By Alicia Hückmann, VRG Intern from Germany

Known to be one of the best places to visit as a vegan, the vibrant city
of New York offers a broad variety of restaurants and cafés that serve
delicious plant-based alternatives. A considerable number of these are
not just vegan-friendly but manage to run without using any animal
products altogether. One of the most famous of these restaurants is
called Blossom. The first Blossom restaurant was founded in Chelsea
(Manhattan) in 2005 and thanks to its ever growing popularity, two new
branches with their own different menus have been opened in Carmine and
Columbus (both in Manhattan) over the last few years. According to their
website, each of them uses organic and local products and supports small
distribution companies.

I decided to dine in the original Blossom location in Chelsea which is
only a couple of minutes away from the 23rd Street A and C train subway
station. It is located in a modern and young yet rather quiet
neighborhood and can be spotted easily thanks to its big sign that is
impossible to miss. Upon entering the door, I was amazed by a classy,
dim-lit interior with about a dozen bigger and smaller plants that added
perfectly to the elegant ambiance. Although I had not made a reservation
in advance, I managed to get a table immediately.

After being welcomed by a very attentive waiter, I ordered vegan lasagna
as my main dish. The food arrived within less than 10 minutes and could
be eaten right away because of its perfect temperature. I almost could
not believe the melting tapioca cheese was actually not a dairy product
considering its appearance, smell, and texture. The taste came very close
to that of traditional lasagna as well although it is possible to tell
them apart. Despite this, the meal was excellent in its very own vegan
way thanks to the great balance of seitan, tofu, and spices as well as
delicious slices of roasted eggplant and sautéed escarole that were
served along with the lasagna. Compared to the non-vegan equivalent, its
flavor was also much richer and less greasy. Considering the size of the
portion I was served, however, this twenty dollar meal was relatively
pricey for me (on a student budget), which is the only fault I can find.

I also ordered, apple cobbler with a tiny scoop of ice cream for ten
dollars. Again, the meal was delicious. When the dish arrived, I could
already smell the deliciously blended combination of flavors that
awaited me: Fruity baked apple complimented by savory cinnamon served
with a sweet vanilla sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend Blossom to anyone planning to eat
out on a special occasion. Both the classy ambiance and the exquisite
food fit the needs of a romantic candle light dinner, a birthday dinner,
or even a business dinner. Students and low-budget travelers who cannot
afford to pay $35 for the occasional dining out (including taxes and
tip) should probably save this experience for a very special occasion
(or person).

For more information on Blossom, check their website: www.blossomnyc.com

If you would like to learn more about dining out in New York as a
vegetarian or vegan, go to the VRG’s online restaurant guide at
www.vrg.org/restaurant/New_York.php or visit our national restaurant
guide at www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php