NYC's Best Raw Food Restaurants
In 2007, Stacy Stowers realized a remarkable recovery from the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia and chronic pain after switching to a raw food diet. Now she tours the country living with individual families, and helping them to make the switch to a raw, nutrient-rich diet. When she's not staying with her clients, she lives in New York with her family. Her new book, Eat Raw, Not Cooked is out now and available everywhere books are sold.
The raw food diet is gaining popularity among all those seeking better health practices and more energy. But going raw doesn't necessarily mean compromising on quality, delicious food. Stacy Stowers, raw food chef and author of Eat Raw Not Cooked, available April 22nd, plays restaurant critic this week with her top picks for New York City's best raw bites.
170 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358-0300
http://liquiteria.com/
Liquiteria is a healthy oasis, delivering a fun, vibrant, and comfortable atmosphere. They offer a wide range of cold pressed juices, smoothies, salads and snacks to go. What I personally love most about Liquiteria is thier philosophy of including everyone. They believe that balance, not extremism, is key to reaching your full potential!
One Lucky Duck
75 9th Ave
New York, NY
(212) 255-4300
125 E 17th St
New York, NY
(212) 477-7151
http://oneluckyduck.com/
A wonderful surprise found in a little hole in the wall, on a busy Gramercy Park side street entrance. Tiny place, but BIG on raw vegan taste! You might get a seat and you might not. "Lucky" you! I usually stop into One Lucky Duck for a quick salad or snack to go, knowing it will be made with the freshest, organic, raw ingredients. That makes me feel happy. My absolute favorite salad is the Kale Salad with an amazing macadamia parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Ok, now all this "Lucky Duck" talk has me hankerin' for one of Sarma's Mallomar Bars. Heck, I'm puttin' on my boots and headin' on over now!
Pure Food & Wine
54 Irving Pl
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-1010
http://oneluckyduck.com/pages/pure-food-and-wine
When I was just a little baby "raw foodie," I dreamt of one day traveling to NYC and dining at Pure Food & Wine. Today, my Gramercy Park apartment is just a raw almond's throw away. Pure Food & Wine is raw food in ART form! The sexy, bright red atmosphere is super hot, making it a great date spot. In the spring, the back patio opens up and little twinkling lights fill the trees. There is an awesome organic cocktail and wine selection. Everything on the menu is exquisite and appeals to all the senses. The star performance for me is the Tiramisu! I'm not going to lie; food art is not cheap.
Quintessence
263 E 10th St
New York, NY 10009
(646) 654-1823
http://www.raw-q.com/
Quintessence makes me think of raw comfort food. I can't keep my eyes off of every entree coming out from Raw Chef Dan's kitchen. He is a fresh ingredient genius and I want everything on his menu. Be sure to order Dan's unique version of the traditional Caesar Salad. I love it so much it is hard for me to deviate to anything else. But if I did, I would order the Mexican Platter!
Bistango
415 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-8484
http://www.bistangonyc.com/
Estancia 460
460 Greenwich St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 431-5093
http://estancia460.com/
Soho House New York
29-35 9th Ave
New York, NY 10014
(212) 627-9800
http://www.sohohouseny.com/
Please don't make the mistake of only going to "raw food" establishments to enjoy a raw food meal. You can always find a nice big fluffy green salad, even at a steak house. Our city is packed full of the most amazing restaurants, and I prefer to enjoy them with the company of friends. Not many of my friends have the same passion as I do for raw foods but I always say, 'people first and then food.' These three establishments offer a good array of raw foods so that you can enjoy a yummy meal with friends without having to be 'that person.'
In 2007, Stacy Stowers realized a remarkable recovery from the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia and chronic pain after switching to a raw food diet. Now she tours the country living with individual families, and helping them to make the switch to a raw, nutrient-rich diet. When she's not staying with her clients, she lives in New York with her family. Her new book, Eat Raw, Not Cooked is out now and available everywhere books are sold.