Franchia - 12 Park Avenue (34th/35th) (Korean - Vegan)
Topic: Korean

A nice little gem in the center of midtown, Franchia is primarly a teahouse (as is obvious from their website, filled with tons of tea related links, including the history of tea, health benefits, yada yada yada.)  But if that was all, it probably never would have made the annuals of Gaijin Girl.  Sure, tea's nice.  But I ain't payin' the big bucks for it.

Thing is, Franchia's also vegan.  Korean-Fusion in flavor, Franchia offers a decent selection of vegan rolls...more than your average sushi joint.  Nicely prepared, offerings include spicy "tuna" roll, "shrimp" avocado roll, "chicken" sate...you get the idea.  Artfully presented, and looking pretty much like the real thing, Franchia's rolls provide a nice change from the limited vegan fare available from your neighborhood sushi-ya.  Other options include dumplings, noodles, Bibimbap, and even a few neat cocktails.    The space is also pretty classy - perfect for an elegant date, or a special occasion.

All that said, Franchia is a little on the pricey side (my dumpling and two roll order ran me $20.  Though granted, I *do* tend towards cheap.)  As for the taste?  Good.  Not howlingly great - the rice in my rolls lacked the vinegared flavor of my regular joint, Sushi Time...and the kimchi dumplings had very little kick.  But as a vegan, it was nice to look onto the plate and see something more substantial than a sad, cucumber maki roll and a lump of artificial wasabi.  So Franchia gets a thumbs up...  Was it worth a visit?  Yes.  But will it replace Sushi Time as my personal stand-by, in terms of flavor or value?  Not at those prices...  But it's nice to know it exists.

Protein (and a few superfood) Powders
Topic: Vegetarian/Vegan

Anyone into bodybuilding is of course familar with protein powders.  Thing is, most are whey or egg based.  But these days there is a whole range of vegetarian/vegan powders available as well, built around soy, rice and/or whole foods.  So here's a list, bound to grow as time and taste (and budget) permits:

Genisoy - Pending

Hemp Seed Powder - Pending

Jugo - Pending

Maca Powder - Pending (extract of a root which is reputed to enhance athletic endurance. And libido too, but who cares about that?  :)

Raw Power - Pending

Rice Protein (Nutribiotic) - Tried this one awhiles back.  Not much to say, other than it didn't create all that much of an impression.  Hey, maybe I'll give it another try.  (Maybe.)

Ultimate Meal (by Ultimate Life) - This meal replacement powder is totally raw, totally vegan.  Chock full of superfoods, it's supposedly quite good for you.  Unfortunately for me, it's green and not ALL that palatable (though I didn't find it as bad as some others have).  Worse, it's expensive and not very filling.  So,  it's not for me.  Oh well.

Cheese (Vegan)
Topic: Vegetarian/Vegan

Ah, Cheese.  Or rather, a (reasonable?) facsimile thereof.  I have oft been told by other vegans (online) that cheese is that holy grail of mock foods.  Hard to replicate, and whenever there's a rumor that there's a better vegan cheese out there, all the veganites come out a-salivatin', and raring to try it (ESPECIALLY if they say it actually melts...)  Honestly, I was never a *huge* cheese-o-holic, but I like my occasional pizza slice, grilled cheese or mac n' cheese as much as the next gal.  So...I'm curious as to how the various vegan cheesse size up.  Here's a list of the top contenders, most yet untried.  But hey, give me time...

PS: Newbie or aspiring vegans should really note - not ALL soy cheese is vegan!  For some (*&(*&)( reason, alot of companies make their faux-cheese with casein (milk) and/or rennet (calf stomach lining.)  If you're making your cheese non-animal based why the heck add such things?  (Okay, maybe it's a health thing.)  But still...

Cheezley - Pending

Chreeze - Pending.  Nutritional yeast based - haven't heard much about it, but it is in Wikipedia...so that must make it worthwhile.  Right?  Um, right?  Okay, well, I'll try it when I have the opportunity, anyway.  Besides...they actually make Mac n' cheese!  Um mac and chreeze...  Aw, never mind...I'll just report back once it's been taste tested....

Dr. Cow Cheese - Not only raw, but raw (made from nut cultures.)  Practially brand-new (as of this writing), I actually found a sample of it at Westerly Natural Market (alot of the other places listed were out of stock.)  Don't know how or it it melts, but you know what?  This stuff actually tastes good, and alot like real aged cheese, with a slightly tangy, fermented flavor (I tried the cashew cheese variety...there are a few.)  Given the price ($6.00 for a medium sample), I'll probably never have this ever again.  But it's still a winner, at least in taste!

Follow Your Heart (FYH) Gourmet Cheese - Considered one of the best (and most meltable) vegan cheeses out there, FYH comes in cheddar, monterey jack, nacho and mozzerella.  Admittedly, the stuff is not *perfect* - I've tried the mozerella variety, and found it had a semi-weird texture, and liquifies to a thin goo when nuked directly in a microwave.  But I've been told that it works extremely well on pizza.  AND, I've personally found a quick n' easy pizza replacement using FYH.  IE: stuff a whole wheat pita with some FYH, and eat plain, dipped into a side bowl of spaghetti sauce.  Okay, I TOLD you I wasn't a chef.  But dag blammit, it works.  And really satisfies the occasional pizza craving.  And on top of that?  It's even low carb!  Yay, FYH...!

Galaxy Nutritional Foods - Rubbery slices with a somewhat weird texture and flavor.  Not horrible, though...(how's that for a recommendation?)  (Their parmesan cheese is way better - see below)  As for melting?  Well, at least during the one experiment I tried, it doesn't.  Not at all.

Sheese - Pending

Teese - Pending (only in Chicago, as of this writing!)

Tofutti -    So far, one of the best sliced cheeses I've tried.  Tastes pretty much like cheese (the sliced, American variety), with a decent texture (unlike, say, Galaxt Nutritional.  Like FYH, it doesn't seem to really melt as much as liquify.  But I didn't perform extensive  tests on it, so maybe I was just heating it too far.  But so far, Tofutti would be my choice, if I was in the mood for a cheese and crackers sort of meal.

Vegan Rella - WOW, this stuff is nasty.  A hint of grainy, and a WHOLE full mouthful of plastic texture and flavor.  When microwaved, it congealed into a hard crust, and three--count 'em, three--people in the office commented on the funky smell.  I actually threw this stuff out rather than finish the block.  (And coming from me, the queen of cheap, that's really amazing.)  Blech.

Vegi-Kaas - Pending

Other cheese *stuffs*:

Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese - This stuff really, seriously works.  If you're a cream cheese afficiando, go for it...on a bagel, or in decadent recipes.  BTW...it's an essential ingredient in a particular recipe of vegan truffles (Found in the Compassion Over Killing's website) that have won praise absolutely ever time I made it...even with omnis.  And I can't even cook...!

Vegan Grated Topping (Galaxy Nutritional Foods) - A really good substitute for parmesan cheese.  Tasty, and really fits the bill.

Lifethyme Natural Market - 410 Sixth Avenue (off 9th Street) (Health Food/Veggie)
Topic: Health Food

Wow, this place is a vegan's dream come true!  Tons of veggie pho meats, cheeses, raw snacks, a juice bar...and even a vegan bakery on premises!  Reasonably priced (though not dirt cheap), Lifethyme even has tons of premade stuff, like vegan knishes, un-tuna sandwiches, etc.  Already my choice shopping venue, it's enough to make me want to move to the West Village!  (Though with the prevailing real estate prices, it ain't neva gonna happen...)

Westerly Natural Market - 913 8th Avenue (54th Street) (Health Food)
Topic: Health Food

A top notch health food market, with alot of hard to find stuff, like Vega Bars and Dr. Cow Cheese.  The raw section (found in the back) is pretty fab, too!

Health Conscious Express - 45 First Avenue (between 2nd and 3rd Street) (Jamaican)
Topic: Jamaican
A small little Jamaican joint - marketing mostly vegetarian munchies such as patties, lotsa juices and a few raw desserts.  Slightly on the expensive side (though normal for Manhattan)...but the place is small, friendly, and convenient.  All good things, if you're in the area!

Little Lads Basket - 120 Broadway (Lower Arcade) (Vegan... mostly)
Topic: Vegetarian/Vegan

Talk about a hidden location!  Invisible from the street, Little Lad's Basket is buried in the lower levels of a financial district building - accessible only after a walk through the stark corporate lobby of 120 Broadway...down a flight of polished, marble stairs.  It's an unlikely spot for a vegan restaurant - but then, who says all veggie places have to be in the Village, or Brooklyn?

Owned by Seventh Day Adventists, LLB is definitely unique...and not just due to locale*. 

The fare is mostly vegan, with a focus on organic natural ingredients - both for takeout and eat-in.  Lined with tables, the foyer features selections of fresh fruit, nut and seed snacks, and lots of little pastry items in portable plastic bags.  But at LLB, it's actually worth it to stick around.  'Cause between 11:30am  and 3:30,  Little Lad's offers a lunch buffet - giving diners the opportunity to load up a plate and bowl with whatever's on hand for the day...all for the low price of $3.99. 

Not surprisingly, the fare is kept simple. On the day of the Gaijin Girl visit, options included carrots, cabbage, tofu "chicken cacciatore" and split pea soup.  A vegan mac and cheese proved particularly tasty...as did the blueberry pie and veg*n "nice cream" (only available on Fridays**.)  Sadly, the much lauded shepherd's pie wasn't available...a dish which has earned many foodie fans.   Though not gourmet or distinctively flavored, the food did satisfy, as did the little snacks near the cashier (including flavored popcorn, and a really good vegan mallomar.). 

The service experience is equally nice....featuring a courteous, sweet staff, and a noticable lack of religious pressure.  (Reading material is available if you want to partake.  But if you don't, that's fine too.)  And here's the kicker - LLB works on the honor system.  You eat and then you pay.  Go ahead, we trust you.  Wow, what a concept. 

All in all., a breath of fresh air - and a surprising oasis from the high stress world of Wall Street.  It's a good place to go, relax, and grab an affordable bite.  That's an attractive combination - especially for jaded New Yorkers like me.

* Available in areas other than NYC, LLB also has locations in Bangor Maine and Portland, OR
** Okay, the pastries were extra.  But still quite affordable.

Akane - 216 E. 39th Street (2nd and 3rd Avenue) (Japanese/Sushi)
Topic: Japanese
A classy sushi joint in the heart of mid-town east.   Good food, with decent vegetable roll options.  Pretty popular with the business crowd, Akane gets pretty crowded near lunchtime...

A Difference in Taste - Foodswings vs. Bliss
Topic: Vegetarian/Vegan
During a recent trip to Brooklyn, I was fortunate enough to be able to sample not one--but two--well known vegetarian restaurants, both located in the heart of Williamsburg.  (Being a Bronx resident, I don't get out to Brooklyn too often...so you gotta scarf it down when the opportunity presents itself.)

The result?  An interesting contrast in culinary philosophies - ranging from austere to the ultimate in fast food indulgence...with proof that vegan/vegetarian fare need not be bland, one-note...or even healthy.

Bliss - 191 Bedford Avenue (between 6th and 7th street)
Specializing in organic vegetarian, Bliss Cafe has a healthy, hipster vibe.  Known for its brunches, the cafe serves up a number of veggie staples such as fresh squeezed juice, tofu scramble and homemade granola with yogurt (available in both soy and regular non-vegan varieties.)  When I arrived, I'd actually hoped to score a breakfast burrito with a side of cornbread (said by some to be quite addictive.)  But breakfast was over - resulting in an order for the titular Bliss Bowl...a mix of brown rice, tofu, salad dressing and steamed vegetables.    The result?  A lot of food, but very little flavor.  Even with the ginger dressing, the bowl proved bland...and no tastier than straight steamed vegetables from Shop Rite (something that even I--with my limited culinary skills--could have topped.)  To be fair, it was only one dish--which did admittedly leave my stomach with a nice, light airy feeling.  And the breakfast food might have been better.  The service was great, and the atmosphere pleasant.  So perhaps Bliss deserves another chance.  But given the long trip to Brooklyn, that's unlikely to happen.

Foodswings - 295 Grand Street (between Roebling and Havemeyer)
Then there's Foodswings - conceptualized by its owners as a punk, unapologetic ode to fast food (done all-vegan style)

There ain't a thing about Foodswings that's stylish.  Decorated with all the flair of a school cafeteria, FS features loud music, no bathrooms, and disposable plates.  Though not unpleasant, the counter staff's hardly attentive, and has a tendency to socialize on the job.  (At least they did when I was there.  Hey, who wants to pay attention to customers, anyway?)

You know what?  I really like this place.

In stark contrast to vegan fare's reputation as healthy and bland, Foodswings serves up classic comfort food.  The menu at FS reads like a Junk Food Hall of Fame, with items such as hotdogs, hamburgers, mac n' cheese, tuna salad sandwiches, pu-pu platters, chicken nuggets and even milkshakes (which are said to be awesome - with or without alcohol added.)  Sure, the quesadillas have drippy vegan cheese - but they're warm and satisfying nonetheless!  There's tofu jerky available at the counter, and various dessert options, depending on the day.  (Though the cheesecake I had proved less than amazing...kind o' dry and heavy, and just not quite right.)  The only drawback - certain items are only available late nights...so don't expect to satisfy your grilled ham and cheese craving during daylight hours.  Okay, and the prices could be somewhat cheaper.  Still - Foodswings is fun.  Call me a proletariat, but given a choice between a Bliss Bowl and Vegan Fish n' Chips...?  Well, there's just no contest.

Hop Won - 139 East 45th Street (Lexington and 3rd)
Topic: Chinese
A good place to know...at least when searching for Chinese food in the heart of mid-town east. 

Marked by a generic white sign, there's not much that distinguishes HW from a million other Chinese food joints in Manhattan.  A casual look inside only reinforces that impression...revealing a prominent buffet table serving up American classics such as lo mein, roast pork and tons o stuff with brown sauce.

But slightly further in is a separate counter where customized orders are served - with a range of options from sour cabbage with chicken, to bitter melon over rice, and Shanghai rice cake.

Though not spectacular, the fare is solid and satisfying.  The price?  More than reasonable for mid-town, and the portions are huge (my $4.00 bowl of vegetable noodle spanned at least six inches, with a depth of four.)

So give Hop Won a try.  If you work in mid-town, you might become a regular.