouldn't be happy, I assume. As for the cupcakes, you can't go wrong with red velvet and their lemon one. At least those two hit the sport quite nicely. All gluten-free, too. Hurrah!

AND THE LIST GOES ON:
Spring Natural Kitchen
Address: 474, Columbus Ave. (SoHo)
Website: http://springnaturalkitchen.com/

Another restaurant with cute decor, especially from outside. Spring Natural Kitchen opts to serve all types, from vegetarians to vegans to omnivores so there's a lot of choices for everyone. I tried their tofu scramble and rice with tahini sauce (best tahini sauce ever I must say). Not the most photogenic of meals, but it was delicious from start to finish. Spring Natural Kitchen is a must visit though on weekends, when the brunch menu is available. You can find vegan pancakes (banana buckwheat was heavenly) or more savoury options, such as their vegan breakfast burrito and stir fry organic vegetables. It's all good here!

Blossom
Address: 187, 9th Ave. (Chelsea)
Website: http://blossomnyc.com/home/

The first vegan restaurant I tried in NYC. There are a lot of options on the menu, from salads to pasta to veggie burgers. I've only gone twice over the last couple of years, but both times were equally satisfying. Whilst walking around New York, I noticed this guy who seemed to be having a love affair with his hamburger and I decided I needed one myself, and off to Blossom I went to try their soy bacon cheeseburger. If I can only insert that smiley with two hearts as eyes here, I would. The vegan cheesy deliciousness was almost too much to handle and chipotle aioli? Yes, please. I've also tried their french toast and it's probably the best in vegan New York City. There's just enough strawberries, banana and maple syrup. Don't you just want to hop on a plane now?

Lovely Day
Address: 196, Elizabeth St. (Nolita)
Website: http://lovelydaynyc.com/

Lovely day, indeed. This restaurant is tiny! Whenever I visit, it's either in spring time or during the summer so, if we're lucky, we get to eat outside. But though the space is miniscule, your tastebuds are going to applaud the delicious mix of spices of each meal. We always ate here for dinner, but I think they open for brunch. I'm not sure how vegan-friendly the brunch menu is as it's typical New York fashion to always include eggs for brunch. Although a friend did tell me that there's a PB&J sandwich on the menu, just leave the bacon out. For dinner, you can order some of the small plates as we once did, including the following: edamame, julienned veggie salad with sweet chilli, peanut & lime, homemade veggie dumplings, seaweed salad and fried tofu with sweet chilli sauce. As the restaurant features a lot of Thai-inspired dishes, do make sure that what you're ordering doesn't include fish sauce. There are also "Lovely Day Classics" choices and you can choose tofu as your source of protein. My favourite is their spicy green curry with eggplants, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots over brown rice. I wasn't even that hungry, but I finished my plate! Their pineaple cashew vegetables is also a must try. My friend adored their pad thai, but I couldn't order it as you have to order the dish as described (there's fish sauce involved).

Not the most vegan-friendly restaurant, but I think it's well-worth the try. Especially when there's just a bunch of twenty-somethings gossiping and talking about the next party they're off to. (The most hilarious experience: My friend and I were talking about dating and he mentioned how NYC is not a great place for serious relationships since there's "always someone better around the corner." The couple next to us chimed in and agreed, and the guy looked at me and said, "If you're not dating this one, please don't try Tinder. It's just a bunch of creeps.")

Hummus Place
Address: 71, 7th Ave. or 305 Amsterdam Ave.
Website: http://www.hummusplace.com

Need I say more? Hummus for life. Again, this place is a perfect choice for an easy meal, when you're on the go and just want to get on to your next location. I've always taken the Hummus Place platter or hummus tahini and just ate away with pita bread. However, there are also some good options for entrees, particularly their falafel sandwich (comes with fries I think) and veggie couscous. There's also veggie patties, but it comes with tzatziki sauce so not strictly vegan. Again, you can't have too much hummus.

DF Mavens
Address: 37, St. Mark's Place
Website: http://www.dfmavens.com/

If you don't want to purchase a pint of vegan ice cream from Whole Foods, head to DF Mavens! It advertises itself as the producer of the finest vegan ice cream, and I agree. Perfect place to be when it's hot and humis and just plain scorching in New York. I'm not a big fan of ice cream (I'd rather have a doughnut to be honest), but when the craving kicks in, I always wish there's DF Mavens ice cream just around the corner. You can enjoy different kinds of ice cream with different base (soy, coconut, almond). I prefer almond and coconut over soy as there's less of an after taste. My favourite flavours definitely have to be pistachio, mint almond cookie and mango. Can it just be summer all year long?

And there's more, of course, but that's for another NYC vegan food trip. Hope this list inspires you!

Eat well.

xx

"People are like Oreos... The good stuff is on the inside."

- Unknown

Growing up, the biggest debate of my circle of friends was which snack was better: Chips Ahoy cookies or Oreos? My preference was Chips Ahoy, mostly because I liked the chocolate chips. It's no surprise them that on one instance, whilst having a petty argument with one of my closest friends, I started to throw Oreos at her. Kids, listen up, firstly, you all need to eat better snacks. Learn to eat fruits early on. Secondly, I think if you use Oreos as a weapon, your opponent will just garner more pleasure than pain. You might as well supply them a glass of (nut) milk.

The more important question now though, given that I'm vegan, is whether or not Oreos are truly vegan? I scanned their ingredient list and I don't see any animal product. At least nothing that stands out on its own. Peta has also listed Oreos as a surprisingly vegan snack. I've been tempted, really, but I think my hesitation is deeply rooted on the fact that I just don't believe in what Oreos, or any of these kinds of snacks, represent. All the added sugar, who needs that?

Sure, you can classify Oreos as food for the soul. Or even argue that YOLO, why not enjoy every pleasure on the plant whilst you're alive? But that's just my view. I prefer to eat whole foods, more natural products with minimal processing. And thus began my quest to create an Oreo alternative.

Note that even if I (or others who've done so before) call these snack bites "Raweos," they are far from being Oreos. They definitely don't taste like Oreos, but they are so damn delicious that you won't even think that matters.


Raweos
Makes 8-10, depending on size

Ingredients
 For the chocolate layer:

• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 2 tbsp carob powder or raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 4-5 Medjool dates

For the filling*:

•  2 cups flaked coconut chips (dessicated works too)
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp agave/maple syrup/coconut syrup 

* This is an estimate. I had some leftover (which I enjoyed with my Medjool dates!).

Soak almonds and cashews in water for at least 3 hours. Then in a food processor, add all ingredients for the chocolate layer. Once everything comes together, transfer to a bowl and chill in the fridge.

To prepare the filling, mix in all filling ingredients in a food processor. Process until desired consistency is attained.

For the Raweos, you can either set up the cookie layer as a "dough" and use a rolling pin and a circular cookie cutter. I just made them into "bliss balls" shape and flattened them using my palms. Add the filling.

Chill first before serving.


Enjoy xx

"There were some problems only coffee and ice cream could fix."

- Amal El-Mohtar

 Growing up in Southeast Asia, what I've come to known as "typical" cuisine was rather different from what the Western world has to offer. Chocolates weren't as creamy as what's sold in stores in North America. Dairy products definitely taste different. Sure, we had a supply of fresh milk because of my grandma's farm, but milk consumption was usually from powdered versions. Let's not even get started with cheese. Connoisseurs would faint at the idea that what I've known as cheese to actually be real cheese. (It isn't.) Ice cream was also a story of all sugar and not so much cream. There's something very artificial about it. Then again, I couldn't stomach much dairy so ice cream has never been in my top three comfort food. My multiple broken hearts were never fixed by Ben & Jerry's. That would just be a lot more (physical) pain. But I remember how growing up, my grandparents who lived in California always sent us Hershey's Cookies & Cream bars and my mum would mix in pieces with vanilla ice cream, and my six year-old self thought that was genius. It was one of those treats that I knew was worth the pain, literally. Of course, that didn't last long.

Since I can't consume normal ice cream, one because I'm intolerant to all dairy products and two because I'm vegan, I'm taking matters to my own hands. I tolerated a full week of resisting Oreos. I mean, are they or aren't they vegan? But with just the principle of the thing, I decided to go against purchasing Oreos. So I headed to my local health food store and asked for a substitute. I'm glad I found Ktoos cookies, which are dairy free and gluten free. They're smaller than Oreos, with less filling and a crumbier texture, but I'm not complaining. Their purpose is to crumble...

Cookies & Cream Nice Cream
Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 tbsp almond milk (adjust as needed)
• Dash of cinnamon
• 2 creme cookies 

In a hi-powered blender or food processor, mix together frozen bananas, almond milk, cinnamon and 1 cream cookie. Blend until well combined. Transfer to a bowl ad freeze as needed. Top with crumbled creme cookie.Simple.

Enjoy! xx

"I eat cake because it's somebody's birthday somewhere."

• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Dash of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter or tahini (or nut butter of choice)
• 1/2 of a banana, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/4 cup almond milk 
• Chocolate chips

Variations:

• For a chocolate mug cake, add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder or carob powder.
• For a gingerbread mug cake, add 1 tbsp of molasses and a pinch of ginger. 

Mix all ingredients in a mug except for the chocolate chips. Once properly mixed, top with chocolate chips.

Microwave for 3-4 minutes until coconut flour is set and the liquid has been absorbed.

Enjoy! xx

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."

- Proverb

It has been and still is a rather confusing winter here in my city. There are days where the air just chills you right into your bones, where even the idea of stepping a foot, nay, even just a toe, outside is dreadful. But there are also days where everything is white, covered in such majestic snow and your heart is warmed by the stillness. However, I must say that since March came a-knockin', I'm impatiently waiting for spring, for blossoms, for lighter weather, for a sign of bright life. Maybe I'm putting too much expectation on a season, but isn't it how it usually goes?

I practise yoga regularly, mostly on my own. I have a friend who's a yoga instructor to thank for the discipline. I used to attend yoga classes in studios though and I reckon I began to miss that interaction. So a few days ago, I decided to buy a membership for hot yoga classes. And I'm very happy with my decision! I've only gone twice, but I love it. I love the challenge, the sense of community, the burn. I used to be so anxious with these classes, always afraid that people are out there to judge and be mean, so this is a big step forward for me. And I'll just say that arrival of spring is making me think more positively and bring back my sense of adventure.

Honesty time: My winter eating habits have been... a rollercoaster ride to be sure. I suffered from binge eating a lot at night and I went to bed sick, both physically and mentally. I'm re-learning to listen to my intuition, to shush out the voices that are only out there to make me feel empty. As my little redemption, I'm spending more time preparing snacks that I know are tasty and will kick out any craving because they're filling. And chia seed pudding is perfect! Load it up with fruits and you've got vitamins, antioxidants and protein altogether.


Chia Seed Pudding
Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 9 tbsp almond milk (or nut milk of choice)
• Dash of cinnamon 
• Fruits (apples, berries, banana, etc.)

In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, almond milk and cinnamon. Let sit in the fridge for a few hours. I usually do so overnight and stir it halfway through.

When ready, add in fresh fruits and top with coconut yoghurt if desired.

Enjoy xx

"So you have your price. Your soul for a cookie."

- James Patterson

I'm all about easy baking these days. When you wake up at 4:30 in the morning to squeeze in a workout and get back home at 7 in the evening, you know you need a quick recipe to fix a sugar craving. So getting creative is a must!

I'm trying to cut down on refined sugar and incorporating natural sugar into my cooking. Usually, I use bananas and homemade applesauce as a substitute. I think it works perfectly given that I'm not a fan of very sweet treats. If I want something sweeter, I'll use rice malt syrup or maple syrup, but even then, just a little bit. Now my mum understands why we always have very ripe bananas in the pantry. Cannot get enough.


Thumbprint Cookies
Makes 9 cookies

Recipe:

• 2 cups gluten-free oats 
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• Homemade jam (or jam of choice)
• Dark chocolate
• Peanut butter, for drizzling

Preheat oven to 350F. 

In a food processor, pulse the oats until coarsely grounded. Make sure not too refined.

In a medium bowl, mix together oats, bananas and cinnamon. Form round balls and with a small spoon, create a well in the middle.

Scoop in some jam or dark chocolate.  Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes.

Cool using a rack. Then drizzle with peanut butter if desired.

Enjoy xx

"Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive."

- Joanne Harri, Chocolat

• 2 medium avocado
• 1/4-1/3 cup nut milk of choice
• 2 tbsp carob powder/cocoa powder
• 3 medjool dates (or more as to your liking)
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon 

 In a food processor or blender, place all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Transfer in glasses and chill before serving.

Top with fresh fruits, coconut yoghurt. Serve and enjoy. 

xx