World Redress

Georgia | California | Florida

NEW YORK CITY:
Gobo
401 avenue of the americas
(between waverly place & 8th street)
212.255.3902

This is truly one of the most innovative and delicious Vegan restaurants you'll ever experience. Most of the food is cooked, but the menu is so varied that finding the right balance between raw and cooked, green or protein, is not a problem. There's also wonderful coffee served by French press and a complete juice bar. I love basically all of the small plates at dinner, and one of my favorite deserts of all time is the Gingerbread with Vanilla Ice Cream (a Vegan's dream-come-true, but an absolutely delightful desert for anyone). The restaurant is beautiful and pleasant (there's also a location on the Upper East Side).

Bonobo's Real Food Restaurant
18 E. 23rd Street
(at Madison Avenue overlooking Madison Square Park)
212-505-1200

Very tasty raw vegan cuisine in a location where healthy food is not that easy to find. The first time I ate there was when I had just moved to New York and I didn't know what "raw food" was. I was just as pleased with the food then. The menu covers all the bases with soups, snacks, sammies, and entrees. They also had durian ice cream the last time I was there! Laid back, reasonably priced, and guilt-free... quite lovable.

Curly's Vegetarian Lunch
328 E. 14th Street
(between 1st & 2nd Ave)
212.598.9998

Curly's is a naughty, naughty vegetarian and vegan spot right near the L train. It's for people who can't get over the "je ne sais quoi" of Buffalo wings or a Philly Cheesesteak. It's also a great place to take those meat-eaters you know who can't imagine that vegetarian food is anything like what they eat. I've definitely had a tryst with the disco fries (fries served with gravy and melted cheese) or the "Suna Melt," but I pretty much stay away from this place unless I want to introduce a friend. I think of it as a Fun House for Vegetarians or those who are "Veg-Curious."

Pure Food and Wine
54 Irving Place
(at 17th Street)
212.477.1010

This space is full of love and light. The vibration is so high and the food is heavenly. This is a restaurant for food lovers. There are many hearty and satisfying choices of entrees for those who are new to raw food, and the presentations are impressive enough to catch anyone's attention in the low light. Start the evening with the Plate of Assorted Cultured Dr. Cow Tree Nut Cheeses and Rosemary Crisps with an organic, biodynamic glass of wine, or Chocolate Passion Fruit Tart if you do desert first like some raw foodists recommend. Pure Food and Wine presents a Utopian vision with warmth and elegance.

Quintessence
263 E 10th Street
(between Ave A & 1st Ave)
(646) 654-1823

Quintessence is one of my all time favorite restaurants, EVER. You can't go wrong here - everything on the menu is delicious, satisfying, and unique. I love the deserts, the Peter's Pot Soup, or the Italian "Sausage" Pizza. I actually freaked out when I had that pizza! It's one of the best things you'll ever eat. I highly recommend this place, and make sure you take all of your friends who are new to raw food.

Raw Soul
348 W. 145th Street
(between St. Nicholas and Edgecombe Avenues)
212-491-5859

Take the A train up to Harlem every now and again for some ol' fashioned Raw Food. They're keeping it real with Rejuvelac, a variety of "bready" dehydrated goodies (the Apple Drop Biscuits are incredible!), and savory entrees like Lasagna or Tamale Pie, which are assembled ahead of time so that the flavors of all the ingredients have time to "get to know each other." I love this style of raw food which is simple, well-combined nutritionally and artistically, and accessible. The place has a take-out vibe, but the food keeps it cozy.

Souen
210 Sixth Ave
(at Prince Street)
212-807-7421

The Macrobiotic philosophy and the Raw Food philosophy of eating are very similar, except Macrobiotic allows cooking. There's something so comforting about Macrobiotic fare, but I do find myself wondering why I'm not eating a raw meal when I eat Macrobiotic. On that note, Souen is a great Macro joint. This type of cuisine is a wonderful example of how good and satisfying a dish of unprocessed food can be. If you feel that you're hooked on cooked food, consider the Macrobiotic philosophy when choosing for your next meal.

Counter
105 1st Ave
(between 6th and 7th Street)
212-982-5870

A sexy joint: great wine, great food, nice atmosphere. Impress anyone by taking them here. Don't mention that it's veg - it doesn't matter at all.

Not totally Veg, but a great place to go for something delicious and healthy:
Le Pain Quotidien, (several convenient locations): So cute, quaint, and progressive. They use the best ingredients, even down to the table salt. The atmosphere is very pleasant.

New York | California | Florida

GEORGIA:
Soul Vegetarian
652 N Highland Avenue
(at Blue Ridge Ave)
(404) 875-4641‎

Sometimes I have found myself at the whim of Soul Vegetarian because there were so few pure vegetarian options in the Midtown Atlanta area. The tahini salad dressing is good and so is the Orange Lentil Soup, but this food is generally overcooked and uninspired. If it's down to Soul Veg or The Majestic (the diner around the corner on Ponce de Leon), go to Soul Veg before you make a Karmic mistake. Otherwise, drive a little father to...

Dynamic Dish
427 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
404.688.4344

I've heard that this restaurant isn't completely vegetarian, but I've never seen a menu item to indicate otherwise. The focus is sustainable and local, and if this food doesn't convince you that the two can be really tasty I don't know what will. This homey spot is decked with communal tables and lots of natural light. The menu changes based on what ingredients are naturally available, and the kitchen stays minimal with the seasoning and combining to create simple, modest, and intelligent dishes. Anyone passing through Atlanta, or definitely if you live there, must try this place.

Green Sprout
1529 Piedmont Avenue, Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-874-7373

Fast food Chinese for Vegans and Vegetarians when such is in order. If you've got to have Sesame Chicken and don't want to support the Meat Industry, definitely go to Green Sprout! I've moved away from meat substitutes since my first few years as a vegetarian, but I still say that anyone who has the craving should consider them before partaking of Meat Industry flesh.

ATHENS, GA:
The Grit
199 Prince Avenue
Athens, GA 30606
706-543-6592

I lived in Athens for six years during and after college, so I had many a hungover Sunday brunch at the Grit and yes, Amber Valentine from Jucifer was my server several times back in the day. The Dal Baby, which features a cup of dal and a samosa, or the Nutritional Yeast Gravy will always hold very special places in my heart. It's not the best or most innovative vegetarian food you will ever eat, but it hits the spot.

New York | Georgia | Florida

CALIFORNIA:
Real Food Daily
514 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-7544

100% Vegan and organic fare. This restaurant reminds me of Gobo in New York City with its innovation and thoughtful combinations. The menu is varied, accessible, and inviting. Real Food Daily is a crowd-pleaser. The dishes allude to Macrobiotic philosophy making them easy for anyone, regardless of his/her own dietary philosophy, to accept and love.

Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
2301 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.392.9501

Food, whether it's raw and vegan or deep-fried flesh, doesn't get any better than this. If you love, or even like, food and the experience of eating you must go to Euphoria Loves Rawvolution. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be convinced that Raw and Vegan can be a full and complete lifestyle after they try a house made raw chocolate, the Mushroom Swiss Burger, or the Electrolyte Lemonade. Oh yeah, and don't get me started on the Durian Love Shake - it brings tears to my eyes. This is food that has you screaming "This is healthy???? *%&$ yeah!!!"

Planet Raw
609 Broadway Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.587.1552

You might not agree with everything Juliano says if you've ever seen his YouTube videos, but after tasting the food at Planet Raw, I'm sure you'll agree that he has some idea of what he's talking about. This is some of the most delicious, innovative, and satisfying living food you will ever eat. The atmosphere is laid-back, but hip and cozy. You can go for any occasion and feel at home, and they are open later (10 P.M. during the week and 11 P.M. on weekends). This is healthy food that will wow anyone, especially when you try the Cheezy Kelp Pasta or one of the fantastic smoothies. This is food on a whole new delicious level.

Seed
1604 Pacific Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
310.396.1604

This is the only Macrobiotic restaurant that I actually really like. The menu is straightforward, but diverse and exciting. I love the barbeque sauce, which is great on their barbeque tempeh burger. Eric has also created an amazing chocolate chip cookie. This cookie has totally surpassed the traditional chocolate chip cookie with flavor complexity and a hearty natural sweetness from the use of brown rice syrup and maple syrup. The beverages are great too! Good coffee and espresso, a lovely green tea latte with rice milk and robust green tea matcha powder (enjoy this one without sweetener - very soothing), and barley iced tea (so refreshing). Amazingly, this food does not make me feel heavy! You would think that a tempeh burger on ciabatta would knock you out, but I feel very good and ready for action after a meal at Seed. And, I'm generally not one to spread rumors, but I heard that Juliano enjoyed a burger there recently. I really don't blame him!

Find out about Seed at http://www.seedkitchen.com/. There's an interesting story behind Chef Eric and his wife Sanae. He's a master chef who has tantilized the taste buds of Madonna and Toby Maguire. Check this place out next time you're in Venice.

New York | Georgia | California

FLORIDA:

Om Garden
379 SW 15th Rd
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 856-4433

I love Om Garden. The service can be iffy so don't go there in a hurry. The restaurant is in Brickell, where it is virtually impossible to find truly healthy food. Om Garden comes to the rescue with delicious nori rolls like the decadent Rainbow Roll (Carrot, beet, avocado, baby greens, cashew pate, mango, figs with balsamic syrup) or the "I Am You" (Fresh zucchini noodles, pesto, tomato, pine nut parmesan and sun-dried tomato pesto). But my favorite favourite FAVE comestible is the "Bliss" (Blueberry Lavender Cheesecake). It's worth a trip to Miami just for this dessert. I always found myself here, enjoying a delicious vegan dessert of the day or the raw broccoli and with yummy pine nut and sunflower seed cheddar "cheese."

Lifefood Gourmet
1248 SW 22 Street
Miami, Fl 33145
305.856.6767

Move over McDonalds, Lifefood Gourmet has created a dish to match each one of your fake food menu items and blow it out of the water with superior taste and nutrition. LFG is Miami's first 100% raw/living foods restaurant. The atmosphere is very casual with more of a take out vibe so bring good company and an appetite. The Burger is very satisfying to vegans and meat-eaters alike as it incorporates those familiar flavors of ketchup, mustard, onions, and cheese with a savory dehydrated burger patty and sprouted quinoa bun. My favorites are the Mexican Nachos and the Mediterranean salad served with a dollop of "hummus" made from Brazil nuts and sesame seeds. There's also a killer chocolate mousse and wonderful smoothies. If you're visiting Miami you'll be very happy that Lifefood Gourmet is there to keep you away from Taco bell burritos or Wendy's Frosty's with extremely pleasing and super satisfying alternatives.

Glaser Farm's Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. (rain or shine)
3300 Grand Avenue
Coconut Groove, FL 33133

If you're in Miami on a Saturday, make your way to Coconut Grove. You'll find the biggest explosion of YUM under a tent. The salad bar is so yummy you have to go several Saturdays to enjoy all of the delightful dishes. For one of the best experiences on the planet though, you must try the ice cream. It's raw and vegan, but who cares?! I'm talking about the best Maple Pecan Ice cream with chocolate sauce and gooey walnut topping - OMG! They also make wonderful nori rolls or collard wraps to order. And the communal vibe of a farmer's market is so charming. It's a nice contrast to SoBe. You can also find good prices on organic produce, including the exotic, local tropical fruits, and superfoods! There are a few other vendors, too, which also supply great fruit, beauty products and good company.

Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin
73 Northeast 167th Street
North Miami Bch, FL 33162-3402
(305) 405-6346

Hakin's is a friendly place with tasty food. It is a lot of bread and soy products, like the Vegan Philly "Cheesesteak." It's got a "Rasta" vibe. You can get veggie patties in a whole wheat crust - not the healthiest snack in the world, but it is tasty. The food is made with love. Check it out if you're in the area.

An Apple A Day
1534 Alton Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-4569

This spot is something of a diamond in the ruff, especially on South Beach. You can get great natural products and nutriceuticals. (I used to always go for the MSM toothpaste!) They have a deli that serves various salads, juices, and Hakin's veggie patties. You can also find Kombucha and raw chocolate. It's a great place to go for a healthy, laid-back lunch.

Georgia | California | New York