By Ray Rogers
HIGH-END EATS:
abcV—Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s almost entirely vegan sister to ABC Kitchen celebrates nature’s bounty across the entire menu with devastatingly simple preparations (like the market carrots with nut and seed butter, chilies andlime) designed to thrill even the staunchest carnivores. 38 E. 19th St., abcvnyc.com
Nix—Former Condé Nast Editorial Director James Truman turned his impeccable taste to vegetarian cuisine and the results are as quietly alluring as the best of his more refined page-turners. The cauliflower tempura with steamed buns, for one, is a revelation. 72 University Place, nixny.com
Rouge Tomate—Since relocating from the Upper East Side to Chelsea, the newly Michelin-starred farm-to-table proponent has consistently thrilled with seasonal menus (boastingfavorites like the mushroom tartare with garlicky slivers of fingerling potatoes) thatput equal weight on health and flavor. 126 W. 18th St., rougetomatechelsea.com
VEGAN COMFORT FOOD:
By Chloe—The rapidly expanding chain (with outposts throughout NYC,LA, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island) offers high-quality vegetable-based versions of fast-food staples: The Guac Burger wows, as does the tangy seitan and smoky portobello-based Whisky BBQ sandwich. Various locations; eatbychloe.com
Buddha Bodai—Jonesing for Chinese? The menu features all manner of vegetarian, kosher renditions of Chinese favorites; when General Tso’s Veg. Chicken cravings call, this is your go-to. 5 Mott St., buddha-bodai.com
Dirt Candy—For a more gourmet experience, but still with comfort in mind, Amanda Cohen’s downtown institution now serves tasting menu-only options for dinner. It’s all about the sides: Her jalapeño hushpuppies are served with a maple butter that is to die for, and the Korean fried broccoli more than lives up to its menu description: “crack in broccoli form.” 86 Allen St., dirtcandynyc.com
JUST DESSERTS:
Hu Kitchen—The Paleo-minded chocolatiers have revolutionized the game with their tasty bars, which come in an array of flavors. Order a four-pack for holiday treats. As one of their sumptuous bars calls out by name: Why The Fig Nut? 78 5th Ave., hukitchen.com
