For those in NYC...

[Raene]

We're visiting in the summer and I have a few questions (I've been there before, just not in this area). I'm staying in Chelsea close to the Theatre District. Are there any health food stores around there? This is my biggest concern and I don't know how to find something online. Thanks!
Also, I'm planning to eat at Pure Food (been there twice and LOVE it), Caravan of Dreams (never been but my non-raw partner wants to go so we can both be happy)...where else should I go? Quintessance? Raw Soul? Another place?
Thanks so much!!

[Eva]

Here is something that might help. I haven't actually been to any of the great restaurants in NYC... I actually sort of miss patronizing Restaurant Week (with all the "no-no" restaurants).

http://restaurants.welikeitraw.com/guides/newyork/

I keep hearing about Pure Food and Wine, and I just love their cookbook, so that's where I keep meaning to go when I visit friends in the city.

I'm sure you'll hear more responses soon. :)

[Ricedreamer]

Yes, there is a health food store in Chelsea - Whole Foods.

I like Quintessence a lot. Try the the Fofu Florentine.

Also, although I've not tried it, there is a raw place called Bonobo's at Madison and 23rd. (not in Chelsea, but close by).

Raw Soul is really good and a friendly place, but it will be a real haul to get there from where you're staying. You can get a nice selection of their desserts and many other raw items at a place called Westerly Market. Try the back corner of the store for prepared raw foods. (they're open till midnight every day)

Neighborhoods: Manhattan/Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan/Theater District
913 8th Ave
(between 54th St & 55th St)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-5262

[avanderland]

Also, if you want to take a walk over to Union Square, you can hit up a Whole Foods AND a Trader Joe's AND the Farmer's Market.

Chelsea Market also has the Manhattan Fruit Exchange, which has tons of stuff, but I don't know their organic-nonorganic levels. :/

[Eva]

Raene -- What do you need a health food store for? Will you be there for the entire summer? Why not just eat fruits and veggies and bring along your own health-food-store sorta stuff?

In any case, the link I put on my first post has health food stores on it, raw friendly places, and raw restaurants.

I'll be in NYC for 24 hrs on my way to Hungary on Friday from 3 pm to Saturday at 3 pm (plane leaves at 5)... So I'm dragging my friend I'm staying with over to Pure Food on Friday night, Soho Sat morn for a haircut, Quintessence or Caravan of Dreams on Saturday for lunch -- then I might do it to her all over again 10 days later when I come back hahahaha. :)

Is your fiance going along too?? Best wishes by the way!

[raven]

Raene,

The other posters have already given you the rundown. Whole Foods in Chelsea should be close to your hotel but definitely walk over to Whole Foods in Union Square and also check out the Greenmarket and Trader Joe's. The other stores and restaurants mentioned (Westerly, Bonobos) are great too. Westerly has a great raw selection. Raw Soul is about half an hour away on the express train (#1, I think). You don't have to worry at all about getting any foods you want in NYC.

[Raene]

Raene -- What do you need a health food store for? Will you be there for the entire summer? Why not just eat fruits and veggies and bring along your own health-food-store sorta stuff?

In any case, the link I put on my first post has health food stores on it, raw friendly places, and raw restaurants.

I'll be in NYC for 24 hrs on my way to Hungary on Friday from 3 pm to Saturday at 3 pm (plane leaves at 5)... So I'm dragging my friend I'm staying with over to Pure Food on Friday night, Soho Sat morn for a haircut, Quintessence or Caravan of Dreams on Saturday for lunch -- then I might do it to her all over again 10 days later when I come back hahahaha. :)

Is your fiance going along too?? Best wishes by the way!

Thanks :) We're excited.
I am the kind of disorganized person who must shop daily b/c I underestimate the food I will be eating or I end up eating all my lettuces and not wanting fruit, etc. Also, we're taking the bus and then walking a lot before we arrive at the hotel so I don't want to lug food for three days with me. I do so love Waverly and I've been to the huge WF but that was back when I was eating lots of sushi and I think I only went in for their sushi bar. I can't wait for the good food. But it's true, I should probably just buy snacks b/c I plan to restaurant hop every few hours :) Thanks for all the info.