lunch – Happens For A Reason

Check out my first by CHLOE post here!

by CHLOE. is a vegan, counter-service style restaurant located in Greenwich Village on Macdougal St. and Bleecker St. (185 Bleecker St.). The food is 100% vegan, all natural, plant-based, kosher, and hands down amazing. Their menu is meat, dairy, egg, and guilt free. It’s no secret that this has become one of my favorite lunch spots in the city. By CHLOE has now opened a location in L.A., and keep your eyes peeled for more locations popping up throughout NYC and in Boston!

Featured: Seasonal Smashed Avocado Toast (topped with tomatoes, pickled onions & black salt—It’s the perfect blend of mouth-watering ingredients. I’ve had this three weeks in a row so safe to say it’s delicious. (Can be gluten free with extra charge).

Pesto Meatball (Italian “meatballs” made with mushrooms & veggies, topped with sweet peppers, basil pesto, cashew mozzarella, and almond Parmesan. Typically served on a potato sub roll). I’m not a huge bread/sandwich person (weird, I know) and like to eat sans gluten most days, so I usually ask for a salad instead of a sub or sandwich. By CHLOE is very accommodating to its customers’ needs!

Also featured (below) is my second favorite salad (next to the Quinoa Taco), the Kale Cesar. Since I try to maintain a dairy-free diet(for the most part), I have really missed Cesar salads and cream-based dressings. This salad certainly makes up for lost times and since it is dairy free, I can enjoy the creamy flavor without the guilt. The Kale Cesar is topped with shiitake “bacon,” almond parm, and maple-wheat croutons. I’d order a side of just the bacon bites and croutons if I could. They add a bit of a sweet and certainly savory flavor to the salad. This salad can be gluten free without the croutons.

I hate to say it because I have so much love for this restaurant, but I was not impressed by both the Classic Burger and Guac Burger (not featured because I got them as takeout and it got a little messy!). Perhaps because I am not a vegan and love a beefy burger, both burgers fell short.

I actually prefer the Pesto Meatball over the infamous vegan burgers by CHLOE is known for. The flavors in the meatball sub complement each other and are so tasty and flavorful. I’m Italian, and I even felt fooled by these “meatballs.” If you are interested in more Italian recipes, owner Chloe Coscarelli has a vegan Italian cookbook you should take a peek at while you are waiting in line!

On my last visit, I tried the Kale and Artichoke dip, which has a bold artichoke taste that I wasn’t prepared for and would pass on, since there are so many other savory menu items that I enjoy so much more.

The Mac n’ Cheese is a vegan’s dream. Gluten free pasta can be a hit or miss, but I tried it and it was on point! The sauce is made of sweet potato and cashew “cheese,” and it’s topped with shiitake “bacon” and almond Parmesan. Definitely get the extra bacon option–that was probably my favorite part of the dish.

Rounding out the menu are the Original Air Baked French Fries (gluten free). I’m not the biggest fan of sweet potato fries, however, I now prefer the Air Baked Sweet Potato fries over the original! Don’t forget to try the sweet, house made beet ketchup and chipotle aioli (has a little kick). Devoured!

On a rainy day or if you’re in the mood for a hot, sweet beverage, try the Hot Cocoa! It’s made with a dollop of peanut butter and topped with a cloud of marshmallows. This was a staple of mine throughout the fall and winter! I’m a huge fan of this eatery and once you try it, you will be too!