Eating our way through New York! 

There are no words to express the joy I experienced in New York City last month!  I still have a happiness hangover!  Also, it was fun to introduce my husband Steve to my old stomping grounds.  NYU alumni in the house! 

You can check out photos and videos of our travels on Instagram here.  For now, let me highlight some of the gluten-free wonders that we found in this iconic metropolis - in just 3 days! 

Day 1 - From Thai Elegance to Broadway Brilliance

Our gluten-free adventure kicked off with a flavorful bang as we entered the stunning Thai Villa at 5 East 19th Street. This beautiful Thai restaurant in the heart of NYC was bustling at 2pm and for good reason!  Every dish was delightfully crafted. 

I couldn't resist ordering their Royal Pad Thai, and it was nothing short of incredible! The blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.  As you can see they made the plate as artful as the taste.  This was the perfect way to begin our adventure!

After lunch we explored the city a bit, checked into our hotel (Hyatt Place Chelsea), took a quick nap (yes I traveled with my favorite sleep mask) and prepared for a magical evening!

Next on the agenda was a visit to Butter Midtown by Alex Guarnaschelli (70 West 45th Street). If you're a fan of culinary creativity, this place is a must-visit!

For an appetizer, Steve and I shared the Di Palo’s Burrata.  OMG - melt in your mouth!!  For my entree I opted for the Smoked Double-Cut Berkshire Pork Chop.  It was both hearty and indulgent and completely gluten-free!

Yes, this post is about our gluten-free culinary adventures, but the highlight of the day was catching the Broadway show, MJ The Musical at Neil Simon Theatre. If you get a chance to go - run, don’t walk to grab your ticket!

The energy, the music, the sheer talent on display – it was a Broadway experience that left me utterly mesmerized.  It felt like I was experiencing the Jackson family in real time. The writers did a wonderful job of acknowledging controversy while highlighting the enormous gifts that Michael Jackson brought to the world.  I’ve been singing his songs everyday since!

Day 2 - Dim Sum Delights and Harlem Flavors

On the second day, we started our culinary journey at Awesum Dimsum (160 East 23rd Street). This gem of a place is known for its extensive gluten-free menu. From dumplings to buns, there was a gluten-free option for every dim sum lover.  

I have not found gluten-free dim sum here in Denver, CO so it felt extra special to experience it in New York.  Word of caution:  ask for gluten-free soy sauce as I learned this is not automatically assumed.

A quick pit stop at Starbucks was a delightful treat!  Their Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a new seasonal favorite, and it certainly hit the spot.

Venturing into Harlem, we dined at and were thoroughly entertained at Silvana, a cozy Middle Eastern eatery that offered a range of gluten-free options. We had the choice to eat upstairs, or go down to the basement to dine while enjoying poetry and soul music.  You know which option we went for!

While listening to psychedelic rhythms and rhymes, I couldn't resist trying their falafel and also the salmon salad. Steve and I agreed that the falafel was the best we’ve ever had!  Another testament to the culinary diversity of NYC!

Day 3 - Chelsea Charm and Brooklyn Bliss

Our third day began at the Hyatt Place Chelsea, where I enjoyed a simple yet delicious gluten-free bagel, a banana, and a steaming cup of coffee. Sometimes (even as a Culinary Nutritionist), a Continental breakfast is all you need to kickstart your day.  I'm grateful the hotel provided enough gluten-free items to keep me satiated!

Heading to Brooklyn, we discovered WILD Park Slope (148 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217), a haven for gluten-free foodies. What sets this place apart is its 100% gluten-free menu. Yes, we were in heaven!

Steve and I indulged in their Mediterranean pizza and crispy calamari. Every bite was a reminder that gluten-free dining can be both delectable and worry-free!

For dinner we met with friends at Westville Chelsea (88 7th Ave), where I was greeted by a stunning array of VEGGIES!  I decided on the Market Plate, a delightful medley of seasonal vegetables. It was beyond satisfying to load up on all of this deliciously prepared produce after a few too many heavy meals.

In between dining experiences and to keep my breath fresh, I enjoyed PUR Gum.  It is aspartame-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and one of my must haves in my bag at all times!  Check out their diversity of flavors!

*Bonus days*

Before concluding our gluten-free journey, we couldn't resist returning to Awesum Dimsum, this time in Times Square (612 8th Avenue). While the gluten-free options here were fewer compared to the previous location, the delicious flavors still held their own!  

We also witnessed the most incredible views of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop of Hyatt House Jersey City.  I spent my last few days of the week with the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business cohort on the other side of the Hudson River.  You can view some of my adventures here!

Conclusion - Savoring the Gluten-Free Diversity of NYC

New York City is a culinary wonderland, and it certainly didn't disappoint when it came to gluten-free options! From Thai delicacies to Broadway excitement, dim sum delights to Mediterranean feasts, our three-day adventure showcased the city's vibrant and diverse food scene.

If you're a woman over 40, navigating menopause, and committed to a healthier lifestyle, remember that gluten-free dining can be both enjoyable and nutritious! NYC proves that you don't have to compromise on flavor to embrace a gluten-free lifestyle.

The Big Apple is a city that never sleeps, and it certainly never stops surprising your taste buds. Cheers to healthier communities and savoring the joys of gluten-free living in the city that never ceases to amaze!