August
2006
Myth:
Vegans Don’t Like Fine Dining
Blossom is in Bloom
Restaurant Review by Maureen C.
Wyse
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New Yorkers are in luck again. Our city is home
to yet another delicious vegan restaurant. Located in a chic townhouse
in artsy Chelsea, Blossom
is an intimate and classy dining experience. Their menu states: “We
at Blossom are first and foremost animal caring. We also know that
eating organic and vegan encourages a health conscious lifestyle.” By
preparing entirely vegan cuisine with organic produce from local
farms and small distribution companies, this restaurant truly has
their priorities in line.
Alongside good ethics and tasty cuisine, Blossom should be noted
for its romantic ambiance and simple, beautiful layout. The restaurant
is modeled especially
for intimate dining experiences, with curtained off tables and corner nooks,
and candles adorning each table. Its classy color scheme is subtle: shades
of black and white. In addition to the elegant décor, the friendly staff
assure your date, celebration or meal will be a pleasant one.
The true pleasure of Blossom lies within the menu. Start off with some tasty
South Asian Lumpia—curried seitan and potato in a crispy chickpea crepe
($8)—or the Black-Eyed Pea Cakes served with a chipotle aioli ($8), or
our favorite, the Satay Starter, seitan skewers grilled to perfection served
with a Thai peanut sauce and simple sesame noodles ($10). Blossom caters to
every taste bud, from a variety of salads, Living Asian Salad ($9/12) and Caesar
Salad ($8/11), to daily soup specials ($6) and hearty chili ($7). Blossom also
offers sandwiches in meaty soy burger and savory barbecue seitan varieties
as well as a BLT comprised of crispy southern fried tofu, tempeh bacon and
chipotle aioli ($12).
Blossom’s star entrée is the Porcini Crusted Filet, a tender seitan
steak in red wine sauce, crusted to perfection and served with asparagus and
creamy mashed potatoes ($18). Other recommendations include the Savory Seitan
and Herb Potatoes ($17), the Gnocchi ($16) and their delectable Grilled Pizza,
with vegan mozzarella, basil and caramelized onions ($12). As for beverages,
from potted, loose-leaf teas ($3), fresh organic juices ($7), delicious shakes
in a variety of flavors—like coconut, mango strawberry, chocolate or
berries and cream ($7)—and an extensive wine list, you won’t be
disappointed.
All of these delicious options may sound a bit overwhelming and filling, but
you must save room for their to-die-for Chocolate Ganache Cake ($8). Layered
with rich chocolate ganache, this cake is almost worth eating before dinner.
And if you’re not a chocolate fan, their Apple and Cranberry Napoleon
($7) and Pineapple Crepe ($7) are also really delightful.
With high recommendation, I bid all to try this new vegan restaurant. In addition
to dinner, Blossom is open for lunch and weekend brunch. So make a reservation
and get ready for an exquisite vegan soiree.
Blossom is located at 187 9 Avenue (between 21 and 22 Streets). Open daily
from noon-3pm; and Monday through Thursday, 5-10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 5-10:30
pm and Sunday, 5-9:30 pm. Contact www.blossomnyc.com or (212) 627-1144.
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