She Says: Pure Food and Wine
Last night I was treated to a wonderful and unique Valentine’s Day Dinner at Pure Food and Wine, which is located just outside Union Square in Manhattan. From the outside, it likes like any ordinary restaurant, but on the inside it’s a sleek and chic raw foods outpost. But unlike other hip restaurants, the atmosphere was friendly, not uncomfortably snobby or judgmental. They also played great music, including one of Mark’s favorites, “You Don’t Know How It Feels” by Tom Petty.
When we get there at 8:30 it was pretty crowded, but we had a reservation and only had to wait a few minutes for our seat. While we waited I perused the cocktail menu.
I chose the Jasmine Kiss, which was an excellent choice on my part because it was refreshing, light and subtly sweet.
The menu was slightly different from the one I’ve been reading online on a daily basis.
The appetizer I previously picked out was off the menu, so Mark and I decided to split the Salsify Fettuccine with Provencal Winter Truffle – pine nut and celery root alfredo, fresh parsley leaf and pinoli parmesan.
My first bite of a raw food was … interesting. As soon as I got over the urge to to warm up my cold fettuccine, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The alfredo sauce was delicious and strikingly similar to something you would get at an Italian restaurant, but did not leave me feeling gross and heavy. I was, however, surprised by how much oil was in the bottom of the tiny bowl.
For dinner, Mark chose something I’d been eyeing myself – White Com Tamales With Raw Cacao Mole marinated mushrooms, tomatillo cilantro salsa
I had several bites! The mole sauce was amazing, especially with a forkful of the risotto-like filling of the corn husks. It was really a unique taste.
I chose the Pinoli Tomato Tostada with Honey Cumin crusted Crimini.
Part of the fun of eating at Pure was not knowing what I was eating the majority of the time, but I’ll do my best. In between the crisp tomato tostado was a layer of salsa, heart of palm and avocado and then a lawyer of mushrooms and zanahoria pickle. I loved the taste of the “guacamole” layer and dipping my tostada in there. The pimenton crema added a nice smoky flavor to everything. I didn’t love the bottom layer because I don’t really like mushrooms or pickled things, but I tried!
And then came dessert. Trio of Dark Chocolate Covered Indian Spiced Ice Cream Treats. From left to right: Chai Creamsicle, Pistaccio Ice Cream Sandwich, Chocolate Covered Coconut Ice Cream Cone.
Raw ice cream is closer to the consistency of soy ice cream than cow milk ice cream, which I think means it’s more icy than than creamy. Don’t get me wrong, it was smooth, thick and flavorful and there was not one bite left on that plate when we were done. It had Mark and I debating how all of these treats were made and we even went to Whole Foods after to read the back of a raw ice cream container!
Overall, the cone was my favorite. I loved the flavor of the ice cream and the consistency and taste of the cone … whatever it was made of!
Of all the ice cream flavors, I liked this chai flavor in the creamsicle the best because it had all the flavors of a wonderful spiced chai tea. I ate most of it, but left the chocolate coating for Mark.
Mark’s favorite, but my least favorite, was the ice cream sandwich. While the soft chocolate sandwich was good, the ice cream tasted more like almond extract to me. Also, around the sandwich was another thick chocolate lawyer that was just too much chocolate for me!
As far as fullness, I had about 1/3 of the appetizer, 2/3 of my meal, several bites of Mark’s and 1/2 of the dessert and I was full, but not overstuffed in any way. We walked around after, and maybe it was just the Valentine’s spirit, but I told Mark I felt energized. I thought Mark was going to need more to eat, but he said he was full and didn’t eat anything for the rest of the night. He said he would have still been hungry without eating some of my dinner and the dessert.
It was a wonderfully fun experience and made for a very memorable Valentine’s celebration. I want to return and try everything on the menu, but budget wise, it’s definitely a special occasion kind of place!
xoxo HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY xoxo
February 14th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Interesting food… I don’t know that I’d want to eat at a Raw Food restaurant, but it looks very interesting! I love that they put “zanahoria pickle” as a piece of a meal…zanahoria is one of my favorite spanish words, meaning carrot!
February 14th, 2009 at 10:36 am
What a fancy meal! Everything looks like it was fantastic!
February 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
fabulous dinner!!! so romantic and so fancy!!!
have a nice v-day!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:01 am
hahhah “master cleanse tini”!!! That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen on a menu! Happy V DAY!!
Kaneil, balanceisbest
February 14th, 2009 at 11:06 am
That is the coolest meal! I’ve always wanted to try a raw restaurant.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:08 am
What an interesting restaurant! I’ve never even SEEN it, but now I want to save and go! The martini sounds divine, and that fettuccine alfredo looks FABULOUS. That’s the second raw fettuccine I’ve seen in the last 24 hours… I think you guys are onto something here!
Glad you had a nice evening. Happy Valentine’s to you and Mark!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:13 am
That sounds like so much fun! I love going to new places and trying to food with Brent! I’ve never really tried raw food, and I’m pretty sure that’s something Fort Wayne isn’t ready for.
I’m glad you had such a great evening.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
What a cool dinner! It sounds so interesting and yummy.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Oh how fun! I don’t have much experience in the way of raw foods, but that stuff looks totally amazing. Glad you guys had a great time!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Wow, that meal sounds really good and fancy! I have never tried raw food- but your entree looks like one I would have enjoyed
Glad that y’alls Valentine’s dinner went beautifully!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Look really different! I’d like to give a try. I’m not sure Josh would go for this though! Yayy for Mark
Happy Valentine’s day!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:33 am
That looks totally gorgeous!! Raw food seems a little less scary now that I see how delish it looks
February 14th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Fun dinner! Happy Valentine’s Day to both of you!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Nice! I’ve always wondered how those chefs create such amazing food while keeping everything totally raw.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:50 am
that food looks soooo good!!! I loooove tamales! i feel like they could be really fun to make
February 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Holly guacamole! Everything looks so good, especially that guacamole layer!!! Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Beautiful! I really want to try out Pure Food and Wine. It looks like a great time. I peeked inside of the restaurant the other day, it has such a romantic atmosphere!
February 14th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for the restaurant review! I’ve heard good things about this place. I find the raw food concept fascinating but I have never tried it. I’ll have to check this place out soon.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
wow, great dinner!!!
February 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
You didn’t get the lasagna!!! Booooo.
Haha just kidding
February 14th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
That is such a cool date. I’ve been meaning to try raw food but I just haven’t done it yet. I have to find a good restaurant.
February 14th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
TOO COOL! Thanks for taking such pictures and giving such detailed descriptions.
I would’ve chosen that cocktail too…you can’t go wrong with a little sake.
I hope you guys have a great V-Day.
Oh, and if Mark is a Tom Petty fan, that may explain the beer/ice cream float action…if you know what I’m saying
(kidding, of course)
February 14th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Oh, glad you guys had a good time and the food was worth it!
I liked your dinner the best!
Happy V-day!
February 14th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Yum yum yum and more yum. Everything looked delicious. I am AMAZED at what people can do with raw foods. My raw food creations usually look like mush…tasty…but mush.
What a fun night. So glad you took pics of everything.
“You Don’t Know How It Feels”…you BOTH have great taste in music!
February 14th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
That looks so gourmet and fun. I’ve had some oil dishes at raw places too. Love them.
I adore TP. My fave song: Don’t come around here no more!
Have a happy love filled day Heather and Mark!
February 14th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Everything looks great! I don’t know if I could do the whole raw food meal though – there are so many veggies that I just do not like raw!
February 14th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Except for the mainstream salads and fruit, never tried the RAW lifestyle but have heard good things about it. Found the following online if you want to try these as a RAW experiment at home:
RECIPE: Raw Stuffed Ravioli with Seed and Nut Cheese
http://gliving.com/stuffed-turnip-ravioli-with-seed-and-nut-cheese/
RECIPE: Marbled Chocolate | Orange Tavoletta
http://gliving.com/marbled-chocolate-orange-tavoletta/
RECIPE: Angel Hair Zucchini Pasta with Organic Pesto Sauce
http://gliving.com/angel-hair-zucchini-pasta-with-organic-pesto-sauce/
February 14th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
wow, that looks so good!! i am def putting it on my places-to-go-when-i-have-an-income list! thanks for the review
.
p.s. i would have picked that drink, too! it looks gorgeous.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
What a neat place! Oooh how I want to live in NYC!
February 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day, you two love birds! Looks like an amazing dinner–especially for an avocado lover
February 14th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
YESSSSSS!
i’m thinking we might be making a trip to nyc pretty soon. i’ve been harassing my pilot to take me there, and shopping of course
everything looks incredible! i’ve been wanting to try the tamales– i have the recipe but i’d rather have someone else so all the work for me
so glad you got the ice cream! i’m excited for your next challenge…..
February 14th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
those desserts look awesome!
February 14th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Happy V-Day!!!
February 14th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
what a fabulous dinner!!!
February 14th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
You’re both so brave to go out and try the raw food! Sounds like quite the experience. And, of course, you can’t go wrong when Tom Petty is playing in the background.
February 14th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
thanks for the pics and reviews! glad you and mark had a good time! do you think you would ever consider making any raw food concoctions?! you are so creative it would be cool to see what you would come up with!! have a great night xoxoxox
February 14th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I want to go to there!
I will keep it in mind for a date withOUT the meat-loving boyfriend.
February 14th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
What an interesting dinner! Happy Valentine’s Day
February 14th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Everything looks great – what a fun restaurant!
February 14th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
it looks like you guys had a delicious valentines dinner! enjoy the rest of your weekend!
February 14th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
WOW! what a cool restaurant! and LOL i love reading online menus,too
those are such interesting dishes, thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! happyyyy v day!!
February 14th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
How much fun was that?!!?! Wowzers!!
February 14th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
im so jealous of your dinner!
all the food looked amazing – especially the desserts!
February 14th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Wow that place looks really cool!! I’ve always been intrigued by raw food…and what better way tot ry it out than at an upscale place like that! I think I would also feel the need to heat things up
February 14th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
The desserts look yummy! Looks like you had a fun night!
February 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
haha I love that you didn’t know what you were eating half the time- I’d totally feel the same way. It all looks good though! Thanks for the interesting review! Raw kinda makes me wonder…
February 15th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I know that place! I’ve been wanting to go there for AGES! thanks for this terrific review of that place…now I know I just HAVE to fly all the way to NYC JUST for a dinner there…how interesting and fascinating raw food can be!
February 15th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Wow all of that food looks really neat
I’m glad you and Mark enjoyed it.
February 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Glad you had a good valentines! Some of those dishes look pretty interesting. I’d love to try a restaurant like that!
February 15th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
There’s a raw resteraunt down the street from me that I’ve been meaning to try, but I’m afraid I will have the same reaction of you and have an urge to heat up my cold food. I like my things hot, which is why I have an obsession with toast over regular bread and pressing all of my sandwiches and wraps
Glad you enjoyed it though, you may hve inspired me to give it a try. The dessert especially looks amazing!
February 15th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Oh my, what a unique restaurant! Glad you and Mark had a nice Valentine’s. Oh, the love
February 15th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Mmm. Sounds delicious. What a great dinner.
I agree, raw foods can be tricky. I usually love the “pasta” type things nad I love love love raw cheese (usually with mac nuts). BUT my favorite thing is raw dessert. Specifically raw cheesecake or pie. In fact, I may even like it more than regular desser. Maybe I should try making some soon…
February 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Wow, what a special meal! I was wondering about that fettuccine – don’t they need to cook it? I’m sure this was quite the experience. It’s very cool how open Mark is to things like that. My husband would never ever go to a place like that. Anyways, now I want to try that raw ice cream (probably the only thing that can be easily recreated at home… by purchasing it at WF
)
February 15th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Wow, that looks so good! I’ve heard of that restaurant before – it doesn’t look like you can go wrong
Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
February 16th, 2009 at 12:53 am
[...] as Mark and I went to Pure Food and Wine on Friday night. I wrote all about it here, but that actually wasn’t the first time Pure was featured on Hangry Pants. If you look back [...]
February 16th, 2009 at 10:43 am
this restaurant looks so cool. and delicious.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Great Valentine’s Day! When we went to Pure a few weeks ago for my bday my hubby got that dessert, it was soooo good, you pics brought back all the memories! Haha! I am excited for your raw challenge!
February 17th, 2009 at 11:25 am
What, you didn’t want the Master Cleanse Tini? Does that sound unappetizing or what!?
Looks like a really fun dining experience. I’m a sucker for avocado and would have ordered the same entree.
February 14th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
[...] year, I made Mark some brownies and we went to Pure Food & Wine. This year’s Valetntine’s Day dinner is going to be just about as far away from that as [...]