Early dinner at PLANTA Queen NoMad, North of Madison Square Park’s chic plant-based restaurant: Review
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A polished menu, standout mocktails and fair prices define this West 27th Street restaurant.
Wednesday afternoon, I ate an early dinner at PLANTA Queen NoMad. It was cold in the back corner where I sat, but I am sure it was for good reason, like keeping food items fresh. Shortly after I was seated, a kind waitress approached me. After being asked what I wanted to drink, a bottle of Saratoga Spring Water came to the table. She poured and walked away to give me time to view each menu.
Her comprehensive explanation piqued my interest, so I started with the Avocado Beetroot Tartare as an canapé (or appetiser) ($17). The taro chips were hot and crunchy, and reminded me of plantain chips. In contrast, the dip was cold and fresh, and every bite perfectly packed a wallop. The flavours were satisfying and made sense. Trying not to finish it all, I chased the starter down with a Cosmic Colada ($10). The refreshing mocktail was made with coconut water, pineapple, blueberry and lemon. Straight away, I could taste the pineapple and see the blueberries. It also came with a slice of pineapple affixed to the glassware.
As I jotted notes, Frank Ocean and SZA played over the speakers. Now and then, the employees sang along, which brought me joy.
Next, I had the Rainbow Roll ($18), and it was dying to have its picture taken. It had the perfect crunch but was also light and soft. It was made with ahi watermelon (dehydrated and marinated to mimic tuna), slaw, avocado, gochujang, and peanuts. Everything was just right, not overbearing.
With my steamy plant-based dinner (Brisket Kimchi Fried Rice, $23 and Crispy Chick’n Cutlet, $9), I sipped. Based on my current diet, I preferred my rice with a little soy sauce. So, I used the mini sauce pot to delicately pour over the serving. The rice may have had bits of ginger in it, and I loved it. I think the chick’n had the right crispiness, but to elevate its taste, I would have liked to have used a chilli crisp aioli or some Sriraja Panich to top or dip.
Lastly, I spoiled myself with a citrus moment called Paloma Rosa ($13). It is a light, non-alcoholic drink made with aplos arise, lime, pineapple, guava and grapefruit soda. It was so good.
Originally, I planned to enjoy a weekend brunch on Saturday, but it was too cold and windy outside. Upon viewing the brunch menu, there were loads of things I would have wanted to try, like some hot beverages (all under $8), spinach omelet ($20), shakshouka ($19), French toast ($18) and mochi waffle ($17). The Japanese sweet potato ($9) would have met me, too. It appears to be something worth savouring. If any of you have the joy of going to brunch, let me know and tag us in your pictures and videos. @grungecake will repost your content to our Instagram Stories.
If you’re in town and want a clean, upscale vegan dining experience, give it a try. The prices aren’t over the top, and the drinks were refreshing and delicious—especially the Cosmic Colada. The Housemade Mint Lemonade ($10) was on the sweeter side. The mint was prominent and fresh. Its components were cucumber, fresh mint, and lemon.
It’s on West 27th Street in Manhattan between Fifth Avenue and Broadway. If you’re coming in from Broadway, it’s on the left side of the street: door 15. If you get cold quickly, bring a light jacket or a sweater to wear as you dine. See the All Day Menu for details, like protein amounts and descriptions of each item. Call (917) 675-7700 to make a reservation or ask pertinent questions.
