See the original Zen Palate Review that I posted previously. This is a followup to that, which I intend to do regularly to every review to ensure that restaurants are living up to their original reviews.
This weekend I ordered in from Zen Palate. I ordered the Sizzling Medallions and the Hong Kong Style Stir Fried Rice Fettucini w/ Soy. I have to say that the Sizzling Medallions are not as good as I remember them to be. The flavor tasted slightly off and the portion was smaller than it should be. Also, I think this dish should be ordered as a dine-in dish becuase they don't sizzle when they are served in a plastic tray luke-warm rather then a wrought iron dish right off of the pan.
The Hong Kong stlye noodles are tasty. They are a chow fun style broad noodle with a soy flavor and vegetables. I think I prefer the flavor of the singapore style noodles though.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Loving Hut
Heard about this place from a friend that I work with. Seems like a very asian inspired menu started by this spiritual religious group (reminds me of the carpet cleaning cult from that episode of Seinfeld, but I'm not saying anything) led by Ching Hai (google her). I think they have a few locations around the country. Not sure how I feel about the people who run this place, but I'll give the food try in the next couple of weeks. If I start writing weird stuff in the next few posts, that means the Kool Aid is spiked, they got me, call the authorities!
http://lovinghut.us/newyorkcity/
http://lovinghut.us/newyorkcity/
Terri
60 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010
(btw 5th and 6th Ave)
(212) 647-8810
Hours: 6am-11pm
The other sandwiches and wraps on the menu actually look delicious which I am giving them a bit of credit for without trying them. Some of them are: Bacon Cheddar “Chicken” Ranch sandwich, Chickpea “Tuna” Melt Sandwich, Humus and Avocado Wrap, Thai “Chicken” wrap and Six Bean Blend Salad. I’ll put up some individual reviews on those dishes once I try them. They have vegan deserts (like cupcakes) as well, although they are not on the official menu. Just a note that they do use vegan daiya cheese in everything as opposed to real dairy.
Ambiance: 3.75 karats
Light, airy, open, white walls but a small space. I have to say that I like the décor. The cleanliness and airiness has the feel that an organic vegetarian restaurant should. And the white washed walls with a bright floral design here and there make me feel like I’m in South Beach but without the insecurity that comes with seeing everyone with perfect six pack abs. Counter space along the perimeter facing the window is really the only seating which is a bit of a takeaway, but I think this is the type of place they are going for, a quick eats place to complement a workout; not a sit-down restaurant.
(btw 5th and 6th Ave)
(212) 647-8810
Hours: 6am-11pm
Terri is the new kid on the block. Started just last month by two friends of a friend of mine, Terri is located adjacent to NY Health and Racquet Club for the perfect after workout meal. They bill themselves as organic vegetarian but the menu seems to be vegan for the most part (daiya cheese is used rather than dairy). I can’t write more about the dishes until I’ve tried a few more dishes but the ones I’ve tried so far packed some punch and are freshly made (the bread tastes like its right out of the oven). I highly recommend it as a lunch spot as the fare consists of primarily lunch-type sandwiches, salads and wraps, along with smoothies, juices and shakes to wash it down. The joint is small with only counter space for seating, but it is open and airy with natural light and white walls that give it that “South Beach” feel. And to boot, the prices are right for a satisfying lunch. I think this could be a 4 but I need to try more dishes before I give it a 4.
Food 3.75 karats
Dishes eaten:
Buffalo “Chicken” Sandwich
Jerk Tofu Pineapple Sandwich
The Buffalo “Chicken” sandwich will hits the spot. The authentic Buffalo sauce (a la Anchor Bar) is homemade by the founder with just the right amount of spicy kick and the vegenaise is the perfect contradiction of flavor to the buffalo sauce. I think the “chicken” is made from seitan and it is the right texture. Along with celery, lettuce, tomato, onion and foccacia bread, I highly recommend the buffalo “chicken” sandwich.
The jerk tofu pineapple sandwich is a valiant attempt at a distinct dish but I don’t think it completely hits the mark. The smoked tofu doesn’t have the perfect consistency and doesn’t really take the jerk flavoring well. Although the pineapple is a good way to balance the jerk flavor, I wouldn’t recommend this sandwich.
The other sandwiches and wraps on the menu actually look delicious which I am giving them a bit of credit for without trying them. Some of them are: Bacon Cheddar “Chicken” Ranch sandwich, Chickpea “Tuna” Melt Sandwich, Humus and Avocado Wrap, Thai “Chicken” wrap and Six Bean Blend Salad. I’ll put up some individual reviews on those dishes once I try them. They have vegan deserts (like cupcakes) as well, although they are not on the official menu. Just a note that they do use vegan daiya cheese in everything as opposed to real dairy.
Ambiance: 3.75 karats
Light, airy, open, white walls but a small space. I have to say that I like the décor. The cleanliness and airiness has the feel that an organic vegetarian restaurant should. And the white washed walls with a bright floral design here and there make me feel like I’m in South Beach but without the insecurity that comes with seeing everyone with perfect six pack abs. Counter space along the perimeter facing the window is really the only seating which is a bit of a takeaway, but I think this is the type of place they are going for, a quick eats place to complement a workout; not a sit-down restaurant.
Service: 4.0 karats
Service is great. Everyone is super friendly and you can tell they do give a damn about how the food tastes and about the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. After all, the founders have done their rounds at a few of NYC’s best vegetarian restaurants (for which I still owe you some reviews). You order at the counter and either sitdown at the stools around the perimeter or take it to go so I can’t comment on waiters/waitress competency/service compared to other places.
Price
Sandwiches and wraps are a little less than $8. Salads are about $7. The smoothies, shakes and juices range between $4 and $7. So overall the prices are extremely reasonable for a vegetarian meal in NYC.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
