The Green Bean

     When I first moved to Manhattan I was pleased to find the Green Bean Cafe. Given the name I knew that this would be my new go-to cafe because of the warm and fuzzies it gives me. There was a Green Bean cafe in my lovely little town Northampton, Ma, a place I had called home for the last 4 years.


I went in and ordered a kale smoothie because if they can make kale drinkable... they really know their stuff. As I waited, I browsed their pretty impressive menu, was overwhelmed by their nature themed decorations (too big and too many for the cramped space) and (of course) tried their sample munchies, which were very yummy!

The Jolly Green Giant was hands down the best kale smoothie I’ve had. Ever. They used spinach, pineapple, banana, and in particular the apple juice which made all the difference, I think! 

They also have a wonderful selection of  vegan and raw options, which not many places do (and well, might I add), like Raw Maple Granola Bars, Raw Chocolate Squares and Raw Parfaits. 

www.beangonegreen.com

1413 York Ave., 10021

212.861.1539

Seitan? The Wheat Meat?

|ˈsāˌtan| 

{for those of us that don't understand the dictionary breakdown... saytAn}

Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
via livestrong,com
After reading up on the wheat gluten product from various websites (listed below) I found that it is the vegetarians dream, not only because of its texture but because is takes on the flavors of seasonings. Seitan is comparable to tofu, it's soy-bean counterpart.

It's made by simply washing the wheat flour dough, dissolving the starch and leaving the insoluble gluten. The meat substitute was coined by the Japanese in the late 1960's but had been used beforehand for centuries in China.LiveStrong.com gives a wonderful breakdown of its make-up. Those that are gluten-free should stere clear because it is still has the effects of other gluten products. It is a wheat gluten packed with protein,  or "26 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, or 48 percent of your daily recommended intake to be exact". Unlike other wheat products and the assumed carbohydrates properties, it does not because they are washed away in the extraction process of the wheat composite from the flour. There is plenty iron but unfortunately there is often a high salt content as well because of sauces and other seasonings that cooks add, so those watching sodium intake beware. But guess what?! On the bright side, seitan is pretty much fat-free due its plant properties, so no cholesterol effects!I first had seitan at Candle Café (see blog for description) in the tuscan seitan parmesan sandwich, a "breaded seitan cutlet with melted tapioca cheese and roasted garlic tomato sauce on a potato onion roll. Served with fried potatoes and a mesclun salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette". I had to use their menu description because I would not have done it justice. I'm pretty knowledgable in all things foodie but not all knowing and this was completely new to me. It was very tasty and I encourage you all to try it. My next feat will be how to cook with it...!!

   

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/294810-the-nutritional-value-of-seitan/#ixzz23fcQvEsZ

The Green Bean Café, Upper East Side, Manhattan

The Green Bean Café

Hands down the best spinach, kale smoothie I’ve had. Ever. They used pineapple and apple juice which made all the difference, I think. It's owned by the slightly larger cafe two doors down called Beanocchio's. 

"The Green Bean café is dedicated to bring you healthy food in a easy and convenient way. We are great for you and don't sacrifice the taste. Mr. Green bean is happy to bring the freshest organic ingredients for his personal garden to share them with you."

1413 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021

phone: 212.861.1539

Hours:

Mon. - Fri. 7:00am - 9:00pm

Sat. & Sun. 9:00am - 9:00pm

www.beangonegreen.com

Candle Café, Upper East Side, Manhattan

Knowing my health nut nature, the Lee's took me to the Candle Café. I knew I wanted to try their food after I read their mission statement, 

"CANDLE CAFE IS DEDICATED TO BETTERING THE HEALTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE PLANET BY SERVING FOOD FRESH FROM FARM TO TABLE™. OUR ORGANIC VEGAN CUISINE IS ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY, ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES, LOCAL FARMING, AND COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS." www.candlecafe.com

I had also never heard of Seitan, so I was intrigued to see a "Grilled Seitan Burger" and a "Tuscan Seitan Parmesan Sandwich". I ordered the latter and loved it! The prices were also not expensive at all! They have everything from blended smoothies to organic wines to accompany your brunch or dinner! Overall wonderful menu. This is great place to take the food conscious friend or give a colleague a good impression ;) 

Once I do some more research on Seitan I will definitely be posting more on the wheat-like product. I'm super curious.

I took a photo with my iPhone of all their fresh produce that was beautifully displayed on the front bar table to excite the awaiting patron. It was definitely making my mouth water!