As a bit of a summer wrap-up, here is part one of reviews about some of the restaurants I visited while spending a couple months in New York City! (By the way, I’d love your input on the poll in the previous post–please try to vote again if your vote didn’t register–or leave a comment. I greatly value your input!)
I’ll begin with my favorites and ending with OK choices throughout this series. You’ll notice that most of my reviews cover restaurants with healthy options. I did go to some establishments that weren’t as nutritious, but most of my favorite places offer good-for-you foods because that’s what I usually enjoy! None of the restaurants I visited were terrible, some just had more options that I found delicious; just personal preference so take all reviews with a grain of salt 
Quantum Leap: 4.5/5
(Pictures from my pal Danielle. My meal: homemade veggie burger with grilled onions and peppers on a whole wheat bun+salad+steamed mixed vegetables.)
Quantum Leap was my FAVORITE brunch place that I discovered while in NYC. The whole-wheat vegan apple cinnamon pancakes with fresh fruit on top are to-die-for! Quantum Leap’s claim to fame is their specialty veggie burger varieties. I had one, which was delicious, but I’d say if you only have time for one meal at Quantum, stick with brunch! By the way, this place is heaven for vegetarians and vegans.
Pros: So many options for those who avoid animal products, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic brunch, large menu of choices.
Cons: Brunch only served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., few choices for carnivores, service occasionally slow, water often comes without ice (I like my water cold 
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Pump Energy Food: 4.5/5
The shake/smoothie counter at The Pump. Look at all that beautiful produce!
How cool are those chairs? They have height adjusters just like gym weight machines!
Check out The Pump philosophy: “Eat with no worries. We don’t cook with butter, cream, mayo or other unhealthy fats. Eat without guilt. Nothing is fried. Eat simply. We use only whole, unprocessed ingredients like fresh vegetables, brown rice and whole wheat pitas. Eat without getting tired later. Everything has protein, including our dessert. Eat without getting thirsty. We use salt sparingly and only from the sea. At The Pump we cook and serve clean, healthy food, giving you energy for everything you do.”
LOVE at first bite And supporting a restaurant that thinks like that is something I can get behind. I made many stops at The Pump to pick up blueberry protein muffins for a delicious, quick and healthy breakfast. Plus, this is a great place to get some of my favorite frozen yogurt I’ve ever eaten: Only 8. Most lunches and dinners are very customizable–you pick the protein and can get one of two different sizes depending on how hungry you are.
Be sure to bring a business card if you have one and live/work in the City. They have a fishbowl drawing every week to bring you and 10 co-workers a free Pump lunch!
Pros: Healthy, affordable yogurt, numerous nutritious options, delivery if that’s your thing, my favorite kind of ice (do you know what I mean when I say it’s almost “soft?” It’s almost between snow and ice cubes).
Cons: Prices are somewhat high (the yogurt is pretty reasonable though), no restrooms in the locations I frequented.
Better Burger NYC: 4/5
Feeling like a fast food indulgence that won’t leave you feeling guilty and grease-filled? Better Burger is a good choice. Fries are air-baked, so they have 2/3 less fat than traditional fast food potatoes, organic and high-quality ingredients are commonly used and various flavors of ketchup are available. They’re also cheeky! “Our buns are not only cute, they’re all organic too.“
An order of air fries (courtesy of http://www.burgerclubny.com/2008/07/better-burger-better-than-really-bad.html)
The veggie chili is my choice, pair it with some air-baked fries for a filling, somewhat balanced meal. If you go with the restaurant’s namesake, you can try classic beef, turkey, chicken, homemade veggie or savory soy. “Better dogs” are also options in beef, turkey or soy.
If you’re involved in the “green” movement, you’ll enjoy Better Burger’s recycling program and their commitment to use cups, plates and bowls that last for less time in landfills compared to traditional restaurant dinnerware.
Pros: Pretty affordable prices (see the combo deal), fountain drinks–free refills, free delivery in restaurant zones, tasty and healthier fast food, quick service, sustainability programs.
Cons: Salads and Orange Plate Specials can get pricey, seating is a bit crowded at times, for being a self-proclaimed “guilt-free” restaurant, they should offer nutrition information for their menu items to back it up.
OK, restaurant reviews are kicked off so stay tuned for more! Future reviews will be less in-depth so you won’t be reading all day
Do you have any favorite places to dine in NYC or in your town?
