01/26/09

Atrocious Service

by RK2280

I've been wanting to try Angelica's for quite some time and finally went this Saturday night. Although the food was pretty good (though nothing we couldn't have cooked ourselves at home just as well), the service was atrocious. First, our waiter did not introduce himself and probably said a total of 5 words to us all night. He literally just stood at the table looking at us when it came time to order. Although we were all vegetarians, it would have been helpful for the waiter to ask if anyone had any questions about the menus since not everyone is familiar with typical vegetarian foods, like seitan, etc. Our appetizers came out incredibly quick, which was not necessarily a bad thing. However, before we had even gotten halfway through the appetizers our entrees were literally shoved onto the table and once again, the waiter said absolutely nothing to us. Also, they rushed to clear our table after we had finished our entrees, but for some unknown reason left a hummus appetizer plate on the table throughout our dessert. Plus, the restaurant was still more than halfway full when we left so there was just no excuse for rushing us the way they did. I do have to say that the hostess was very sweet though.

I fully support any restaurant that seeks to provide healthy, organic and sustainable food, but given the variety of options available in the City I would likely not go back to Angelica's again.

• Pros: Healthy, Vegetarian food with a wide range of options
• Cons: Service

08/31/08

eh

by joehoya

went to angelica kitchen tonight, mediocre place. we put our name on the list and went to grab a bottle of wine. ten minutes later, we came back but the aloof hostess didn't even remember us. anyway, the waitress was below avg. she was nice enough but we only saw her twice - i thought she left the city for the long weekend. it does have a nice atmosphere and was packed. the quarters are tight, esp. if you're a duo, but i like that. food was frankly pretty bad. the hummus appetizer is hard to mess up, but they only gave enough stale pita chips to eat 1/3 of the hummus. my dashi noodles were extremely bland, and the only thing they had to help it out was some cayenne pepper. the upside, byo and it was pretty cheap. given the plethora of byos in the east village, you're not missing out if you skip this place, unless you can't eat anything but bland organic, vegetarian food.

• Pros: nice ambience, cheap, byo
• Cons: food, service

07/21/08

The food is not real, nor is healthy.

by ryankevy8

I never knew that Angelica's Kitchen cooked their vegetables, they loose their valuable nutrients inside if this happens!!?? And to think where all my hard earned money is going to!!

• Pros: the ambience
• Cons: THE FOOD

01/28/08

Outstanding service, odd food

by nycdino

Although the service was outstanding, and every single salad dressing I've ever had here have been good enough to have me running back for more, some of the dishes were off-putting. But, as I mentioned, the service is outstanding, so if you do order something that you absolutely hated, they're pretty nice about taking it off your bill. Granted, it means that it's best to ask questions of the servers before you order something.

For example, I ordered the cashew hummus, expecting it to be a creamy sort of mound with some vegetables. Even after seeing in the description that there were raw (soaked, of course) chickpeas in there, I figured that they had some way of grinding it all down enough that it'd come pretty close to cooked hummus. I took less than one bite, and couldn't continue. I asked the waiter for another selection, and told him that I couldn't really eat the rest of it. He cleared the plate away, and came back to tell me that they'd be taking it off the bill.

Definitely try one of the vegetable juices. They really pack a lot of flavour, and are worth trying out, especially if you haven't had freshly made juice before. Also, give the specials a whirl if you're going with two people. The special is listed on the menu itself, complete with description. Meanwhile, because the portion of the special is so large, it's the perfect size to share with someone.

• Pros: Very friendly staff, knowledgeable staff, fun place to hang out
• Cons: some dishes are odd

11/08/07

Veggie haven

by veggie2001

Everytime I go to this restaurant I am inspired and reminded why it's great to be a vegetarian. They really keep it interesting, decor is nice, service is generally good... A winner all around, even for meat eaters.

• Pros: Veggie delights
• Cons: the water is served without ice.

07/29/07

Vegan or not, some of the best healthy food in New York.

by annayan

Angelica's Kitchen has been one of my favorite restaurants for years. I am not vegan, and neither are most of the people who love to dine there with me. Their food is consistantly great and the dimly lit, amber dining room is a calming joy to fill up in. I love the Angelica corn bread which is satisfyingly dense, moist and crisp on the outside. Pair it with the miso tahini spread and your eyes will roll back in your head (I swear). The specials are usually the best offerings on the menu, although I'm always slightly embarassed to have to say the names out loud (Corn on the Fourth of July!). Everybody needs a laugh, I guess. Recently tried the hot open faced tempeh sandwich and loved it. The walnut lentil pate served with rice crackers is rich and creamy and delicious. Norimaki always hits the spot. Save room for dessert (any of the parfaits, or anything with the maple tofu whip is beyond good) and order a hibiscus cooler. Have fun.

05/24/07

Welcome to the World of BLANDNESS which is Angelica's Kitchen

by wilneida

I have been a vegetarian for over 10 years who often dabbles with vegan food; so I am well acquainted with these diets. Let me just say my meal last night at Angelica Kitchen actually got me thinking of a nicely seasoned pork chop again. This restaurant serves vegan food with such blandness that I was regretting being a vegetarian. My group had a dragonbowl which some sauces (that were alittle more flavorful, but still not progressive in flavor) and some of their specials which included a bean chili and asparagus dish; although somewhat pleasing to the eyes, the food was seriously lacking in the flavor department. What is so confusing is that this place is always busy?? If you really want to taste vegan food with intense flavors and textures, please visit the Tiengarden Vegan restaurant on 170 Allen street; so far, this restaurant has been one of the few vegan restaurants who really take vegan cuisine to a new level. Needless, to say my meal at Angelica Kitchen left me bitterly disappointed and also two of the people from the group got severe stomach upsets after eating there......possibly a lack of freshness in the food...who knows....but this place is one to avoid.

• Pros: Service Staff was very polite and friendly, there was prompt seating
• Cons: I would suggest their cooking staff go back to culinary school to learn how to cook vegan/vegetarian food.

Vegans flock here for the minimally cooked vegetables and assertive condiments.

by Contributor

The Scene
This comfy East Village hangout, packed with earthy urban types and tattooed students, is a destination for anyone who prefers their food green, fresh and meat-free. Waits for tables in the cheery dining room can be long, but the friendly staff are accommodating no matter how busy they are.

The Food
Hyper-creative vegetarian and vegan cooking is the menu's main draw. The popular tofu pie, which is baked in a spelt biscuit crust and garnished with radishes, is excellent. Other strong choices include nutty and sweet walnut-lentil pate and the "dragon bowl," comprised of steamed sea vegetables, rice, beans and tofu. Side orders like seaweed, collard greens, bok choy, zucchini, green beans, yellow squash and carrots are all strong, as are sandwiches--try the baked tofu, layered with roasted vegetable and pesto, on mixed grain bread. The vegan desserts are uncompromisingly good.

01/19/07

Great Variety

by hansberlin

Great interesting variety of foods, and friendly service. I like the term "assertive condiments", but I prefer to praise the creative transfer of "regular" dish types into vegan/veg versions. It made me feel at home again.

• Pros: Great Vegetarian options
• Cons: not extremely close to where I live or work

11/10/06

Very Decent Vegetarian Fare but VERY Slow Take Out

by bg11215

I've been there a few times. The food is pretty good, but the tempeh on the tempeh sandiwich I had was cold and bland, tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. I go more frequently to the take out side located right next door, and I have to say, they need some training. The workers don't seem at all to be concerned with prompt service. They are very bad at calling out your order once it has arrived from the kitchen so that you can pick it up. It's very irritating. One time my fresh juice sat there for like 10 minutes before the guy behind the counter gave it to me--10 minutes!! And I'd been standing there waiting the whole time yet he didn't say anything. Another time the girl behind the counter (the only one there helping several customers) carried on a conversation with one of them, either a friend or a regular, all the while neglecting orders that were sitting ready to be given to customers, of which one was mine. I wish this could be brought to the attention of the owner/management. Hopefully they will read this, as I really wish the staff would do a better job at this. Otherwise the food is good and I'll continue to go there, and recommend it, especially the take out; just be prepared to wait.

• Pros: good healthy food
• Cons: very slow take out service