The best tasting meals that I have ever had, have been entirely plant-based, and found at Chinese restaurants in both NYC, and China. I tell everyone that if you can’t find a good vegan restaurant, go for Chinese, and you will almost always have a ton of delicious plant-based options. Thankfully, there are still plenty of vegan restaurants that can titillate the taste buds, and excite the palate. NYC’s Le Botaniste (The Botanist), restaurant chain is one of them. With 5 locations in NYC (I have been to 3 of them), and 2 in Belgium, Le Botaniste is a delicious, relatively affordable option, that offers wonderful recipes with “100% Plant-Based Food”. According to their website, “Le Botaniste was the first organic, plant-based, and carbon-neutral restaurant in New York City…Today, the Le Botaniste team serves its beloved organic food in two locations in Belgium, one in Ghent, one in Brussels, and five locations in New York City…Order your bowl and watch as it’s lovingly prepared at our long marble veggie bar, a unique design developed just for us that showcases the ingredients we prep throughout the day for maximum freshness.”
I have become somewhat of a regular at the Le Botaniste location in the Upper West Side (UWS) of NYC. Although any lunch in Manhattan can be pricey, spending a little extra on organic fare can be a wise investment for your health. The Le Botaniste staff is always friendly, and eager to make suggestions, as the atmosphere is relaxed, warm, and comfortable. Many of their best dishes are seasonal specials, so they come and go, but their staple bowls are about $15, and always refreshing and filling too, including the Tibetan Mama, and Pasta Bolo. My favorite may be the “Do It Yourself Bowl”, when I request the brown rice, saag sauce (pureed greens & spices), curry chickpea hummus (amazing), and marinated tofu. Yum!
The “Do It Yourself Bowl”.
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food” – Hippocrates
Le Botaniste’s wine is organic, and vegan, but they pour a tiny glass, so even though the price is agreeable at $11, I rarely have one. And although their desserts are tasty, they are on the pricey side too as their modestly sized, “Omega 3 Brownie”, with cashew cream, costs a hefty $7.15 ($9 with tip). On the other hand, on a day when I was not feeling well, I had one of their “Hot Botanical Tonics”, with ginger, turmeric, and oat milk ($6), and I instantly felt better. Also, to be fair, and in defense of Le Botaniste, and their UWS location, a small, 5 oz. bag of chips in the same neighborhood costs 8 bucks!
$8, really? Gotta love price gouging.
Perhaps the best part of my many dining experiences at the Le Botaniste restaurants is the friendly staff. Like the great character, Norm, from the TV show Cheers, if you frequent a place long enough, there may be one or two members of the staff who always greet you with a big, loud, friendly hello. This is the case with Quinna, who is one of the managers of Le Botaniste (UWS). I have worked in the area for some time, and it is nice to know that for around $20, I can eat a delicious, healthy meal, and enjoy a warm greeting, and lovely conversation (albeit quick), with Quinna.
I asked Quinna if she was game for an interview, and naturally, she was more than gracious, and agreed.
Where are you from, and what do love most about Le Botaniste?
Quinna: “I am from NYC, I was born and raised here, and my family is from Jamaica. What I love the most about Le Botaniste is that everything is plant-based, gluten free friendly, and organic. Our food is very rich, and it doesn’t matter what season we are in, the food that we do have for each season is very good.”
You are always exceptionally kind, despite being so busy, what is your secret to your success and ability to inspire?
Quinna: “Well, it is something that I have developed by working in restaurants for many years, patience. I look at it as you have one life to live, and there is no need to be angry, and aggressive. Just take your time and everything shall proceed.”
What are a couple of your passions in life?
Quinna: “Hospitality, that is first and foremost. I love hospitality, it is a natural thing for me. I am getting more into micros, computers too, but I hope to grow in the food industry.”
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Quinna: “Hopefully, I can open up my own shop. I do love to cook as well, and I cook a lot of different things. Working here, I have learned about a lot of different ingredients, so hopefully in the next 5 years, I can open up my own shop.”
What do customers need to know about Le Botaniste?
Quinna: “Try it out. If you are trying to lose weight it is good. There are many customers that come here, who tell me they have lost 15-20 pounds within 2-3 months.”
What do you do to relax, and find your balance?
Quinna: “I take a lot of supplements. I take Lion’s Mane, which keeps me balanced. I also take Ashwagandha that helps me a lot as well. And I do drink a lot of tea, and that is how I actually function daily, all the time.
Thank you Quinna. The food here is terrific, but you are one of the biggest reasons that I keep coming back every day.
Quinna: “Thank you, I really appreciate you Mike, and I love to have you here. Alright!” (laughs)
I have to give a special shout out to Jessica as well, who is another manager of Le Botaniste (UWS). Jessica is always thoughtful, friendly, and quick to say hello. She also makes great food suggestions too. 🙂
Thank you Quinna, Jessica, and the entire Le Botaniste team!
The Bottom Line on Le Botaniste? I love this restaurant. Highly recommended, of course! 🙂
