Terri

Roasted Vegetable Sandwich

Jerk Tofu Sandwich

Apple-Cinnamon Donut

Notes:

1. Jerk Tofu Pineapple Sandwich

From the menu: "Jerk Tofu Pineapple. Smoked tofu, jerk sauce, pineapple, mixed peppers, red onions, with sweet potato fries. $ 7.81"

The smoky-flavored tofu was nice: a bit of liquid smoke without tasting like a chiminea. The sautéed red and green bell peppers together with caramelized were fairly pedestrian but added nice flavor and texture. The jerk sauce definitely wasn't what I was expecting: Pale, creamy and black peppery rather than a red-hued paprika-cinnamon-nutmeg blend. The focaccia bread has good flavor, with fresh herbs, and is soft and nicely griddled; my only complaint is that the amount overwhelms the daintier portions of the sandwich fillings.

2. Roasted Vegetable Sandwich

From the menu: "Eggplant, squash, zucchini, sun-dried tomato, Kalamata Olives, Peppers. $ 7.81"

The only additional tasting note is that there is a light balsamic dressing on the sandwich.

3. Apple-Cinnamon Donut

From the menu: Not listed. Also, I'm not sure what the price was, but together with my sandwich and tax I paid $11.50.

Gooey inside; crunchy sugar outside. Definitely not a Cake donut but nonetheless delicious.

Conclusion:

We left feeling full but, as my companion said, in a good way. Despite the line, we were both served in about 5 minutes. There is not really sufficient space to sit but it was not a problem: we walked over to Union Square Park, where the sunlight helped to produce such gorgeous photos.

Terri, Chelsea, http://terrinyc.com/

Bombay Talkie

Baigan Bharta

Sukhi Harabara Beans

Notes

1. Baigan Bharta

From the Menu: "Tandoori smoked eggplant with ginger, coriander, cumin and chilies. $14."

2. Sukhi Harabara Beans

From the Menu: "String beans, onions and tomatoes, lightly spiced with cumin, coriander, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and mango powder served with mint and coriander chutney. $16."

Conclusion

Repeat. A bit pricier than many Indian restaurants but Bombay Talkie offered a diversity vegan options and dishes that I haven't encountered at other restaurants, ample portions, and sumptuous flavors.

Bombay Talkie, Chelsea, http://www.bombaytalkie.com/

'wichcraft

Marinated Eggplant Sandwich

Chopped Chickpeas Sandwich

Notes

1. Marinated Eggplant Sandwich

From the Menu: "Marinated Eggplant with chickpea puree, roasted peppers, and watercress on ciabatta roll. $7.95."

Tasting: Served warm. The sandwich was a flavorful blend: the roasted peppers are red bell peppers, and additional flavor components include chopped green olives, whole fennel seeds, parsley and capers. The hearty ciabatta was necessary to sop up some of the sauce and, despite the paper wrapper, I managed to make a mess while eating because the components kept falling out. Definitely worth ordering, but perhaps not when you're on a date or on the go.

2. Chopped Chickpeas Sandwich

From The Menu: "Chopped Chickpeas with roasted peppers, black olives, lemon, and parsley on country bread. $6.95."

Tasting: Served cool. A light but satisfying sandwich, perfect for a warm summer day. The country bread was also tasty: whole wheat with an oat-topped crust.

Conclusion

Repeat. It was also a gorgeous day; the availability of seating in the outdoor deck area made a delicious lunch even lovelier!

'wichcraft, Multiple Locations (featured location: Chelsea), www.wichcraftnyc.com

Blossom

Cape Cod Cakes

Southern Seitan Sandwich

Tuscan Portobello Sandwich

Notes
1. Appetizer
Cape Cod Cakes

From the Menu: "A blend of hiziki seaweed, herbs and spices. Served with vegan tartar sauce. $10."

Tasting: Four small cakes plated on and topped with vegan tartar sauce. The cakes have a thin, crisp breading, "seafood" seasoning (Old Bay?), hiziki (mildly salty seaweed that adds dark green color and the flavor of the sea), diced red bell pepper, and a wonderfully soft, crablike component of unknown provenance (Heart of palm? Soy?). The plate also contained shredded carrots and watercress. The cakes are a delightful interpretation of crab cakes and, as far as meat analogs go, come remarkably close (and are perhaps even better than) what they imitate. Delicious and highly recommended.

2. Sandwiches
a. Southern Seitan Sandwich with Fries

From the Menu: "Spiced seitan, caramelized onions, avocado, chipotle aioli. $14"

Tasting: Easily one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. The seitan filets (about three in the sandwich) are lightly breaded and well seasoned, with a spicy, smoky flavor. The seitan protein itself is firm but still moist. The chipotle mayo is excellently balanced, between the muted heat of its eponymous smoked jalapeño, the fatiness of the creamy base, and a slight sweetness, perhaps of agave. The other sandwich components include caramelized onions, adding a tangy yet molasses flavor, and several slices of creamy avocado round out the flavor profile nicely. The ciabatta roll containing the whole affair is fresh and warmly toasted, soft with nice pockets that lightly absorbs the fat of the other components.

The side option of sweet potato fries at the Cafe Blossom is my default, but the golden potato fries are also delicious: lightly seasoned with sea salt and fresh parsley, they represent the ideal ratio of the crisp exterior to the tender, creamy interior; the organic ketchup is also delicious. The side salad option, not pictured above, is also quite good: mesclun greens and pear tomatoes, with a creamy, tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette.

b. Tuscan Portobello Sandwich with Fries

From the Menu: "Grilled Portobello, roasted red peppers and caramelized onions topped with vegan mozzarella and spicy mayo. $12."

Conclusion

Repeat. The only possible drawback is the slightly elevated price point, but if you go at lunch, as we did, the food becomes relatively more affordable; regardless, I'm willing to pay for such well prepared food that emphasizes seasonal and organic ingredients. The ambiance and service are also very refined; great spot for a date. Overall, Blossom is perfect for meat analog novices, who couldn't possibly resist what the kitchen can prepare, and also those who prefer seasonal, minimally processed ingredients.

Blossom, Chelsea, http://www.blossomnyc.com/site/