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/

'SNice

Sesame ‘Chicken’ Wrap, with peanut sauce and thai salad.

Curried Cauliflower Wrap, with chickpeas, brown rice, and mango chutney.

Notes

Introduction

The wraps are enormous and make a complete meal. I was very tempted by the amazing scent of the garlic roasted broccoli in the salad section but glad I skipped it because I wouldn't have had any room for it.

1. Sesame Chicken Wrap

Stuffed with ample amounts of seitan, vegetables, brown rice, and sauce. Extremely filling. However, the seitan was extraordinarily salty and overpowered the subtle sweetness of the peanut sauce.

2. Curried Cauliflower Wrap

The filling was a bit mushy and bland. The mango chutney enhanced the flavor but I expected something described as curried to pack a bit more heat, which would have contrasted nicley with the temperature and flavor of the chilled, sweet chutney. Also, the cauliflower was a little overcooked so there was not as much of a texture contrast with the softened chickpeas, and made for a less interesting chew.

3. Accompaniments

Both salads were nicely sized and had nice textural components in the shredded cabbage and carrots; however, they were under-dressed, as you can see in the images.

Conclusion

Possible Repeat. These two wraps had the most interesting descriptions relative to the other menu items and yet I walked away underwhelmed. However, I liked the atmosphere at our communal table, I desperately want to try the roasted broccoli, and I'll give the faux-meat sandwiches a nibble.

'SNice, West Village, http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/snice/menu