After a deep sleep, we were up around 7 to start our second day of travels around NYC! We lucked out with the weather once again with sunny skies and highs expected to reach 20C. After getting ready, we headed to a nearby breakfast & lunch place called Le Pain Quotidien.
Le Pain Quotidien features fresh artisan breads and other wholesome breakfast options made from mostly organic ingredients.
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We absolutely fell in love with the atmosphere and the food! Everything was fresh, wholesome, and delicious.
We were brought out a vegan Apple and Cranberry Cannele, compliments of the chef because there was a bit of a wait. It has a lovely apple and cranberry custard-like filling with a crispy exterior. Excellent!!
I had the steel-cut oatmeal with almond milk and fresh berries. I loved that they indicated vegan options on their menu too. The steel-cut oatmeal was perfect- nice and chewy like it should be!
We also shared a bowl of fruit.
Eric had two boiled eggs with a fresh bread selection.
After breakfast, we walked all over Manhattan to explore the sights! We went to the Rockefeller Center first.
Lots of people out taking advantage of the nice morning weather!
We heard from a friend that the Top of the Rock Observation Deck was a great place to see views of the entire city, so we took advantage of our early morning and beat the line ups.
Awesome views!!! And a great morning to go up.
Soon after we were headed to the World Trade Center Memorial.
This was a very sombre part of the trip and I didn’t feel inclined to snap a bunch of pictures, but I did take a picture of the new WTC buildings that are going up right now. They are truly breathtaking. After that, we went to see the 9/11 memorial. It was a really beautiful tribute to those lives lost and quite emotional.
This tribute wall was from another part of town (can’t remember where).
After walking around for a few hours, our appetites returned with a vengeance. We headed to Blossom Restaurant, the sister restaurant of Cafe Blossom, for a bite to eat.
To start, I ordered Blossom Greens with cherry tomatoes, jicama, carrot, pumpkin and sunflower seeds in ginger teriyaki dressing. It was excellent.
With mint tea.
Eric ordered the BLT – Crispy southern fried tofu, tempeh bacon, lettuce, and tomato on ciabatta. He said it was good, but just a bit bland. I took a bite and agreed with him. It just needed a pop of heat to it.
For my main, I ordered the Blossom Burrito – Black beans, rice, avocado and vegan cheese, served with field greens. It was good, but not the best vegan burrito I’ve had. The flavours were a bit off to me.
Overall the meal was quite good, but compared to Cafe Blossom, we both preferred our meals at the cafe much more.
After lunch, we headed to the Chelsea Market, which I already blogged about (thanks for your amazing enthusiasm for the giveaway by the way!!)
Eric gobbled up a Gelato!
We made it back to our room around 6pm, rested our legs, and headed out for dinner not long after. Eric was craving pizza, so we walked to John’s Pizzeria, one of the rumoured “Best” pizza spots in NYC. Maybe some of you native NYCers can chime in on this debate? ;)
heh those pictures look nerdy.
John’s has a beautiful atmosphere located in an old church!
Wine & beer to start.
We ordered a veggie pizza with one half with cheese and the other without. Only when it came, Eric’s cheese side had no veggies.
They brought us a new pizza for Eric and then we stuffed ourselves to the brim. Excellent pizza!
JOHN’S is located right near Times Square, so it was a great time to explore!!
We just stood in the middle of Times Square for a while and took it all in!
Absolute madness!
Of course we saw the Naked Cowboy and other interesting characters. heh
For those of you who asked, yes, The Naked Cowboy wears underwear….Tight Whiteys… which leave little room for the imagination if you know what I mean. Truly, two examples of a healthy body image. Let’s all be Naked Cowboys in our own minds, mmm kay?
When I was in New York, I was lucky enough to stay in a hotel over looking times square, it was fantastic! I most definitely did not see the naked cowboy though :P The people in New York are hilarious, some guy chased my sister-in law and I down because we had “stolen his heart!!” I made our night :)
That pizza looks sooo good. I’ve never been to NY, but I’ve had Chicago pizza, and I bet NY gives it a run for its money. And I love your green pea coat–it looks very pretty on you!
Isn’t Le Pain great!!!!!! I always make sure to stop by there whenever I’m in New York or DC! Did you go to the Chelsea location? That one’s my favorite one that I’ve been to!
I don’t think it was the Chelsea location…I think the Theare district area where our hotel was. Come to think of it, we did go to another location one morning…so maybe we did :)
Ahhhhh NYC food! So jeal. I need to go there this summer. It’s decided. (hey mom and dad want to buy me an apt kaythanks)
When my boyfriend and I went to NYC in February we went to John’s Pizzeria too! It was delicious! We were directed there by relatives who live in Brooklyn so it MUST be good ;)
I’ve never heard of John’s but it looks like a very cool atmosphere and the pizza looks great!
LOL! I’m going to walk around all day thinking about being naked cowboy in my head. :)
yesssss ;)
Just want to say that green is your colour! Yes, Manhatten is an amazing place, and I hope to return some day and spend more than a couple of days there. You have really peaked my interest in trying out those Vegan cafes and restaurants.
Thanks mom! We’ll have to go someday :)
Okay then, it’s on our to do list :)
Really enjoying your NYC travelogue!
Funnily enough, I was in Pain Quotidien today in Leuven, Belgium. I love this cafe – I think there is one in Toronto…
Keep up the great blogging and writing.
cheers,
vicki
Oh cool! I didn’t know that they had them around the world. I’ll have to check out in TO.
Both Toronto locations are closed now :(
That pizza looks delicious! It’s a bummer that the sandwich and burrito didn’t taste better, because they look yummy.
did you ever get to that brooklyn bakery that has the vegan croissant? I passed the info along to you quite awhile ago. i forgot their name.
Ah, no we didn’t make it to Brooklyn unfortunately! Next time for sure though. :)
I head to NYC often for work and stay in Times Square. it amazes me that the naked cowboy is ALWAYS there. He must make a killing! Who would’ve thought it cold be that easy?
On another note, I’m going to make your classic green monster today. Very excited. I just have to find a time when I won’t wake the baby from the blender. Not so easy. :) There was a discrepancy in the recipe where it was posted with nut butter in one place and without in another. Which do you recommend?
Also, I just posted a piece on top apps for the iphone/ipad and was wondering if you had any you recommend?
Hey Tiffany! I hope you enjoy the GM…you can make it with or without nut butter depending on what you prefer. Nut butter makes it “stick” a bit longer satiety wise.
I was thinking the same thing about the NC..he must get tired at the end of the day!!
I don’t have a phone with internet or app capability so I dont have any to suggest, but we did use a cool NYC app called NYC subway and buses I think.
the burrito looks so yummy, as does the pizza!!! Nom nom! :-)
Just by the looks, the BLT DOES look a little bland… perhaps more mustard-like spicey sauce would do???
yea I think you nailed it with the spicy mustard!
You two look like you’re having an awesome time, eating and sightseeing your way through the NYC. Where did you get that adorable green peacoat? It’s awesome!
Thanks! It’s from Old Navy…I love their bright peacoats.
Haha tighy whities! Love the pictures again Angela.xo http://hannahalehandra.blogspot.com/
So glad you’re having so much fun in my city!
Sorry to say, but Lombardis has down has the best pizza in NYC…and the country for that matter.
Agree’d! I hate to say it but you guys missed out. Did you check for bedbugs when you got home? :D
Sabs.
Julie, I second (or third) that…Lombardis pizza is AhhhMAZING!! My mouth is watering thinking about it!!
Oh my goodness- it looks like you had a phenomenal trip!
I always find my way to Cafe Blossom when I’m in NYC. I prefer it to Blossom Restaurant, as well. Both are good, but I definitely like the food and atmosphere of Cafe Blossom better.
Were you able to make it to Candle Cafe? It’s the sister restaurant of Candle 79. Very similar menu but in a much more laid-back setting. (They even have a raw juice/smoothie bar!) It’s one of my favorite places to escape to when I’m in the city. :)
Nope, we didn’t make it…but hopefully another time!
I love all of your pictures! These posts are making me want to visit NY even more. Thank you for sharing your trip with us :)
when i lived in NYC le pain was always our staple. but now we live within walking distance of one in LA, and never go!!!!
Lol on the naked cowboy and other characters :)
The vegan Apple and Cranberry Cannele looks…unreal crazy good!
And the pizza and everything else…leave it to NYC to always have stellar grub.
So happy you two had this time together and time away…yay for lil getaways!
You always have the best looking meals out! I wish Charleston had more vegan friendly restaurants!
I’d have to say that John’s of Bleeker Street is the best pizza! http://www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/
If you get a craving for pizza again before you leave, I HIGHLY suggest it! It’s brick oven and absolutely AMAZING.
So jealous you went to Blossom…. I have wanted to go for so long!
Top contenders for authentic NYC pizza is Grimaldi’s in DUMBO, Lombardi’s, or Defara’s in Brooklyn. New Yorkers tend to avoid restaurants near Times Square because they are less authentic and chain. But the most important thing is if you really enjoy your food, thats all that matters!
Ha! Love the last bit! Looks like you got in all the “necessary” visit stuff, and it sounds like you enjoyed it which makes me happy :D And you’re so lucky with the weather! Come to Chicago next! It’s got some pretty awesome vegan goodness going on I’ve discovered!
This looks great Ange! I’ve never even heard of a cannele but the one you got looks pretty good! And how cool that you went to Times Square. You look gorgeous in that photo by the way – green is a good colour on you!
Both of your lunches look so good! That’s a bummer they didn’t taste as good as they look.
Also, go try Angelica Kitchen and Tiam Falafel and Smoothie Bar. Angelica is old school vegan/vegetarian food—great vegan mashed potatoes!!!
And Taim has great falafel pita sandwiches–all vegan choices except some of the sauces have dairy!!!!! Yum! Nothing beats NYC!!!
Yea we made it to Angelica…it was incredible…..withdrawal symptoms!
Glad you made it. I think AK and Candle 79 are my fav vegan restaurants in NYC!
It looks like you guys are enjoying the most amazing food!! Keep it up! :)
These pictures really are making me want to take a trip to NYC soon!
I’ve been to johns!!! So yummy! And the building was amazing!!! Definitely wasn’t expecting it to be in a church. My parents are there now seeing most of the same sites.
I’ll have to keep referring to these posts for amazing places to check out in NYC someday! And I have to say that’s the most beautiful pizzeria I’ve ever seen!
looks like a wonderful trip! I hope you all enjoyed the city!
Wow, I need to got to NY soon. Your pictures are great and I love that NYC embraces all and any way that someone might want to eat.
As a midtown regular I try to avoid Times Square but since it’s directly in the line of the most convenient path between my yoga studio and my boyfriend’s office, I occasionally speed through. The other day I was going through when I spotted Mr Naked Cowboy and for some reason was shocked and appalled when I noticed he’s not the same guy who was the Naked Cowboy when I was in high school (six plus years ago, mind you). I couldn’t help but mutter, “You’re not the Naked Cowboy!!” to which he responded, “Whaaaaaaa…?”
Ha. I adore the TSq pic of you and Eric. My man and i like to go up to Top of the Rock for dates sometimes, there’s a great bar with all the view. So awesome.
Angela,
I was in NYC the middle part of the this week. Took in Times Square (twice) a few nice restaurants and Rockefeller Centre. Unfortunately I was there on business so only the evenings to play. An amazing city. Enjoy. Thank-you for your articles I will use the advice for my trip next year.
Your pictures helped me make the final decision that I’m going back to New York next year! I’m thinking for a white Christmas.
I remembered seeing those titles. I think they were called Tiles for America.
Nerdy pics are the best! Looks like you’re having a fab time in NY! =)
I’m so glad you like Le Pain. We have a buch in LA, too! It’s interesting to here you don’t have them back home, but it sounds like you get by. ;) Glad to know you’re having a blast!
There used to be a Pain Q. in Toronto, too! My friends and I went all the time for brunches when we were at Trin (U of T). Sadly I think it closed in Jan 2011, unless it’s back and running now… Glad you enjoyed NYC!
What? Blossom is the best. I’ve been going there for years! Although just for dinner. They have a different menu. The ravioli with cashew cream as an appetizer. Mmmm that’s the best! And everything in their entree menu is awesome! It chanages every now and then. For dessert I love their cheesecake and coconut lavender creme brûlée. If you go back to blossom you must try dinner their. You must! Every meat eater I bring there is impressed. I actually prefer it to the cafe. Let me know how it goes if you go again.
It’s breakfast time right and looking your wonderful pastry and oats makes me wants some. I wish I had a restaurant like that near me. Looks like your having a blast!!! Enjoy!!
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Keste — they have a cheeseless pizza and even have GF options on Mon & Tues: http://kestepizzeria.com/
DId you make it to Babycakes??? :)
The ambiance of the pizza place looks great!!!! Love New York.
And tighty whitey must have positive body image or an overly large rooster, because, it is COLD in NY!
In my last comment I mentioned that the hubby and I went to Blossom, but I actually meant Cafe Blossom – the one in the upper west side. Mmmmmm! So good!
I live in NYC, and LOVE John’s Pizzeria – especially the history of the building and how beautiful it is. Whether or not it’s the best pizza in NYC is still up for debate (how can you choose just one?!) but it’s definitely near the top of my list – and, someplace I always take friends from out of town or recommend for visitors. Great choice!!
I love your NYC posts! I live in this city and I am jealous of all the places you went that I somehow forget about in the monotony of everyday life. I especially love that you cruised around my neighborhood, the upper west side, so much. It seriously offers some of the best vegan cuisine in the whole city!! It looks like you guys gave NYC a run for its money. Kudos. Next time you’re here, you’ll have to try Eataly’s vegetable only dining space though.
xo
-Sarah
So cool that you live there!
Dear Angela,
thank you for visiting us. We are glad you liked our Cannele and Oatmeal. We hope to see you back soon.
Le Pain Quotidien