Food: In the Raw

"The term raw doesn't conjure the most luxurious of mental imagery, but the cuisine concept, that I love so much, has genuinely changed the association. The term raw refers to keeping all ingredients in the dish under 118 degrees, preserving the food's enzymes, or life-force of the food. Food enzymes catalyze digestion, and are usually cooked out, making regular food much less desirable. Dairy, soy, refined sugars, and wheat, are not used in raw food preparation. Hello vegans and goodbye gluten allergens! Those bound to gluten-free foods will love the raw concept, as long as they don't have nut allergies.

And did I mention the food-euphoria? No, not the feeling from your allergic reaction. An actual natural high you'll experience from eating in the raw. Combine that with eating in the nude, and we've got something! Do meals usually make you tired? Well try eating raw and you'll be pleasantly upbeat, with your tastebuds revelling.

Pure Food and Wine (54 Irving Pl., NY, NY, below left), a Manhattan mainstay for raw enthusiasts, should make other veggie-friendly restaurants in the area lament --all organic, pure, and pesticide-free. I was one of the first customers at the establishment on a weekend trip to New York. Having heard of its opening beforehand, I researched raw cuisine but came up with very little. I didn't expect much from the dishes at Pure, thinking it would be good vegetarian, but not getting my hopes up. And even though the menu descriptions sounded exquisite, what can one think cheese made from nuts would taste like?! Undoubtedly, divine.

My first course, a salad (above, right), had an amazingly sweet-citrus dressing and plenty of flax and seeds, I cannot tell you how delicious. Each bite was a burst of flavor like I'd never had, and I've been to many an extravagant venue to dine. Flavor integration, and unique pairings of spices and textures is what makes the dishes so delectable.

Second course was a pasta made literally from squash and zucchini, with smooth cherry tomatoes and cheese made from pine nuts-- my second choice was beet ravioli (pictured above, left) again, same concept: pasta made from beets, cheese from nuts. Could it get better? Yes, next was dessert, a lavender ice cream sundae with blueberries so amazingly fresh, mint and a honey-like sauce drizzled over the top.

And, ice cream you ask? Definitely ice cream, in taste and texture, and lavender ice cream is divine by the way, but it is actually made from coconut meat. Every cream and meat is made from nuts and vegetables, a detailed process we'll leave to the Chef de Cuisine.

Pure's three-course menu is ever-luxe, and ever-changing, so eat often and enjoy always, your body will thank you. If you're short on time, their Takeaway spot is open late and offers many salads, quick bites, and snacks, plus smoothies and pints of ice cream."


Gorgeous-ly --Lux