The Loving Hut, Revisited

Seeking flight from cramped cubicles, computer screens, and interruptions, I dined with a friend for lunch at New York City's vegan eatery Loving Hut.

Several pro veg messages adorn its walls. Learn about the effects of factory farming on the environment from Farm Sanctuary.

As do photos of famous vegetarians and vegans.

Did you know that Princess Diana shunned fur, refused to participate in hunting expeditions with the royal family and was responsible for a 17-course meatless dinner served by the British Embassy during her first visit to the United States in her honor? This according to European Vegetarian Union News.


My friend's udon noodles with tofu and veggies, $7.50. I sampled this, and liked it better than what I had.

My mushroom, corn, and pea quesadilla with Daiya vegan cheese, guacamole and a side salad, $7.50.


In a Seinfeld episode, Jerry compares black and white cookies to a metaphor for racial harmony and that people should "Look to the cookie!"

I looked to this cruelty free, and tasty, version, $1.75. Veganize it at home.

This Garnered Oooos and Ahhhs...

...by the woman sitting next to me and the three guys next to her table at the Loving Hut.

Vegan cinnamon rice pudding with mangoes, blueberries, and strawberries, $5, from their specials menu. So comforting on a chilly February day. Make your own at home with help from The Vegan Chef.

I just popped in to drop off literature for my friends from Farm Sanctuary's Advocacy Campaign Team, but couldn't resist something sweet. It was nice to see business was booming at this fledgling vegan restaurant.

Visit the Loving Hut, 348 Seventh Ave. between 29th and 30th Sts., New York City.

Are you an on-the-go activist? Promote veganism in 10 minutes or less.

Back at the Loving Hut...

I ordered off of the specials menu: mac and veggies in a 'cheesy' sauce, $7.50 plus tax. Cheese courtesy of Daiya Foods. Good, a bit pricey for something I could recreate for a fraction of the cost at home (sans cheese).

To stay or to go? To stay, of course. In this charming 10-seat cafe, just one man was eating, and every order other than mine was to go.

I don't understand our "to go" culture. People don't have 15 minutes to spare to eat it at this cozy spot? I brown bag it most days, saving a small fortune. Some days I feel like the vegan Suze Orman of the office, wanting to spread the message of not only humane dining choices, but that empowering AARP Lunch Savings Calculator.

If I am going to spend $8 on lunch, I'm not going to bring it back to my cramped cubicle and check e-mail. Bring a friend (banish the work gossip, a break is supposed to be a break) or dine solo. Bring your iPod, a library or thrift shop book, a paper or just your thoughts. Watch New York City life going on around you.

Reflect on all the landfill waste our to-go culture does create. Everything is reusable here, except for the napkins and paper cups for complimentary tea - so bring your reusable cup.



Oh, did I mention their benches light up? I bet the chair in your cubicle doesn't do that.

Visit the Loving Hut, 348 Seventh Ave. between 29th and 30th Sts., New York City.

At home, try Road's End Organics 'mac and chreez' line, which I've purchased at Whole Foods and the natural foods aisle of Stop & Shop. Add some veggies if you'd like, and serve with applesauce to kids young and old.

Liking The Loving Hut

Are you attending a Ringling Bros. or rodeo protest at Madison Square Garden (the bull riders are in town this weekend!), or just catching a game or concert there? Leafleting outside of the fur district? A tourist? An office worker in search of humane dining? If you answered yes to any of these, and are hungry, you may want to consider New York City's new entry on the vegan scene: The Loving Hut.

The former tenant was a mac and cheese place, where I vaguely recall someone trying to hand me a leaflet wearing a sandwich board and a fake plastic cheese on his head. I once e-mailed them to suggest soy mac and cheese (check out Alicia's version). They should have listened. The vegans in the area would have pounced faster than you can shout, "Olsen twins you're so tired, wearing fur in uninspired."

The Loving Hut sandwich, $6. With tarragon mayo (which I chose) or chipotle sauce. Not having eaten a real chicken since I was a teenager, I can't compare it to the real thing. Tasty, loved the mayo. To drink: complimentary hot tea.

Vegan beef fried rice...my taste buds are intrigued.

Share the love for less: 15% off between 3-6 PM.

Visit the Loving Hut, 348 Seventh Ave. between 29th and 30th Sts., New York City, Mon-Fri., 11-9 PM, Sat., 11-8 PM. Closed Sundays.

Have a Trader Joe's nearby? Pick up their beef-less or chicken-less strips in their refrigerated section and stir-fry with your favorite sauce and veggies. Below is my mom's version. Add toasted sesame seeds for sesame 'chicken'. Serve over organic brown rice (easy, breezy single serve packs) or their vegetable fried rice (both in their freezer aisle), and you have Chinese take-out, without, well, the take-out. You won't miss the meat. Check out more of their vegan goodies.