healthy but delicious
Pictured: farm acai bowls at Chalk Point Kitchen.
Click here to read this feature on weworewhat.com.
By Chloe: Chances are you’ve heard about this place already and seen it all over your Instagram or Wine ‘n Dine feed. But we still felt the need to include it because it actually is worth the hype. Even their salads taste like crack—favorites being quinoa taco and spicy Thai But what really stood out to us was their Guac burger with black bean-quinoa-sweet potato patty. It was so good it made us envious of vegans. Oh yeah, did we mention this place was 100% vegan and gluten-free friendly? Their substitutes are so tasty and on point that you wouldn’t even be able to tell they aren’t the real thing. Definitely go during an off-time because the line still wraps around the store a few times during peak dinner time, or just order from Postmates (it’s just as good).
Chalk Point Kitchen: When you walk into Chalk Point Kitchen you don’t feel like you’re in NYC anymore, but rather just stepped into a stylish farmhouse—which we didn’t think existed until now. It’s a perfect spot for brunch or cocktails, but we also love going during weekday lunch because of their ‘farm acai’ bowl menu—one of the best acai bowl presentations we have seen. Note: because of the artful presentation, it took longer to prepare than other dishes but definitely worth the wait. Our favorite was the coconut acai bowl. Also, it is relatively easy to get a reservation which makes life a lot easier.
The Little Beet Table: Initially, LBT sold us on their poppy artwork and casual-romantic vibes. However, their outstanding gluten-free, American fare is what brings us back time and time again. Their vegetable dishes are innovative and fresh, but they also have healthy spins on traditional and seemingly indulgent dishes like prosciutto flatbread and LBT burger. It’s a great place to come with your girlfriends, you’ll understand when you walk in. Also, for such a good spot, it is surprisingly painless to secure a reservation.
The Butcher’s Daughter: This place made a name for itself with its juices and avocado toast (before avocado toast became famous). However, the vibes are what make this place such a desirable spot: the ambience is bright, casual, yet chic (so perfect for the gram). Also, we just heard they will be opening a West Village spot soon, making it an even hotter ticket.
Avant Garden: Everything about this place is cozy and petite, which didn’t surprise us because it comes from the same restaurant family as Mother of Pearl, another intimate gem in the East Village. Its vegan, but similar to By Chloe, the dishes come so flavor-packed, you couldn’t possibly feel like anything was missing. We highly recommend getting trying the toasts to start—carrot toast being the standout among them. The plates are small but over deliver in presentation, so you can’t go wrong ordering a little more than usual.
