Petit Déjeuner and Déjeuner: Paris via New York

I was nearby New York City's Chelsea Market attending a meeting for work, and couldn't resist stopping by Amy's Bread for their "Parisian Breakfast." Can you blame me?

A (soy) cafe au lait and a half a crusty baguette (hold the butter) with red raspberry Bonne Maman jam, $5.25. I brought the jam jar home to reuse as a container to transport salad dressing for lunches.

My cafe au lait even garnered a compliment from a gentleman standing in line, who thought it looked just charming. Don't you agree? I can't imagine a paper cup with a plastic lid.

Chelsea Market offers much for vegans. I didn't visit it, but One Lucky Duck now has a location there. Check out Sarma Melngailis' blog post, "I'm Not a Vegetarian." I think her sentiments on labels are very realistic and healthy, especially for those having trouble committing to veganism. I struggle myself and fall off the wagon. Me and cheese: a forbidden love.

Closer to my office, Macaron Cafe is my slice of Paris. Most of the staff are French, and the place is brimming with real Frenchies and those Frenchies-at-heart who just adore good, simple food.

The Farm Salad, $8.25. Evian or Perrier? Tap water please.

C'est cher, non? Oui. I usually opt to brown bag it, but sometimes, I need a little mental health time away from my cramped cubicle and fluorescent lighting. Have to have a little French music on the iPod. For good measure, I like everything from the campy - Georges Ulmer - to the modern - Kaolin. Even Belinda Carlisle covers French classics.

I was watching another French-inspired cook, Barefoot Contessa, on Food Network. She shared a favorite vinaigrette recipe. Ready? Olive, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, with a dash of salt and pepper. Easy.

Vegan Gems at the Chelsea Market in NYC

Vegan delights are aplenty at the Chelsea Market in New York City. I worked right near the market for more than two years before we relocated to mid-town (sigh). Housed in the old Nabisco factory, the market is now a delightful collection of bakeries, restaurants, and other shops. Vegans will not go hungry!

Here are some of my favorite finds:
Amy's Bread
I loved their Parisian Breakfast with Cafe au Lait, which transported me right back to my trip to Paris. A half of a crusty baguette (hold the butter, bien sûr), served with a choice of Bonne Maman jam and a steaming bowl of Cafe au Lait (make that soy). They also have a great selection of vegan breads, as well a white bean sandwich and chickpea, roasted beet and quinoa salad, among others.

Ninth Street Espresso
No bitter tasting beans like you'll find at Starbucks. This is how espresso drinks are supposed to taste. Visit them for your soy cappuccino or soy mocha fix. The chocolate syrup is vegan (I had them check).

T Salon
A purveyor of teas and related accessories, there's a pleasant seating area in the back to enjoy a cup of tea and vegan baked good. Their selection varied greatly in my experience, and I was told they have a very small baker supplying them. I sampled the mixed berry scones and the divine red velvet cake.

The Green Table Restaurant
Menu varies daily, and always had a vegetarian (often vegan) entree and usually had a vegan soup. Expect to pay $5 for a cup of soup ($7 for a bowl) and about $16 for an entree. This was a wild mushroom hot pot with tofu.


L'Arte Del Gelato
Who needs gelato, when you've got refreshing, cruelty-free sorbet? Tucked away in the back of the market by Bowery Kitchen Supply, you'll find a few rotating flavors each day. Favorites include pear, peach, grapefruit and mixed berry. Ask for a small with two flavors, and you'll get a sample of a third flavor on top.

The Market also houses Hale & Hearty, a popular soup and sandwich chain which offers many non-dairy, vegetarian soups; the Manhattan Fruit Exchange; and is home to the Food Network headquarters. Maybe one day we'll get a vegetarian cooking show. Hey, one can dream.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets), New York, NY. Open Monday-Saturday, 7am-10pm, Sunday, 8am-8pm.