I'm Sandy. Food fanatic. Aspiring Blogger. Dog mama to a Maltipoo named Saké (yup like the booze). NYC dweller. Wine lover. Saké drinker. Bourbon sipper. I have an unapologetic weakness for Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos (with extra whipped cream please), fluffy doughnuts, and double fried french fries with mayo, never ketchup. I love a perfectly juicy Shake Shack burger when I'm too tired to cook, or a slurp-worthy bowl of ramen, and would never turn down a generous shaving of fresh truffles, one of my favorite splurge worthy indulgences.
People say we eat with our eyes first, and that our visual perception affects our sense of smell and taste... so I hope my food photos will inspire you. Inspire you to feast with your eyes first, and then seek out the foods you enjoy (perhapse even new ones too) and truly savor-every-bite.
City: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010 | Clemente Bar SIP WORTHY | REVIEW | NEW YORK This new upscale vegan bar, tucked away upstairs and brought to you by the Michelin Team behind Eleven Madison Park, continues in…
The Wesley is a fairly new plant-forward restaurant in the West Village, perfect for those who are vegetarian, vegan curious, or just people who like to eat healthy. There are some meat options as well, but honestly, the one meat dish we ordered was the weakest link. Despite the majority of the dishes being vegetable centric, many of the dishes felt “meaty” and bold enough in flavor that it was substantial and quite filling, and at the end of the night, we wouldn’t have missed having meat at all (tip: skip the Chicken Roulade).
Chef Santiago Astudillo is Ecuadorian-born, and has worked in high profile places like Le Bernardin and Daniel, where he presumably perfected the subtle vinaigrettes that are everywhere on the menu. It is these very vinaigrettes that bolster the vegetable flavors rather than obliterate them, adding a satiating heft to many of the dishes. We left full, but feeling healthy. The Wesley is a great choice for some elevated healthy eating that does not sacrifice taste or presentation. A perfect upgrade for when you want that fancier alternative to your local Sweetgreen, or just a guilt-free yet indulgent and delicious meal.
PHOTOS | THE WESLEY
MUSHROOM CEVICHE
*pouring of the Coconut Leche de Tigre table side
MUSHROOM CEVICHE
Jicama, Yuca Chips, Coconut Leche de Tigre
PEAS & CARROT
Green Polenta, Meyer Lemon, Almond Gremolata
*beautiful and delicious
BABY LETTUCE
Citrus, Almond Ricotta, Pepitas, Jalapeno Emulsion The Wesley
WHITE ASPARAGUS
Chili Honey, Chive, Hazelnut Giner Cream
KALE
Shaved Fennel, Asparagus, Squash, Hemp Seeds
*very generous portion, and perfectly dressed salad
GNOCCHI
Shaved Cauliflower, Dukkah, Tahini Pesto
*oh the tahini pesto… yum!
TROUT
Smashed Yukon, Trout Roe, Harissa Yogurt
*I’m usually not a fan of trout, because it tends to be on the dry side, but this piece of trout tasted and looked more like a nice fatty piece of salmon, and it was quite good. Check out that Omega-3 and the generous portion!
ARTICHOKE PASTA
Fava Beans. Toasted Garlic, Saffron Cashew Cream
*the cashew cream really made this dish!
AMISH CHICKEN ROULADE
Squash Puree, Swiss Chard, Brazilian Chili Oil
*this was the only meat dish we ordered for the evening, and it was the weakest dish. Would definitely skip on this one.
CHARRED BROCCOLI
Herb Puree, Chipotle, Basil Chimichurri
*really yummy, the basil Chimichurri was so tasty!
Panna Cotta
Pistachios, Cardamom, Rhubarb Granita
*really nice! The cardamom made for a unique spin and gave it a warm fuzzy feel, perfect way to finish the healthy meal.
THE WESLEY – The Green Room
Designed by Elmo Studios, the restaurant’s 60-seat space is divided into three distinct rooms, each embodying the health-oriented concept. Upon entering, the first room is the bar, or the “green room,” where guests are greeted by a calming atmosphere, complete with a seven-foot living plant wall, hoping to wash away the hustle and bustle of the city but mere just steps away outside.
THE WESLEY – The Blonde Room (Grain) + The Red Room (Root)
The “grain room” is like a sun kissed wheat field with its honey-colored palette, rattan ceiling, velvet banquettes, and an installation of dried grain that lines the perimeter of the walls. In contrast, the “root room” exudes an intimate and moody ambiance with its velvet-draped walls and rich mahogany accents.
City: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010 | Clemente Bar SIP WORTHY | REVIEW | NEW YORK This new upscale vegan bar, tucked away upstairs and brought to you by the Michelin Team behind Eleven Madison Park, continues in…
