The legume is trending hard in NYC right now. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool carrot-cruncher or carne-craving bloodhound, scamper this way for an innovative, outlook-changing vegetarian feed. Green is the new black, baby…
Loring Place
Dan Kluger (of ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina fame) is the epic talent behind this understated diner, housed in a C.19th Greenwich Village townhouse. Inspiring menus shine a light on the regional farmers and producers Kluger has befriended during 20 years of frequenting Union Square Greenmarket; those relationships pay off on the palate. Produce-driven, seasonal American small plates include crispy spiced cauliflower and tuna tartare, while large share plates feature heartier options, such as pan-roasted Arctic char with parsnips, basil and butternut squash. Expect exemplary pastas, pizzas, desserts and drinks, too. It’s a celebration of New York, so join the party. loringplacenyc.com
Narcissa
Reach for the (Michelin) stars at John Fraser’s coveted mostly-veg concept in the East Village. Named for its beloved dairy cow on the restaurant’s upstate farm, Narcissa is a light-filled space complete with front row perches gaping into an open kitchen, a pretty outdoor garden, and a colour-splashed finish that could rival any hip San Fran diner. The veggie-focused, slow-cooked, Cali-style menu prides itself on being exceptionally healthy. Previous crowd-pleasers include twice-baked celery root with bacon, crispy carrot fries, and tender lamb saddle, while desserts honour the humble veg, too; try the toasted-fennel cheesecake with grapefruit. narcissarestaurant.com
Dirt Candy
Getting your five-a-day is a treat not a chore at Amanda Cohen’s hot-right-now Lower East Side aerie, whose lures include Korean fried broccoli (genius), pulled, picked and jerked carrots, and Brussels sprout-toting tacos. If you want to soak up some of the kitchen heave n’ bustle, aim for a seat along the wraparound counter; otherwise, slide into one of the pillar-box red banquettes for legume flavour-bombs such as jalapeño hush puppies with maple butter, or calorie-worthy carrot meringue pie with sour cream ice-cream. Sweet. dirtcandynyc.com
Blue Hill
New York’s green-leaning gourmands gather at this lovely low-ceilinged locavore, where the provenance of produce is primary. Showcasing the wealth of the harvests reaped within a 30-mile turnip’s toss of the city, the Mich-lauded menu changes daily, but is always best served with an artisanal pour. Hungry for more? The lovely (but spenny) Blue Hill at Stone Barns farm and onsite restaurant is an easy 45-minute drive upstate. bluehillfarm.com
The original version of this article was written by LUXE for PenCities.
For more tips on where to find a bite in the Big Apple, nab a copy of the LUXE New York guide…
