Candle Cafe, Upper East Side
When I moved to the city, my roommate at the time and now dear friend, Sara, introduced me to Candle Cafe. As Sara is a very healthy and particular eater, her favorite restaurant is vegan. I must admit, I was apprehensive when she suggested we try it.
Two and a half years later, Candle is now also one of my favorite restaurants. And coming from someone who isn't a health nut OR a vegan, that is saying a lot.
From the moment you step in, you feel healthy. There's that healthy smell in the air, green juice I think, that makes you never want to taste grease or breading again. As I've stated before, they have the best mashed potatoes in the city, and their flu buster juice was a staple in my diet; I'm still searching downtown for one that compares!
Last nite I ordered one of my all-time favorites, the Mexican Burrito (Marinated seitan, yellow basmati rice, daily beans, caramelized onions and steamed greens in a spinach tortilla. Served with pico de gallo, ranchero sauce and tofu sour cream). Sounds crazy, but it's one of the best burritos ever!