A few weekends ago I took a trip to New York City. I really wanted to visit my friend Mallorie’s popup shop, and other than that, I basically just planned to eat my weight in delicious NYC food. When I got into the city, the first thing I did was head to a raw vegan restaurant, Pure Food & Wine. It was kind of a bucket list item for me. I always wanted to go but kept putting it off. When they temporarily closed over the winter, I knew that when they reopened I needed to get my butt there. It did not disappoint.

I got a Spicy Sesame Salad, a Mint Ice Cream Sundae, and a pot of white tea. The salad was huge, the sundae was incredible, and the tea was perfect since it was a little chilly sitting out in the (gorgeous) garden.  I wrote about the visit here.

Next up, I stopped at SmartGlamour, a women’s clothing shop owned by a friend I grew up with. She designs everything herself and everything is handmade. SmartGlamour makes clothing for every body type and size, and they promote a strong message of empowerment for women. I picked up an incredibly beautiful dress. Read more about my experience with SmartGlamour here.I asked Mallorie if there were any vegan cafes in the area of her shop. She wasn’t sure but pointed me in a general direction. Right around the corner was a sign for…vegan ice cream! It was a little shop that had natural goods and some vegan food. Not everything was vegan, so I just grabbed a cup of maple cone ice cream and went on my way.

I ate my ice cream and relaxed in Tompkins Square Park. I day dreamed a little that that’s what I’d be doing if we lived in the area. I always tell my husband we need an apartment in NYC to get away to. He’s okay with it, or will be after I hit the lottery.

I still wanted to find a place to get some food for my mom (other than the desserts I grabbed from PF&W) so I wandered in the general direction of the subway station I was headed to and found Caravan of Dreams. I think I read on the sign (or on my phone) that it was an organic, kosher, live (raw), and vegetarian restaurant, and when I was asking the host what vegan dish he would recommend for takeout, he said (very politely) that everything was vegan. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to hear that and know you can order ANYTHING off the menu. I wish I had time to sit and eat in because it was really cute inside, and there were a bunch of things I’d love to try off the menu.

I ordered the Tempeh Ruban (grilled onions, Russian dressing, tomato, rye toast, house sauerkraut and pickle) for myself, and a Rosemary Shiitake Burger (tomato, grilled onions, tarragon ali-oli, olive ciabatta and house-made pickle) for my mom, both came with  salads. We ate them later that night when I got home, and I have to say my ruban was out of this world. My mom loved her burger too. 

I had an incredible time in the city and cannot wait to go back. My mom and I are excited to go to Chloe Coscerelli’s new cafe when it opens.