Where did I leave off…oh right, lunch at Caravan of Dreams.
We took our time strolling around the East Village before we found our way back uptown. We took Rusty for one last walk before leaving to check into our hotel. Jess arrived home right as we got back, so we got to hang out a bit while we packed up.
Schlepping our bags on the subway was as fun as you’d expect. And since it was 9/11 we were being watched hard core.
But eventually we got to The Roosevelt.
We were originally going to stay here for our entire stay in NYC, but dog sitting for Rusty while Jess was out of town ended up making more sense economically. It was cool to go big for our last night though (because The Roosevelt ‘aint no shack).
By the time we checked in and everything, laziness trumped adventure so we spent a few hours watching football at the hotel bar.
Rather than spoil my appetite on the salty nuts, I sipped on club soda with lime (kinda obsessed with this bevie at the moment) and day-dreamed about our last supper in NYC.
Between football and dinner I hit the hotel gym for a rather pathetic 20 minute elliptical session (better than nothing I guess?). I didn’t even break a sweat, but I did steal 2 bananas from the fruit bowl, so it wasn’t a total waste of time.
For our last dinner Kyle chose Candle Cafe. It is (still) his favorite vegan restaurant in the city. When I asked him what exactly made it better than other places, he couldn’t really identify anything specific, however, he did say that the menu is simple and clear, but not boring. He likes being able to get a good picture of what a meal will be before he orders it, and Candle’s menu does give good descriptions.
How awesome does the Chili-Lime Grilled Seitan sound? It’s like the dish was created just for me! Roasted vegetable quinoa pilaf? Hell yeah. Sautéed greens and avocado salad? Amazing.
My order was a no brainer.
This dish was so…me. I practically inhaled it (I was pretty hungry, but still). How did I like it?
Any further questions your honor?
Kyle got the Cajun Seitan Sandwich with pan-seared seitan, steamed greens, caramelized onions & avocado on toasted focaccia with ancho-chili aioli and coleslaw.
He said it was the best thing he had to eat on the whole trip.
Obviously the rest of NYC’s vegan hot spots don’t hold a candle to Candle.
We walked back home and (again) took up seats at the hotel bar for some football. Plus a late night java.
Last day of our vacay in Manhattan coming up next 🙁
That hotel looks so beautiful and so does the dish you ordered!
You did NYC up right!
Gorgeous hotel pics and fabulous eats at Candle 79. It’s on my wishlist for our next NYC trip. Would you believe I still have not tried seitan? I must soon!
The bf and I are planning to go into NYC in the next couple weeks, I told him we have to hit some vegan spots! It’ll be just me and him as opposed to me and his buddies, so it’ll be easier. I can’t wait, I’ll be checking out your restaurant reviews!
Candle looks sooo awesome! Tom and I are definitely going to hit it up when we visit next week…I’ve been lusting after the “paradise” dish with millet, sweet potato, beans and spinach with gravy foreverrrrr, lol! 😛 And I think that if Kyle marks it so highly, and he doesn’t have a super hippie palate, then Tom will enjoy it too! All the meals just look so hearty and delicious. Cannot wait! Thank you for whetting my appetite with this series of NY eating posts! 😀 xyx
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ahhh you’re making me crave Candle! looks awesome. I’m catching up on your NYC posts and it looks like you had a great trip. 🙂 I’m sorry I missed you this time!