Eat Well Guide

Last weekend I discovered a great online directory for all things green and sustainable! The Eat Well Guide is a database integrating the service industry, sustainable living, and technology. The simple website is easy to navigate and includes seasonal food guides (i.e, the only things in season in New York right now are apples and cabbage) as well as hormone free dairy maps that help you find the best quality moo-products anywhere in the US and Canada. They also run a blog for green news, rate establishments on how water-conscious they are (hint: don't sell bottled water!) and even help you eat sustainably when you're traveling. Bookmark them now and reference them often!

Details: www.eatwellguide.org

Jill's Cafe

Nestled in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, Jill's Cafe on Gold Street offers an alternative to fast food and bus fumes. Inside the peaceful, dimly-lit joint, clean wooden tables sport eco-friendly table settings, and helpful deli-counter employees guide you through a menu of mostly living food (that's raw vegan fare if you didn't know) and a few cooked veg. items. Try a zucchini pesto "pasta", a dehydrated falafel plate, or a a delicious coconut-based smoothie. And don't forget to leave room for dessert - it took me about an hour to decide between the caramel-pecan "blondie" and the nectarine crumble with almond cream. I chose the nectarine, but it's almost impossible to make a bad order here. In addition to being a much-needed health-spot in Brooklyn, owner Jill Pettijohn offers a three or five day juice-based cleanse, which can be delivered to your doorstep - a great way to transition into summer!
Details:
Jill's Cafe
Vegan Organic/Wild Crafted Cafe
A fusion of raw and kindly cooked food
231 Court Street (at Baltic)
7187970330
Prices:
Apps: $5-9
Deli: $7-9
Entrees: $12-15
Desserts: $4-8

Green Symphony: Times Square Gem

Times Square is probably my least favorite part of New York City - a million tourists, epilepsy-inducing lights, and pizza restaurants galore. Luckily, my girl Jenn turned me onto Green Symphony, a little juice bar/Korean deli/vegetarian cafe hidden behind Nokia Theatre. Just a block from the 42nd St. subway stop, Green Symphony is a health food haven, offering a full hot bar (with yummy treats like quinoa and roasted veggies), traditional Korean fare, custom-made salads, and any juice or smoothie you could imagine. With menu choices like acai-power shakes, avocado and pumpkin seed salad, and a plethora of delicioius soups and wraps, the friendly little place will definitely be my first stop whenever I'm in the nabe.
Details:
Green Symphony vegetarian deli
Where:
255 W 43rd St
Btwn 7th & 8th Ave
Map
212-391-4747

Vegan Grub in Brooklyn: V Spot Cafe

Whether you're a full time Brooklyn resident or just passing through, you'll want to stop by the V Spot for a healthy and yummy meal. Park Slope's only all vegan restaurant has a down to earth vibe with a large menu full of options and fair prices. Enjoy their live music nights, an organic beer or glass of wine and brunch on the weekends. If you're into mock meats, there's plenty of options to satiate the carnivore in you. Otherwise stick to the great salads (esp. the portabello), raw nori rolls, the sweet potato fries, or a classic lentil and veggie burger. Top it all off with a sweet vegan dessert. Enjoy!
Details:
V Spot Cafe - All Vegan, Cruelty-Free Grub
Where:
156 5th Ave (btwn Douglas & Degraw)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718.622.2275
Connect:
www.thevspotcafe.com
or check out their MySpace page.

Hangawi? Delicious Korean Fare

Many of us love Korean cuisine but not it’s often beef-centered menu. Hangawi is a unique vegan paradise that greets you with unearthly music, a no-shoe policy, and food fit for an ancient emperor. Mountain greens, grains and roots supply an exotic offering that will leave even the most carnivorous guest sated. After this nourishing experience, you will be inspired to treat yourself better when you go home.
Details:
Hangawi
12 East 32nd (btw 5/6 Ave)
212213007
Hours:
Lunch 12-3pm
Dinner 5-1030pm