going vegan is almost tempting

Last summer, I meant to try being vegetarian for a month as a self-imposed challenge, and as an attempt at eating a little healthier than usual – that didn’t really work out. However, given my recent experience at Sacred Chow on Sullivan… I wouldn’t mind going vegan if their platters will grace my presence for every meal.

It’s very obscure; practically a hole in the wall. There isn’t much of a sign outside the bistro (or restaurant, if you’d like to call it that), but once you walk through the door – it’s quite the hangout. It looks about as small as a freshman dorm room, but with a high ceiling. The walls are painted red and there are tea light candles that sit in several semi-transparent colorful glasses scattered throughout the room. Needless to say, it’s dark… but in an inviting kind of way. They also have different styles of hanging lamps and other decorative lights in the form of grapes – yup, like the fruit. It’s so retro on so many levels, and very very chic… I got to sit on these posh chairs (haha)

Ray wasn’t kidding. I definitely loved the food. The portions are not large, but it’s vegan, and it’s a bistro (also note that on the window/door… there’s an indication that the place serves TAPAS – so, expect tapas). For $15, you can select three “dishes” and your server will bring it to your table with one stacked on top of the other (think of the way that afternoon tea is served, but instead of seeing scones, cakes, and cookies… you get appetizer-like dishes). I tried the Grilled Western Tofu, Sautéed Shitake Mushrooms, and Sliced Ginger Soba Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce and they were amazing. I couldn’t specifically tell what each one was marinated in, but the tofu was a new experience, the mushrooms were flavorful (and didn’t have that “watered-down” taste), and the soba noodles made me wish that it came in a much larger plate. I wouldn’t necessarily go to Sacred Chow if I were starving, but it’s a nice place to sit-in for a light dinner (or for that “makeshift meal” in between lunch and dinner).

It’s definitely worth a try!