Candle 79
(Vegan, Eclectic/Global)
www.candle79.com
154 East 79th St (at Lexington Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan),
New York City, New York 1002
Nearby Subway Stops: 6 at 77th St
info[at]Candle79[dot]com
+1-212-537-7179
Hours: Mon-Fri, noon-3:30pm and 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sun, noon-4pm and 5pm-10pm
Reviews:
happycow.net, tripadvisor.com, New York Times - one Page!
gayot.com Top 10 ⇐ © Gourmet vegan cuisine is the mantra at Candle 79, offering a romantic two-level setting for attractively prepared and, most of the time, successful combinations of organic vegetables, seitan, tempeh and tofu. A wide beverage list ranging from fresh squeezed juices to smoothies and organic wines and cocktails complements the menu. On any given day there is some kind of soup special such as puréed squash, or perhaps a raw zucchini enchilada reflecting the bounty of the season. Invention is the word here and you may forget that you ever craved a piece of meat as you enjoy flavors bursting with freshness. An avocado-jicama tartare is complemented by young coconut, cucumber and trumpet mushrooms. Seitan dishes are most similar to meat and are prepared in a variety of ways such as the pumpkin-encrusted version that's occasionally offered as a special.
nymag.com ⇐ © The low-key elegance of Candle 79, its bi-level spread tuned by feng shui, can suggest the commissary of a high-end spa. An attractive Upper East Side clientele comes for healthy, organic, all-vegetarian meals, with menus that shift with the seasons. The hummus appetizer has a dense texture and a smoky flavor, served with flaky paratha bread. Among the salads, the arugula is a standout, with hearts of palm and earthy pine nuts connected by the sharp bite of a rosemary-balsamic dressing. Entrées tend toward hearty grains, and he chili-grilled seitan is complimented by sautéed chard and comes with an avocado-pumpkin seed salad. A spin-off of the original Candle Café, this nearby sequel is more sophisticated, its two floors marked by romantic low lights and plush seats. Downstairs features a long bar for sampling an impressive selection of organic wines and low-profile beers. — Ethan Wolff
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