So I'll admit, I had never walked into the juice GENERATION until recently because I had the silly prejudice that they were just another "frozen-syrup-smoothie bar", not to name names... But I eventually did a few weeks ago and was happy to reckon I was wrong. Yes, it is another juice bar in New York, but there can't be too many people inspiring others to eat real food and drink pure fruit and veggie juices vs. processed food and soda if you ask me. So yes, I loved their fresh juices and shots ~ major crush on their Beautifying Seabuckthorn shot ~ but I was even more impressed by their raw food selection: their Cashew Cheese Ravioli made of turnips and served with basil sauce and their Maki Rolls were the perfect light dinner on one of those Spring-preview-evenings. I even got the chance to meet Eric Helms, founder of the juice GENERATION, who just released a book on, well, juicing, with the hope that his readers would understand that making their own juices doesn't have to be pricey nor complicated. Peace, Love and Juice to that!  
www.juicegeneration.com

Another one of these local businesses I adore for their intention and branding. First of all, how cute is their name and logo? No wonder once you know what drives the 2 founders of this adorable mini-juicery. They are all about sharing the benefits of juicing from a place of deep nourishment for the body and pleasure to the soul. I tried their Mango Cardamom and Pear Pumpkin ~ to die for... Some of the most original flavors and spices combination, inspired by their travels throughout the world, yoga, India... My favorites things in the world in a glass-bottle! According to them, their unique blends will grant you a Clear Mind, Enhanced Focus, More Energy, Elevated Spirits,  Better Digestion, Glowing & Clear Skin,  Weight Loss, Increased Sex Drive, need I say more?
www.heartbeetjuicery.com

Yet again, another synchronistic encounter led me to Botanical, a unique venue in New York City created by David Bouley, worldwide renowned chef, to offer a dining experience within an bio-dynamic green house to his patrons. He proposes what I couldn't describe better than he does - an educational and inspirational urban-farm-meets-performance-kitchen as a canvas for private events. This beautiful space where he grows over 400 edible greens, cooks over-the-top healthy food and promotes wellness as a lifestyle, turns into a yoga studio every Sunday morning, rotating teachers and style every month. 
I was privileged to practice with Brendan Lentz from Dharma Yoga Center, who led a gentle Hatha yoga class along with fun partner-asanas. Food meets Yoga, my dream came true... 
www.davidbouley.com/botanical
www.dharmayogacenter.com

If you've recently transitioned to a more plant-based diet, you might still be dreaming about your favorite comfort food, and for some of you, it might be sushi. Well, I have good news for you, as Beyond Sushi is doing an amazing job at crafting the most delicious and colorful sushis, makis and rolls. Made with Forbidden black rice or Six-grain rice medley, their japanese-inspired dishes are created out of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables instead of actual fish. But fear not, your taste-buds will not be disappointed. Mighty Mushroom, Spicy Mango, Pickle Me or Crunch N'Munch are just a few items of their color-popping and mouth-watering menu that will leave you satisfied and asking for more! 
www.beyondsushinyc.com

Their mission statement says is all: "Our mission is to serve by manifesting a shift in the retail paradigm". In other words, they offer what I call "a conscious customer experience". Don't be fooled by their name. Yes, you will find unique furniture, Indian carpets, modern glass tables, Buddha statues... But they also have a whole apothecary section with the latest natural skincare brands (including 2 of my favorites Pratima Skincare and Tata Harper), a meditation and yoga corner with books, music and other accessories, 2 restaurants serving farm-to-table food. Best of all, the Deepak Homebase, a physical and virtual salon where leaders and luminaries of our times hold interactive events to explore health, wellness, science, philosophy, innovation, sustainability, spirituality, beauty, wisdom, love and so much more... Definitely worth visiting while in NYC and following on the worldwideweb ~ I am a big fan of  their instagram and its Indian block printing pictures among other ones... 
www.abchome.com

I rarely go to Tribeca and every time I do, I'm sadly surprised by the low ratio of healthy lunch places vs. office buildings in that area. I recently mentioned the newly open Sun in Bloom on the west side of Tribeca.
Today I'd like to give a shout out to Terri, on the east side of the island tip, for offering organic vegetarian options for all the busy Wall Street peeps. Terri is more of a fast/comfort food spot. You'll find a lot of traditional american dishes on their menu such as Buffalo "chicken", "Meatball" sub, Pulled "pork" for which their use impeccable seasoning and faux-meat (ie. seitan, tofurky... which I am  not necessarily a fan of because of the level of processing that goes on into their making). But I applaud the initiative to offer a nice alternative for the ones easing into a plant-based diet transition.  
I personally tried their Portobello Pesto sandwich on a gluten-free wrap and it was de-licious. You wouldn't expect otherwise knowing that the 2 co-founders worked in high-end vegan restaurants in NYC for years before deciding to appeal to the mass by opening a more accessible eatery. You might want to check Terri out tomorrow, I hear they are offering $10 of free food for anyone who mentions the word "meatout" to celebrate the Great American Meatout 2014. Just saying...
www.terrinyc.com

Now that I started this blog, I can no longer hide my péché-mignon, also known as sweets and treats, the whole, natural, healthy, satisfying ones. I wouldn't necessarily label myself a "Vegan Divan", though.... 
Anyways, I recently paid a visit to this well-established Upper East Side vegan bakery. Needless to say, I felt like a kid in a candy store, well, that's what I was really, in a dessert store. Baked doughnuts, Vegan Cheesecakes, Cookies, Macaroons, Muffins, Brownies, you name it, they had it all. I left with the cutest coconut, chocolate and cinnamon-sugar baby-doughnuts that were delicious ~ light, moist and one of my favorite feature, bite size. 
Fernanda Capobianco's mission is to use the freshest and healthiest ingredients without sacrificing taste and I couldn't agree more. Extra love points for her involvement with the NY Coalition of Healthy School Food and the David Lynch Foundation who teaches Transcendental Meditation to kids, among other endeavors. 
So here it is, to another great address to treat yourself to one of the guilt-free simple pleasures life has to offer! 
www.vegandivasnyc.com

Looking for a bubble of warmth during this lengthy NYC winter? Make a stop at Melvin's Juice Box, you won't regret it. As soon as you'll walk in, the sound of reggae will get your booty groovin', Melvin's giant smile will warm your heart and a sip of his "Body Good" Green Juice will get your going for hours and hours of positive energy. Melvin has been in this juicy business for decades and it shows, in a good way. From my conversation with him, I quickly understand that this man leads by example to inspire his employees, being the first one to prepare giant batches of kale, grabbing the mop or greeting every customers who walks in. The quality of the organic fruits & veggies Melvin uses, the passion he puts into his juices - all named after famous reggae songs - and the homey feeling of this place, will make you want to come back over and over again. Melvin secretly mentioned that a few other locations were in the work, so you might be able to enjoy the island vibes just a few blocks away from your home, very soon! 
www.melvinsjuicebox.com

I wrote about Sun in Bloom before but I happened to be in Tribeca today and took advantage of it to visit Chef Aimee Folette's new location on Church Street and it is stunning! I can't wait for Spring to visit again and the new space on a warm sunny ay, as it is so full of natural light and warmth! The food is amazing as usual, collard wraps, fresh juices, vegan gluten-free pastries made in the kitchen downstairs, you can't go wrong! Go visit Aimee and her dedicated team to shine a little sun to your blooming health!
www.suninbloom.wordpress.com