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Vegan in Manhattan

Sharing the Good!

Multi-colored mural of NY at JFK airport
I love seeing this mural as I arrive in NY at JFK.

I spent the last 9 days of my 2024 summer break in New York City. On my “solo” trip, I explored vegan restaurants and vegan eats, balanced with A LOT of walking! I love my location at my relatives’ UWS place.

Travel Day 1

I chose an mid-morning American Airlines flight from SFO to JFK, avoiding traffic and taking BART straight into SFO. I decided to use that day as a Prolon Reset day. But I really appreciate the food options available at SFO and that on the American Airlines SFO-JFK flight they always give you a light meal/snack and they have a vegan option. My taxi ride from JFK to Manhattan was the first clue about the higher prices in New York, and was not quite the same ride Sean Penn took Dakota Johnson on in Daddio (which I’d see just 24 hours earlier at the Orinda Theatre.

American Airlines always has a vegan option.
Blank Street Coffee on UWS
View from UWS apartment.

Day 2: Tuesday

On this morning I went for coffee at nearby Blank Street Coffee, where I had a delicious cappuccino with oat milk. I took a walk around the neighborhood in the rain and caught up on the phone with a friend. Then I started out on my journey for the day. I walked from UWS to midtown to meet my nephew for lunch at Le Botaniste. It is a plant-based casual restaurant that serves prepared food of your choice. I thought it was ok and would probably choose to try a different place next time, but would be fine returning if it was convenient.

Eating lunch at LeBotaniste with my nephew, our vegan lunches pm the table.
Lady (me) smiling with white hat on in front of framed Hell's Kitchen poster in front of Shubert Theater.
Left: Lunch at LeBotaniste with my nephew. Above: I just bought my ticket to see this amazing musical, Hell’s Kitchen.

From midtown I headed to the Shubert Theatre to buy my ticket to go see Hell’s Kitchen on Friday evening. I love Alicia Keys and loved listening to the soundtrack over and over during the miles and miles I covered in Manhattan!! I trekked through the hot, humid and crowded streets to Chelsea Market. I just had to get to Seed + Mill to get their halva and oat milk-tahini soft-serve–OMG! And their halva cakes – I’ve got to come up with a special occasion as an excuse to order one of these!

Oatmilk and tahini Soft served with chocolate sauce and halva from Seed and Mill at Chelsea Market.
I literally dream about this dessert.
I’m trying to think of a party to throw so I can order one of these halvah cakes to serve.

I found a nearby park where I sat and had a coaching call on the phone. With just over 2 hours until my dinner date, I meandered through the West Village, stopping off for Happy Hour (and to charge my phone) at Stafili Wine Cafe (12th and Grenwich). After resting a bit and cooling off, I continued to Washington Square Park and then up to Madison Square Park and on further until I finally met my friend for dinner at Hangawi. Hangawi is a vegan Korean restaurant where you remove your shoes when you enter and you sit at a sunken table. We both opted for the Restaurant Week prix fix dinner, especially since we each wanted different items. It was good…not exceptional and portions were not overwhelming. But I am always glad to try a new place. Even though we walked more after dinner, my Apple Watch had died. I estimate that I walked about 14 miles that day.

We chose the Restaurant Week Dinner at Hangawi vegan Korean Restaurant

Day 3: Wednesday

I slept really well last night after walking 14 miles (!) yesterday! Today I had my cappuccino with oat milk at Moka & Co where they specialize in Yemenite coffee. I enjoyed this and thought the environment and ambiance was nice enough to hangout for a while if I return.

Inside Moka & Co.
Above: Moka & Co Coffee Shop on UWS

Middle: Walking shoes and layers are important for travel with lots of walking.

Right: Dressed to walk to dinner.

Me dressed for a day in NY with yellow shirt, white cap, sunglasses and sneakers.
Me dressed to walk to dinner in skirt, white top, sandals and a pink purse.

I came back “home” and was able to join my online Subtle Yoga class at 9:30 (normally I watch the archive). I ventured out today to a totally different area. I walked through Central Park and the UES to the East River Esplenade. I’d planned to walk down the esplenade for a while but saw that the Roosevelt Island Tramway was close by. So I soared over to Roosevelt Island (watch my video). In retrospect, I probably should have hopped onto one of the city bikes rather than walk 3 miles around 75% of the perimeter.

The East River and the Esplanade with the Bridge to Roosevelt Island.
The East River Esplanade along the East River facing the bridge that crosses to Roosevelt Island.
Head sculptures on the grass on Roosevelt Island.
Head sculptures on Roosevelt Island.

This solo trip gave me the flexibility to be spontaneous and adventurous as I explore new areas and spaces! I took the subway back to the UES, as I was planning to make a quick visit to the Guggenheim. But due to some iPhone concerns, I spent almost an hour in the UES Apple Store. My iPhone got an A+ check-up, while I cooled off and finished my Iced Matcha Late from Ralph’s Coffee.

A view of Manhattan from Roosevelt Island.
Green matcha latel on wooden table from Ralph's coffee with American flags in the background
Left: A view of Manhattan from Roosevelt Island. In the foreground is a sculpture in the water with a matching plaque on land.

Above: A green matcha iced latte from Ralph’s Coffee on UES – a refreshing afternoon drink!

I walked back home through the park and had a pretty quick turn around before I met my friend at her new apartment and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at Blossom on Columbus. Unfortunately, Blossom is closing at the end of August.  I ate there only twice, and I was so looking forward to going back again. I loved the Caesar Salad, the pistachio-crusted tofu, and the Seitan Piccatta. I think I’ll get the cookbook so I can try to recreate those dishes.

Seitan Piccata and Pistachio-crusted Tofu at the now-shuttered Blossom

Day 4: Thursday

Despite my extensive mileage yesterday, I didn’t sleep as well last night. In New York you have to sleep with the AC on at night. I probably messed up the thermostat and I was hot throughout the night. Hence, I tried out two (!) different coffee places this morning…Artisan Cafe and Fillup Coffee. I won’t return to either of those.

Petrit Halilaj Abatare

That afternoon I met my friend at the Met. We saw the Harlem Renaissance exhibit and visited the rooftop sculpture garden. Later I wandered up Broadway on the UWS and sampled the Pickled Cruidites at Maison Pickle. We met up again for an early dinner at Shahel before seeing the play, Six Characters, at Lincoln Center.

Left: Pickled Cruidites from Maison Pickle. Above: Vegan Kibbe and Salad from Shahel. Right: Summer Nights at Lincoln Center

Day 5: Friday

I did so much on this day, I had to create a separate post! Ferry Fun Friday in New York

Day 6: Saturday

The highlight of my weekend was spending time with my son, DIL and my two granddaughters, ages 2 and 4. I don’t post photos of them but use your imagination to picture how elated I was and how much fun I had!

Central Park trees with green grass in foreground and buildings in background with cloudy blue sky.
wide pathway in Central park dividing green landscape and trees with lamp pole to right.

They arrived on the UWS from Long Island by 9 am. We headed over to Central Park on foot and stroller! With our group, someone is always hungry and ready for at least a snack. We stopped at Le Pain Quotidien in Central Park. They have both grab-and-go items and menu items to order (eat in or to go). I enjoyed the avocado toast!

Two young parents pushing stroller and walking towards bridge tunnel in Central Park.

We then headed over to the Central Park Zoo. A popular destination for mostly young families, it is a very “do-able” activity in an hour or two. Central Park has plenty of activities for young families and we didn’t miss stopping off at the Carousel. By the time we finished circling the zoo and going in circles on the merry-go-round, we were ready to eat again!

We brought our healthy appetites over to The Hummus Place for a sit-down lunch. We’ve been going to this tried-and-true authentic eatery for years. After a tasty and full meal, we still had some room for a gelato at the UWS Amorino. We first tasted the flower-shaped gelato at the Amarino in Paris. I love that they have some vegan flavors (especially the organic chocolate sorbet). There’s nothing like watching your granddaughters enjoy an ice cream cone!

Italian salad on white plate with two lemon wedges.
Mushroom pizza with marinara on pizza crust with no cheese.
Aunt and nephew
Far left: Sicilian Salad. Middle: Mushroom Pizza (without cheese). Above: me and my nephew Zach.

The kids headed back to Long Island and I took a well-needed rest, until meeting my nephew (3rd one I saw on this trip) for an early dinner. He headed over to meet me on the UWS. I wanted to get back to Blossom, but we passed the charming Bella Luna and decided to dine there. We were not disappointed! Zach enjoyed his pasta dish and I loved the Sicilian Salad and Mushroom Pizza, both sans cheese. I will definitely return!

Day 7: Sunday

This morning my son’s adorable family came returned again from Long Island. We merely crossed the street from where I was staying, the girls delighting in returning to the Hippo Playground in Riverside Park. Surrounded by many very tall trees, which provide much appreciated shade during the hot summer days, There are plenty of play structures for kids of different ages, and in the center is a water play area. Popular for hosting birthday celebrations and picnics, the vibe is fun and energetic, young-ish parents and mostly young children buzzing around on this warm summer weekend.

Hippo Park-a children's playground in Riverside Park with play structures and water toys surrounded by tall trees that shade the playground.
Hippo Playground in Riverside Park on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, N.Y.

After the park, I got my second (and sadly, my last) opportunity to eat at Blossom. We all enjoyed the many dishes we ordered and shared for brunch. I was subsequently surprised to hear about their closing at the end of August 2024. That wrapped up. my time with my son, DIL and two beautiful granddaughters. It is hard to live so far from them (read my post on Grandparenting From Afar), but we had such a wonderful time together this weekend!

A circular garden with a variety of plants and plaque that says Shakespeare's Garden
a man on a bike pulling a container with Amazon deliveries in an intersection in NYC.
Left: Shakespeare’s Garden in Central Park Above: An Amazon delivery person on bike towing a container of Amazon packages

I was invited to dinner with extended family. My nephew told me the location of the Serafina restaurant, but I mixed it up and thought we were going to a different one (which was actually further from me). I left the apartment in plenty of time, deciding to walk through Central Park and then catch the subway after a while. Well, I was never going to be ending up in the correct location. But on the way there, I had another subway snafu. Upon arriving at the wrong Serafina location, I ended up taking a cab to the correct one (OMG) and I was (only!) 30 minutes late. They have several vegan options: I enjoyed the Insalata Di Porto Cervo with romaine, carrots, hearts of palm, avocado & lemon dressing, and the (whole wheat) Penne All’Arrabbiatta. I decided I’d skip the subway and walk home….I just happen to pass Amarino along the way, so guess what I did…

A family of 7 sitting around a table eating dinner at Serefina in NYC
Left: Pasta Arrabiatta – I started eating it before I remembered to snap the photo. Above: Family dinner at Serefina Italian restaurant in New York.

Day 8: Monday

Manhattan is a pedestrian- and bike-friendly city.
The Intrepid in the Hudson River with blue cloudy skies in the background.
Intrepid Museum

Today was another day of adventure. The weather was terrific in the morning, and I enjoyed walking all the way along the Hudson River from Riverside Park at 90th to Chelsea. I passed many landmarks along the way, including The Intrepid. Planning a self-guided tour of Harlem in the afternoon, I listened to the tour in advance. I wanted to preview the description of the historical sites and learn about the history before the actually experience. After passing the Ferry Terminal, I turned left and headed back through Chelsea into the Flat Iron district, where I met Rachel for lunch at The Grey Dog.

Mexican Bowl with AMAZING TOFU!!!
Brussels Sprouts
Lunch at The Grey Dog with Rachel

I loved this restaurant. Rachel and I had so much fun visiting each other and I thought the food was terrific. I ordered the Mexican Bowl with crispy tofu (YUM!) instead of chicken and no rice, and we shared the brussels sprouts. After our lunch, I navigated myself to the subway that would take me all the way up to Harlem to start my self-guided walking tour. Unfortuantely due to another episode of navigation confusion, I found myself on the wrong line and exited at a different location than what I had planned. I walked a good 30 minutes before I arrived at the 135th Street station where the tour began.

Painted mural on door in Harlem that says Welcome to Harlem
YMCA in Harlem
The historical YMCA of Harlem

This was my first visit to Harlem. I wanted to take a guided tour but I couldn’t find any offered at convenient times for me. We loved using the Annie Sargent’s programs during our Paris visit, so I searched for a similar type to guide me through Harlem. I found Harlem self-guided walking tour and followed the process to download and use. I previewed it in the morning so I’d have some familiarity with it as I was actually walking from site-to-site that afternoon. After a subway ride and an unplanned west to eat walk through Harlem, I arrived at the 135th Street Station where the tour begins and ends.

135th Street Station
“Walk Your Horses”
Slutty Vegan Restaurant behind NYPD squad car.

I learned a lot on the tour and I’m glad I did it. But I’d like to return to Harlem and do a small group human-led tour. I’d also like to enjoy some authentic (but vegan) Harlem eats, and maybe even listen to some jazz!

Mural on Harlem Hospital depicting three different stages in Harlem history.
  • Riverside Park walk along the Hudson from UWS 90th St. to Chelsea
  • Lunch with Rachel at the Grey Dog – Flat Iron
  • Subway to Harlem (via “plant” street:
  • Since I took the wrong subway line (again), I got off in Spanish Harlem and walked about 30 minutes to get to the 135 Street subway station.
  • Harlem self-guided walking tour
  • Dinner at with Dana and Holly
Red Tower under bridge with blue sky in background.
Red Tower under George Washington Bridge

Day 9: Tuesday (the 2nd one…)

We rode bikes from UWS to G.W. Bridge
View looking towards New Jersey (west)
View looking south towards downtown NYC

Day 10: Wednesday (travel home day)

On my last morning, I took a walk through Riverside Park (again). I had not used my watercolors yet on this trip. I brought my sketchbook with me and sat for a while and sketch a section of the wrought-iron fence and lamp post. Then I walked over to get some food to take on the flight. Modern Bread and Bagel has a delicious vegan bagel, lox and (tofu) cream cheese–it was even gluten-free (I’m not). Oh, I also got a chocolate zucchini muffin (vegan).

Bagel, vegan lox and tofu cream cheese above a paper that says Modern Bread & Bagel
On my last morning in New York, I sat on a park bench in Riverside Park and sketched the fence and lamp post. Then I walked over to Modern Bread and Bagel to get food for the flight.

Walking Mileage

One of the reasons I love Manhattan so much is that I get to walk for miles and miles:

  • Monday – 2.49 miles (travel day)
  • Tuesday – 12.74 miles (but my Apple watch died before I got home and didn’t log in at least another mile…)
  • Wednesday – 13.34 miles
  • Thursday: – 9.26 miles
  • Friday – 12.85 miles
  • Saturday – 8.03 miles
  • Sunday – 8.34 miles
  • Monday – 10.96 miles
  • Tuesday – 6.05 miles (plus an 11+ mile bike ride!)
  • Wednesday – 5.34 (travel day)

I had a fantastic solo trip to New York. I loved that the themes of my trip were: vegan eats, walking for miles and miles, discovering new parts of New York, Black culture in New York, and visiting friends and family. I can’t wait to return! What cities do you think are the best to walk in? Please, share your comments and thoughts!

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