While my folks headed out for the day to do some more shopping and sightseeing, I headed back over to One Lucky Duck for lunch with my dear friend and counselor, Gena.
We ordered some of One Lucky Duck's best shakes/juices & salads:
I went with a Blue Sunset (it was Gena's recommendation, since I had never tried this drink before), which was a gorgeous concoction of pineapple, mango, coconut, banana, blueberry, and vanilla...
...and Gena went with a Thai Green Juice, made up of greens, pineapple, cilantro, and lime (and you may remember that I had that same juice on Day 1 of my trip).
Then it was time for a One Lucky Duck classic and true favorite of mine:
The S&M Salad, (composed of greens, avocado, hemp seeds, dulse, rosemary crackers, and argon-lemon dressing). Pretty simple and easy to replicate at home (which I do quite often these days, haha); but still oh-so-satisfying.
After chatting for hours (even though it only felt like a few seconds), Gena and I said our goodbyes for the day as she headed back to work and I headed off to meet up with my folks.
But then, as the hours continued to quickly pass, it was already time to start getting ready for an evening out...
**Friday, June 26th: Dinner**
Caroline met up with me at my hotel that evening in order for us to head over together to Candle 79 for the Blogger Meet Up Dinner.
Set up and planned entirely by the dear Heather of the "Hangry Pants" blog (thanks again!!), it was a new and fun experience getting to meet new bloggers and and reunite "old friends.":
On one side of the table, we had Amelia, Katherine, Diana (she's tried a batch of my blondies before! Haha), Marina, Amie, Heather (she's tried my Caramel Banana Bread before...), and Sarah...
And then on this side of the table, we have Olga, Dierdre, Caroline, Katie, Ari (Katie's other half, haha), and Danielle.
Small World Alert!!:
It turns out that Dierdre and I went to high school together, except that she graduated three years before I did - what a fun coincidence!! We are going to meet up back in my hometown when she comes to visit, and reminisce about all of the high school drama that we dealt with ;-)
Sharing a love of old films, music, and style with these two, I felt very fortunate to finally have an opportunity to meet up with Katie and Ari in person.
I have been reading Danielle's blog since the very beginning, so we have been in contact for a quite a while. Again, it was so nice to finally meet in person, since we chat pretty regularly.
Alright, now onto the explanation behind the second half of my blog post title...
I was the one who suggested to have the meet up dinner at Candle 79, in order to give the restaurant another chance (since the first time I tried it, it was not that great - I thought that maybe they would have improved since then??).
Well, as I am sure you have already read in other bloggers' recaps about this dinner, the restaurant experience was nothing spectacular (and that is putting it lightly, in my opinion...)
For dinner, I ordered the Live Avocado-Cucumber Tartare which was an artistic representation of avocado, trumpet royale mushroom ceviche, cucumber, hijiki caviar, and flax crisps.
While the taste of the dish was exceptional, it was far too small - I finished the entire meal in 5 bites (and this was the case with everyone at the table and their own meals!!).
But truly, it was not the meal that made the experience bad for me - it was the nasty, rude waiter & waitress duo (and I have witnesses - Caroline and Katie). I will not get into what the waiter said, but it was uncalled for and out-of-line. And the waitress was not a very pleasant character either.
So I greatly apologize to everyone who attended the dinner, for picking such a poor dining spot!!
After saying goodbye to everyone, Caroline and I were supposed to head out to a specific event - but plans got changed at the last minute.
Spontaneity was in order, so VeggieGirl and Miss "Caroline in the City" headed out for an adventure around town...
**Stay tuned for Part Seven of the VG NYC post series!!**
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88 comments:
Sounds like you'll just have to come back to NYC so we can all get together at a different restaurant next time! ;-)
It was great to meet you!!
That juice looks yummy! Sorry you had such a bad experience there. I hate it when waiters are rude, that just ruins it for me. And small food?! Ugh.
Have a great day, look forward to reading the next part of your adventure :)
Sorry your dinner was not up to snuff, but it looks like the company was worth it!
One lucky duck seems like SUCH a cool spot. Sometimes the simplest salads are the absolute best. Glad you had fun.
Bummer about the waiter/waitress at Candle, but what great company!!! All of these ladies are so lovely.
Hope you're having fun with your new friend...can't wait to hear more ;)
Holy Hannah that Blue Sunset drink looks so amazingly good!
Sounds like a great blogger meet up....to bad the restaurant wasn't up to parr. Your meal did look rather tasty, though...
Can't wait to hear what the 2 of you got up to! (((HUGS)))
i'm sorry about the less than stellar experience! that's never fun when you're expecting a fun dinner out and other people ruin the evening.
both of the drinks you and Gena got sound awesome! that will definitely be a place I have to go if I'm ever in NY :)
You are Super Woman! How ever did you fit so many people in three little days? So many exciting social gatherings, I'm jealous!
Thanks so much for the nut butter tip-off! I'm excited to have a new brand to try when I've devoured my TJs Raw! Futters sounds delicious - oooh, especially the hazelnut!
Loving your NYC recaps! Sorry to here the Candle 79 experience wasn't great. Some places just don't live up to the hype :(
Boo for bad service. That's such a big part of the experience..what a shame that they messed that up. I went there once and I remember the same complaints about the extra small portions. But glad that your other outings in NYC were much better!
what a fun bloggie extravaganza :)!! why are you ladies all so BEAUTIFUL?!!?
sounds like you had such a great time in the city, VG :)!
Your meal at Candle even looks puny compared to your salad at One Lucky Duck! I am so sorry you dealt with a rude waiter and waitress! I know how sweet many of your bloggers are, and there is no call for rudeness from the staff!
Sorry you had such a bad dining experience. I have only had wonderful times at Candle79, I am so surprised to hear this! :(
I will say the portions can be small..especially the salads. I ordered that Avocado TarTare for an appetizer, so it was just perfect! Looks like great company though!
Your lunch with Gena looked fab as well, I am making that salad again for dinner tonight! YUM!
That sucks about your rude experience at dinner, but meeting all those fabulous bloggers sounds like so much fun!
It was such a pleasure to meet you Liz! I hope we get to chat more next time :)
Ugh, when the waitress asked me "you do realize that's completely raw, right?" I was ready to punch her in the face. Yes, I can read, thanks.
But the good company made up for it! :)
I read other recaps- sorry that Candle wasn't great, but company sounds amazing! I've seen Candle cafe on a few blogs and the food looks incredible- have you been there?
what a beautiful group of gals and a very handsome man! i'm sorry to hear that the waiter & waitress duo were not very pleasant; sometimes i think people should really remind themselves that everyone deserves respect.
awh what a lovely bunch of people! So glad you got to meet up with everyone and be in good company even though the service was shitttaay!
can't wait to see what trouble you two buggers got in to :)
xo love you boo
hey girl!
wow love hearing all about your NYC trip! the blogger meet up dinner looks soo fun! sorry the food and service were disappointing but at least you were in good company! :) cant wait to hear more xxoxoxo
What a pretty shake color!
Oh my gosh - it IS a small world! Haha! What a great group of bloggers :) Sorry the food/service wasn't that great! That's too bad!
Isn't Gena the funnest to talk to?
It really is too bad that Candle 79 was disappointing, because I have really fond memories of my one time at the Cafe! Ok, I might have been a lil buzzed, but I don't think I was imagining that carrot cake. :)
At least you can whittle down your to-dine list for future trips! ;)
I'm so jealous of the blogger dinner - HOW FUN! :)
Also - WOW - that Lucky Duck smoothie?????? Looks muy muy fantastico! :D
UGH -- rude waiters are the worst! At least you had good company ;)
Despite all the dinner foibles, I had such a good time at the meet-up!
I HAVE to get to PURE for that salad... I've still never been! Sarah (Our Kitchen Adventures/ Live Laugh Love) browsed at OLD a few weeks ago... looks great!
sorry to know that Candle 79 wasn't good, although I loved Candle Cafe!
but it was good to meet up with so many bloggers, right?
nothing ruins a dinner more than a rude waiter or waitress (or bad food, haha.) well, in your case, SMALL food. i am NOT down with itsy bitsy gourmet meals. can't wait to see more of your trip! and the blue sunset smoothie looks delightful! i love the swirl of colors. :)
have a lovely day!
Love reading your NYC adventures....:D
i hate small portions at restaurant! totally not worth the prices most of the time. you should totally be able to have leftovers if you want!
UGH - so sorry about your dining experience! But so glad you had fun anyway!
I'm so jealous of your trip! I love the color combo in that smoothie. How much fun to meet up with everyone.
I hate how bad service can ruin an otherwise decent meal. I've never heard anything too impressive about that restaurant.
It looks like you had a fun time with Gena and meeting the other bloggers! I'm sorry you were treated so rudely and that the food was on the small size, though. :-(
Can't wait to read more!
Sorry to hear that you had bad service! No matter how good the food is, I refuse to go to a restaurant if the service was terrible.
All you bloggers look like you had a fabulous time!
That One Lucky Duck drink looks so yummy! You and Gena have good taste ;)
Your smoothie/juice is so pretty!
Oh my, what a wonderful smoothie! Perhaps it's all those antioxidants that are making your skin look so clear and beautiful ~ you're positively glowing in all of your pictures.
Such a shame about the restaurant ~ I remember Erica of the Sweet Eats blog dining there and having a much better experience.
Can't wait for the next installment : )
Sorry bout the poor service, but it looks like such a cool night in nyc! And that smoothie looks amazing... I am going to have to hit up One Lucky Duck next time I'm in town!
I may have to plan a trip to NYC just to go to One Lucky Duck. Gena's wonderful, isn't she? The blogger fest sounds like fun.
Bummer about the rude waiters and what not, that makes things no fun.
Great post!
Those shakes/juices from One Lucky Duck look divine, and I bet that blogger meet-up was a lot of fun.
Sorry about the rude staff at Candle 79 though. What a bummer...
I'm glad you got to meet up with all the other bloggers; sounds like fun! Sorry that the service wasn't good. Bad service can really ruin a dinner...
Can't wait to hear more about your NYC adventures! :)
you had so many lovely meet ups in nyc! when i was there, we didn't have nearly as much time as i would have liked (like forever, haha)
sorry candle wasn't all it was hyped up to be and for the rude service. thats the worst!
have a great night <3
unkind waiters just need a HUG and a smoothie like Gena's. :) Maybe if they knew they were serving a SWEETIE PIE named Liz, they would be a tad bit nicer. ;)
Love you, friend! mid week HUGS!!!
XOXO
Gorgeous ladies AND food! Sucks that Candle 79 wasn't great - I've heard mixed reviews but still want to give it a shot when/if I ever visit NYC again. S&M salad sounds soo good and now I want to recreate it!
what a great trip and blogger meet up! i'm so jealous you got to meet all those lovely ladies!
I have the recipe for that smoothie yet I've never made it! I must get the ingredients soon.
Lucky girl, meeting up with Gena!
And the blogger meet-up looks like so much fun as well! Crazy meeting the girl from your school.
I'm so sorry about whatever the waiter + waitress said to you! That is horrible and I am totally flying to NYC to kick their ass'!!!
Love your recap of Candle 79! It was so great meeting you though! E-mail me privately about what the waiters said... I was unaware that they were rude! :(
Don't feel bad, I heard nothing but great things about this place either (which boggles my mind lol).
Glad you had fun in NYC though. Maybe we could meet up when you come back in a few weeks!
How fun to meet up with all your blogger friends in person! I'm sorry your dinner wasn't so good!
Looks like a party :) I'm so glad you all got to meet up. That is definitely an amazing experience for all of you!
The Avocado-Cucumber Tartare looks like it was really good! But I hate it too when restaurants give you small gnome-like portions like that =[
I love that you had dessert for dinner! Sometimes we really should just listen to our cravings. Our body knows what we need!
Also, my blondies are kind of boring. I need to try out some of your creations!
Sounds like you had a great time in NYC. I live in the East Village, but haven't been to Pure Food and Wine or One Lucky Duck. I can see I'm missing out!
Sorry the restaurant didn't work out! But everything else sounds fantastic. And how lucky are you to meet all those amazing bloggers--I am totally envious!
Ahhh you're like me! Soap opera blogging and cutting off right when it gets super juicy! ;) You know how to keep them at the edge of their seats.
Next time I go to NY I'm going to One Lucky Duck FOR SURE!!!
You look great and it seems like the company was great! I am glad you had such a great experience in NY. I do love it there...I am so jealous you got to go!
I just read through your last 4 posts (yes, I am that behind! It looks like you had a fabulous time!!! I've loved looking at all the photos and food. Who would have thought you'd turn into a chocoholic?!?!?
Sorry the restaurant wasn't that great. It sounds like the company was amazing though!
oh, wow! hooray for one lucky duck yummies & time with Gena, and then the most fantastical meet up & eatz @ Candle 79! mmmmmmmmmmm! the S&M salad sounds amazing and looks gorgeous! i may try and recreate something similar at home - the dressing sounds heavenly!
So many food bloggers in such a small place! I bet you had a toon of fun even if the food was the greatest!
I really enjoy this blog, theirs so many posts to go through though! if anyone is interested i have a small site about detoxing and cleansing, stop by sometime :).
http://www.totalcleanseguide.com
I'm sorry that your experience at Candle 79 wasn't so great:( Their less-expensive version (Candle Cafe) is MUCH better. Glad you had fun meeting everyone though!
LOL - I tried my hardest to make my dinner last that night. :D
Hope to see you again soon!
Wow, talk about a huge foodie gathering! That's really awesome... see how popular and sweet you are? :)
I'm happy you had a good time, even though the dinner was less than stellar. I think we've all had some letdowns like that, and rude waitstaff.
Hope you're resting up and enjoying your summer. School is starting here already :)
Oh my gosh I'm LOVING that Blue Sunset. I pretty much need to try this place ASAP! :)
I'm glad you're having such a great time in the city!! And YAY for MacBooks!!
nothing worse than rude waiting staff - let's hope you didn't tip them too much ;)
can't wait to see your adventure - happy thursday to you girl!
i hateeeee rude waitstaff! they definitely can ruin a dining experience!
but your Blue Sunset drink looks SO good!!
It's too bad your dinner at Candle was a bust! At least you were in good company! I bet it was fun getting to meet everyone.
what a bummer about candle 79!! sorry to hear that!
I'm sorry that your dinner experience wasn't great at Candle 79. I hate poor service!
Sad news about the dinner - I've heard such great things about that place :(
Aww, i'm so jealous of all your meet-ups! All the food bloggas are lookin' soooo fine, so beautiful, so FAB!
And yummm.....ok, so far you are sending me some dessert-like treat from NYC, that chocolate shake in the last post...and nowwwww the BLUE SUNSET! K, thanks! :)
bummer about dinner, but at least you got to meet so many lovely ladies! (and gentleman!) that juice sounds amazing :)
Oh my goodness that smoothie looks SO GOOD!
-muffy
Oooh, a cliffhanger. Can't wait for Part VII.
Sorry the dinner was a bust, but the company did look great. Look at all those cute NYC bloggers, and how I would love to meet up with Gena for lunch at PURE! Her blog is one of my favs - so well written and so many wonderful recipes!
Love you VG. :)
I hate rude waitresses and waiters. I would have said something to management if I were you! :-)
I need to try that juice place the next time I'm in NYC
I think you sible handed-ly kept the Lucky Duck open while you were in NYC..lol lol lol
Glad to see that you are having such a fantastic time!
We Want Part 7 ...We Want Part 7... We Want Part 7...
Just kidding... sorry that the servers were rude to you, I do secretly want to know what they said!?! I wouldn't be concerned with the picking out of the place though- I'm sure everyone was super excited just to meet and enjoy everyone's company. It's not like you could have done anything about the crappy service!
I doubt they will get much business with the food bloggers out there posting, they messed with the wrong group of customers!
:) happy summertime dear.
I really want to meet more bloggers. Sounds like you all had such a great time.
Your meal looks great!
looks like loads of fun and great eats! cant wait to go to one lucky duck..can u believe ive never gone? ;)
xo
maya
Hey VG!
I just wanted to say hi! I've been reading your blog for awhile and I finally got my own up! http://livelaugheat.com. Take a look if you get a chance and let me know what you think!
I hate when poor service ruins a meal! So crappy. Your blue sunset drink looks awesome, though!
Glad you still had fun even though the food and service wasn't the best. Loved all of your photos! What a fun night!
It sounds like you had fun at your huge blogger get together! Im sorry to hear that the service was poor, I hate it when that happens! Your live-avocado tartare looks really good though but it does look small I dont think that would fill me up either. Speaking of one lucky duck (hehe!) I am so glad to see the pictures of the yummy drinks and the salad that you reccomended. Next time I go to the store I am getting the stuff to make it for sure! :)
Michal
oh that's too bad...i had never been to this restaurant when i lived in nyc but always wanted to - now i know i'll skip it!
Too bad about the restaurant. I've always wanted to try it. Small portions don't bother me (I prefer them), but bad service does.
sorry the wait team sucked...thats such an easy way to ruin a meal. when you come back we will try a different spot and hopefully it will be a way better experience :)
What a great blog you have. How will I get work done, if I sit here reading this?
Well, even though the restaurant wasn't up to par, at least you had a great group of dining partners :)
The Pure food looks SO good! I was so glad to see the recipe for the S&M salad in the book too. Just seeing the photo of your juice has made me crave some :) Looking forward to the recap of your next Pure dinner!
Be well,
Emily.
Those shakes look insanely good! The meetup looks fun too!
Haha, my favorite smoothie and salad of all time! And yeah, I have been to candle 79 twice, yawn.
NYC is my next destination, so i hope, and well, i can't take the supplies from home you know :) Where can i find a hotel (i wan't to order online..) close to a real vegan restaurant? i think most of my meals will take place there if i'll found one that fits :)
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