New York Food & Blossom Du Jour

When it comes down to it, New York is the ultimate foodie city. There is an endless array of food styles, prices, tastes and everything in between.  I fondly remember the day (back in the eighties and please don't comment on the dinasour age!!) when Vegetarian Paradise opened up on W.4th Street. Their mock duck was wonderful. It still is. I have been a vegetarian for decades now. My reason for not eating meat anymore was  not because I dislike the taste, it was that I did not like the source. When I found out that the animal had to die for me to eat that steak, that was it for me (that and Upton Sinclair's book). I was a city kid, so naturally my meat came to me via the supermarket with the names of 'hamburger', 'hot dog' and 'bologna'. No truth in advertising there no 'cut up cow' or
chopped up bits of pig'.  I was in for a rude awakening. Thankfully, my family was understanding and let me embrace my feelings of compassion. They may not have been happy to have an activist vegetarian in their family, but they totally supported my choice. For the first two weeks, I ate Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans (and to this day, don't like them because I had a lifetime supply of them then!).

So I never gave up meat because I disliked the taste and mock meat products were fine with me. We all know so many  different types of vegetarians, from those who abstain from meat because they love the animals and don't want to see them killed or in any more pain (that's where I come in), to those who choose not to eat meat for health reasons.  Whatever the reason, it helps the animals and the environment when one chooses to eat the less processed & 'fortified' foods that are now common in our daily lives. 

What does this have to do with New York, I hear you ask....Ok, I just wanted to offer a few suggestions to  you in case you happen to be in the wonderful city of New York and are looking for a vegan (or vegetarian) spot to enjoy yourself. Yes, New York can be expensive, but it can be one of the best investments you can make for  yourself - the whole world opens up when you see some of the creative chefs and what they can do with 'mere' vegetables.

If you are looking for a slightly more upscale and atmospheric dining experice, try Hangawi, a Korean Vegan place on 32nd street off Fifth Avenue.

Dojo (on Mercer Street) has a wonderful hijiki burger with salad and carrot dressing. Not expensive at all, as they also cater to the NYU students.

As previously mentioned, there is Vegetarian Paradise Two on W.4th (near 6th Avenue).  Many mock meat dishes. Try the mock duck. And the corn chowder soup. It's wonderful.

And my all-time favorite I've saved for last.......BLOSSOM DU JOUR.  I discovered this gem of a joint (on 21st St/9th Ave) when I needed nourishment to get me through a death in the family. There is nothing on their menu that you will be disappointed in - trust me! From their wonderful 'mac and cheese' to the freshly prepared (and tasty good for  you) juices, this is one of the best vegan places the city has to offer. Not only do they have excellent food, but they also provide an area where  you can purchase books relating to animals and the issues surrounding them. You can feed your belly and your mind at the same time. Oh,  how I wish they would deliver around the country! Fly that great food directly into my awaiting stomach! 

I've put their info below so you can do yourself a favor and experience them for yourself. You'll be glad you did!

Blossom Du Jour @blossomdujour BDJ serves Vegan Fast Food! Enjoy delicious sandwiches, salads, smoothies, sweets, cold pressed juice & gluten free options. Vegetarian, Kosher & Organic Chelsea, Midtown & UWS in NYC. · http://blossomdujour.com