Dirt Candy, East Village, New York: Veggie Party!

Unique and delicious dishes at vegetarian spot Dirt Candy!

At first, I didn't get the name. But now I see it. "Dirt Candy" of course! This is based on all the tasty vegetables that grow from the ground (dirt) to delicious ingredients that are used so wonderfully here.

I've been wanting to go here for ages, but it's not easy to get a table in this small, fantastic place. You can try before 6 p.m., or after 10 p.m., but chances are slim you'll be lucky.

It's our first time eating at a vegetarian restaurant, and wow, it's absolutely amazing! My other half is a typical carnivore, but apparently, she also loves what chef Amanda serves her guests.

This wine is officially the best value for money we've had here in the US in the past six months. Frankly, we're amazed. You should have seen our reaction. For $32! A big middle finger to other restaurants: "So it's possible!"

We start with the Jalapeño Hush Puppies. A bit of the sweet maple butter pairs perfectly with the puppies. They remind me of oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) (but thankfully a bit more refined). The Mushroom, which I ordered as an appetizer, is incredibly flavorful. It consists of portobello mousse, truffle toast, and pear-fennel compote. This dish is sometimes called the vegetarian version of foie gras. Or as Chef Amanda also calls it: "faux gras." Wow... all the earthy and creamy flavors of the portobello mousse, the sweetness of the pear, and the savory truffle toast taste so good together.

And how beautifully the dishes are presented! The warm Potato Salad with crispy Japanese yams (a type of sweet potato), grilled sweet potato, olives, and apples resembles a noodle salad, but with potato noodles instead of egg noodles. For us true potato eaters, this is a revolution in potatoes. It makes me think about how much more fun it can be to cook vegetarian at home if you're willing to carefully introduce a few more "less-meat days" (without "anyone" complaining).

For our main course, we have the Beets, roasted beets with salt grains and Thai green curry, beetroot gnocchi with coconut-ginger cream, and poached tofu, samphire tempura, saffron sauce, and long beans with Moroccan spices and rice. Both surprising dishes and so delicious.

I know I could live without it, but in a restaurant like this, you MUST have dessert, right? Since "we" only want one to share (meh...), we order the original Rosemary Eggplant Tiramisu (with rosemary cotton candy!). Right. All the desserts are made with vegetables. And oh man, if I only knew how to make it myself... Dinner parties at our house are a huge success.
Am I vegetarian? No. Am I a fan of Dirt Candy? Yes! I hope there will be vegetarian restaurants like this in the city we're moving back to soon. Oh Amsterdam, I know you're ready for this!

Everything was fantastic. From the service (your enthusiasm, Diana, amazing!) to the food.
Want to try it yourself? Grab Dirt Candy's cookbook!

Name: Dirt Candy
Address: 430 E 9th Street
Neighbourhood: East Village, New York
Website: dirtcandynyc.com
Perfect for: Vegans, vegetarians and even carnivores who appreciate a night without meat
Price level: Average, best price/quality wine so far

PS: you can find more nice addresses in the New York Little Black BookA city guide with the best restaurants, shops, and fun things to do in New York. New addresses are constantly being added, so check out my latest NY adventures online every week at Your Little Black Book!

This is B.!

Ever wondered what it's like to live in New York in your 30s? Then follow the weekly diary of Bianca, who traded her Amsterdam life for the Big Apple! B. tells you all about her new favorite hotspots, shopping adventures, and events you won't want to miss.