Vegan day 136: Quintessence NYC

This is “Reinventing Indulgence” at its best so far. I went from an addiction to pasta.. to an addiction for those miracle noodles (konjac).. to an 
addiction for raw raviolis.. lol. It’s what I do- I accept it!

ravioli with spaghetti squash

Seriously though, I just dined out with ravioli and pizza (both raw) last night and then I order the same thing tonight at a different restaurant. It’s not my fault! Don’t you hate when people say that! Life is about responsibility among other things! It was my decision- and I’m glad I made it! I have been wanting to come to this restaurant for a while! It’s known as a “RAW” restaurant but they recently switched up there menu to include some “cooked” foods as well- nothing unhealthy to what I could see. I think I ordered half the menu! Again, I look like a food critic taking pictures and not really finishing anything. I had 4 left over plates this time! Yay! 


QUINTESSENCE
This began with a super-delicious yerba mate latte. I had to get it because only an hour prior a friend of mine asked me about yerba matte and although I had heard of it, I wasn’t really sure of the benefits.  


Yerba mate is known as a coffee replacement. It does have a strong flavor and contains caffeine. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as theophylline, theobromine and quercetin. Yerba mate is known to give you the positive qualities of coffee without the negative. Other claimed benefits include weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health and a boost in the immune system. There are a few links below to help you get started if you are interested. 

OK so we didn’t order all this food! 
They made a mistake with one entree which when it came out, I was secretly glad because I really wanted to try it – the raw vegan burger! I think my friend was a little scared that’s why we changed it to the salads and pilafs. Each food was better than the previous if that was even possible.


If I had to compare last nights raviolis to tonight’s I don’t know what I would do! OK– last night was beet and this one is made from turnips. Both were gorgeous and exotic. It would be like a 9.0 yesterday vs. a 10.0 today- there you have it! 
Next on to the pizza’s. Todays was a softer crust, smaller portion, creamy and delicious. Yesterday’s crust was crunchy but still delicious. I don’t really like to make a mess at the dinner table unless I’m home- so again… I go with today’s mini pizzette made with a kamut crust. Incredible!


The arugula sprout salad with caramelized walnuts was amazing! At this point I don’t recall the order of food… it was coming out a little too fast.. I could hardly sip on my yerba mate latte!


The pilafs came out with the salad. They were surprisingly full of flavor and heartiness. These are plates made in line with Quintessence’s new philosophy of bringing in some “cooked” foods. My friend liked the quinoa mushroom and I liked the sprouted buckwheat. It was so creamy, delicious and nutritious that I almost ordered some to go- it’s a grain I don’t generally cook with so I wanted to take some home. I was too full after to even ask. The raviolis actually came with the spaghetti squash- also gorgeously presented and full of flavor! 


The entree that came out accidentally was the burger- we ordered it but then changed our mind right away- the waiter brought it out anyway and WE TOOK IT! lol– ok.. I think I did! It was so unique looking! We both had a bite and I took it home. I actually just finished it now as I am writing this and I have to say– WOW! This burger is really “crafted”! It’s actually a double burger- raw and vegan– on some kind of raw type bun.

I finally get it! 
Raw food is really an art! This sandwich was art for sure! As we were leaving I saw this sign for raw vegan cooking classes. I googled it and it was $2000 at half it’s normal price of $4000- I finally get it- as I finished this burger! That’s why the class is so expense because this is high end food preparation – and not only is it vegan but it’s super healthy! As much as I would like to take that class before I endure a “raw vegan” challenge for the entire month of JULY— I will have to pass on that for now! For $2000, I can eat at Quintessence for the whole month- breakfast- lunch- and dinner!


When it comes to desserts, I should choose lol! That’s the rule now! This strawberry upside down chocolate banana layer cake (say that 3x fast) was really super but the sampler would have been better- I just know it! Next time! The desserts here are non dairy, sugar-free and cholesterol-free… if that is even possible. ART… I rest my case! 


http://www.marksdailyapple.com/yerba-mate-benefits/#axzz1v72KmKn9
http://guayaki.com/mate/130/Yerba-Mate.html
http://www.fusiontearoom.com/Positive-Yerba-Mate-Side-Effects_b_41.html


Disclaimer: The information given here is for educational purposes only. You should not use this to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.