Vegetarian
Otarian – an environmentally-conscious lunch spot
I just recently returned to the green-friendly Hearst building to find a new green-friendly restaurant next door, Otarian. Last week was the first time I actually stopped inside the whimsically decorated restaurant — it’s outfitted in bright woven baskets hanging on the wall and sleek furniture — and looks so clean it makes you feel like you can eat off the floor. I found out later the restaurant, owned by Radhika Oswal, grew out of its London outpost and prides itself on being the world’s first low-carbon restaurant with a vegetarian/fusion menu.
Radhika Oswal (Photo Credit: Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times)
Designed to create the smallest carbon footprint possible, all the packaging is compostable and furniture, all recycled. You’ll also be surrounded with enviro-conscious messages (check your napkin, it might read: “Forest area equivalent to the size of Greater New York City is lost every two days due to livestock production”).
Otarian fries and pro-veggie napkin
Delicious dosas at Saravana Bhavan
Well, this is something I don’t do often: I ate at an Indian restaurant!
It was at my friend, Farah’s, suggestion, and my rule-of-thumb when I eat out with her is just to follow since she never fails with leading me into delicious happenings.
Saravana Bhavan, a chain Indian/Vegetarian dosa house, was no exception. Dosas are crispy Indian crepes normally filled with a potato masala or a mix of spices. They are also served with a side of different kinds of chutneys, as was the case here.
coconut, cilantro, and another spicy chutney that came out with our dosas
Veggie restaurant: Hummus Kitchen
OK, so I was really excited to try the food here, after passing by and noticing this new spot one day. The inside is absolutely beautiful, and I love hummus so thought this was a no brainer.
Oil and olives starters
Simple goodness at Aroma Espresso Bar
Aroma Espresso Bar
Perfect shopping break: Half Avocado sandwich with jalapeño pepper, red onion, tomato, lettuce and parsley on whole wheat ($4.40); Latte with mini chocolate ($3.20) — just don’t forget to move the chocolate away from your hot cup o’ coffee, lest you experience the milky goodness in melted form as I did.
Restaurant Info:
Aroma Espresso Bar
145 Greene Street
(corner of Houston)
New York, NY 10012
212-533-1094
Soho
