5 Best Health-Conscious Menus In NYC
After weeks of holiday eating your body is probably ready for a bit of a healthier diet. Here are five places that are serving up fresh organic food that is both good for your body and your taste buds. By Carly Petrone.
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When you're craving Mexican food but don't want to ruin your diet, make sure to stop into Dos Caminos and check out their new Naked Menu Items. Enjoy dishes that focus on health-conscious fare so you don't have to feel guilty. Executive Chef Ivy Stark has drawn inspiration from her travels throughout Mexico to bring nutrient-dense and well-balanced dishes to NYC. Swap out your traditional guacamole and chips order for their new Butternut Squash Guacamole with Cucumber Chips. Fill up on Agua Chile Poached Shrimp, Ceviches, or Salmon a la Plancha, just a few highlights from this enticing new menu. The Naked Tacos are also a great option for those looking for a twist on this classic dish. Choose from Pollo, Carnitas, Vegetables, Pescado, Baja (surf and turf) or Asada over a bed of warm quinoa pilaf, organic Ayocote bean salad, and avocado pomegranate salsita. And just because you're watching your calories doesn't mean you can't splurge on a cocktail (or two). Try the Dos Caminos Organic Margarita – Casa Noble Blanco, agave syrup, fresh lime juice – or the Green Juice Margarita – tequila, coconut liqueur, agave, kale, cucumber, lime, apple, pineapple juice, ginger, mint, chili-lime salt. Hey, anything to get those daily vegetables and fruits into your diet, right?
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If you're looking for clean and simple food then make your way to Café Clover in the West Village. All of their dishes are made with locally sourced produce and organic ingredients so you know that when you come in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, every meal will be packed with flavor. Enjoy one of their fresh salads like the Baby Beets with lemongrass yogurt, madras curry, and baby kale or the Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Mushroom with toasted hazelnut and ginger vinaigrette. Bite into a Smoked Vegetable Cuban ($12) on a multigrain roll with farm cheddar, pickles, Dijon, and market greens for lunch or the Quinoa Tagliatelle ($24) with beet greens, maitake, and sunflower kernels for dinner. Don't forget to pair your meal with one of their inventive cocktails like the Two Hungry Blondes (silver tequila, ruby red grapefruit, sage, lime, and citrus soda) or the Smoked Pear (mescal, pear butter, pear liquor, and smoked salt). Yum!
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On a budget this winter? Head over to one of Dig Inn's many locations for a farm-to-table meal that won't break the bank. Choose a big or small Marketplate with two sides on a bed of grains for less than $12. Pick a protein - Charred Chicken, Wild Sockeye Salmon, 5-Spice Meatballs, Santa Maria Steak, Grilled Organic Tofu with Ginger, or Veggie Plate – before moving onto your base. Classic Brown Rice, Local Greens with Chervil and Mint, or Farro with Butternut Squash are all great options. Next up? All their tasty side dishes. From Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon to Seasonal Upstate Mac, there's certainly something for everyone to enjoy on this extensive menu. Pair your meal with a house brewed artisanal tea (Shady Pine is one of our faves) or cold pressed juices (their Serious Green is packed with romaine, cucumber, apple, kale, spinach, celery, parsley, lemon, and ginger). Top it off with some chips or freshly baked Good Batch cookies and you're all set.
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Candle Café is piling up their plates with delicious vegetarian cuisine that is both locally sourced and organic. This healthy hot spot has everything from cleansing smoothies to Farmers' Market entrees. Try their Potato Latkes ($13) with ginger-apple sauce and cashew-horseradish sour cream to start or Avocado Tartare ($16) with avocado, cucumber, jicama, nori-wild mushroom ceviche, jalapeno dressing, and brown rice-spinach crackers. Just a few of their gluten-free dishes include the Tempeh-Avocado Sandwich ($16), the Grilled Kale Salad ($16), and the Vegetable Pad Thai ($18). You can also choose from tons of delicious sides like Chipotle Grilled Seitan, Wheatballs with Tomato Sauce, Cornmeal Crusted Zucchini, and Soba Noodles. Stop in here when you're having a veggie fix – you won't be disappointed.
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Looking for a healthy breakfast option? Dimes has got you covered. Try their Chia Pudding Bowl, made with almonds, raspberry, pomegranate, banana, and hemp for just $9. The Lavender Acai Bowl is another fun option thanks to the addition of blueberries, bananas, coconut milk, and cornflakes. They also offer a twist on traditional toast like the Winter Toast (spicy beet puree, hard-boiled egg, microgreens), Love Toast (housemade tahini, raspberries, mint, honey), and Royal Toast (figs, mars blue grapes, goat cheese, chamomile). Of course you can always get traditional eggs any style or a savory Breakfast Sandwich with scrambled eggs, cheddar, jalapeno, avocado, and Dimes hot sauce. Don't forget to check out their brunch menu, which includes a few more options like Winter Hash and Kedgeree.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
