Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Hey, Hey, We're the Monkey's

A contemplative bonobo
In all due respect (again) to William Jennings Bryan, the Bonobo is the closest to humans, sharing more of the same DNA with us than all the other great apes. Now let me quickly open and close the underling argument here and submit, correctly, that the H.M.S. Beagle and Genesis are not mutually exclusive. Moving on.

So, apparently the bonobo suffers no degenerative diseases like humans do, and subsist predominantly on raw, wild and plant based: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. I read this at the exceptional, and casual Natural Foods restaurant called...anyone? Anyone? No, not Darrows. Bonobos!

The Original Madison Square Garden
Bonobos is on 23rd Street in the shadow of the famous Flatiron Building, and directly across from Madison Square Park (named for our 4th president, and was the front lawn of the original Madison Square Garden sports complex at the turn of the last century). And, now known most famously as the home of the wildly popular outdoor burger stand, the Shake Shack.

Pres. Chester A. Arthur
Huge line for the Shake Shack
I ordered from a thin guy, heavily tattooed and sporting serious sideburns which framed his chin like president Chester Arthur whose statue anchors the north side of the park. I got the nori vegetable roll which was a type of seaweed wrapped around the freshest, raw, finely chopped vegetables and this organic spread that was amazing. I also got a flatbread-looking thing made exclusively with raw nuts and seeds. I then went to sit down in beautiful Madison Square Park with its large collection of tables and chairs that service the ridiculously long queue for the Shake Shack. There they were, standing in lines that stretched to the street on a warm summer August day just to scarf a greasy hamburger. I almost pitied them as I ate an equally delicious meal of 100% health. Hey, it was monkey food, it was 100% plant-based with no preservatives or additives, and it tasted fantastic! I may have found a new, favorite lunch ritual!

Tonight one of my married friends was in the city, at P.J. Clarke's and was hoping for a drinking chum -- he was slightly put off when I informed him that I am no longer "on call" for quick jaunts to the bar to spin tales for my hen-pecked married pals who's excitement at coming into the city sans wifey is akin to a 10 year old at Disneyland. Besides, I was gingerly shuffling home on my aching (a good sore) legs and loaded down with fruits and vegetables. Dinner was my famous vegan wrap and a giant bowl of cherries.

And that's the way it was for this Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010. Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow.



12 comments:

Naina said...

:) Completely wonderful.

Trish said...

Terry, Your posts are a delight to read! I've never really had a desire to visit NY (I know, sad!)...but with your exceptional posts of all the city has to offer, I may have to break down (and break the bank) and go visit sometime! With that said, what do you use for your "wrap" when you make your veggie wraps? They sound absolutely delish!!

Terrence said...

Thanks N, thanks Trish!

For my wraps:

I slice-up length-wise a zucchini, and a squash. Also slice up a yellow onion. I grill all three in a grill pan. I also slice up an avocado, and tomato. I throw a whole wheat tortilla in the broiler for a few seconds to warm up. I then spread it with humus - have used various flavors I got at the market - regular is awesome, so is buffalo wing flavored humus. I then put the grilled vegetables, tomato, and avocado in the wrap - add some hot sauce and enjoy! Its phenomenal! Sometimes, for meatiness I will lightly grill a slice of extra firm tofu too and add. Jeez, my mouth is watering as I write this! Out in the Hamptons we added the left over grilled shrimp and scallops - decidedly non-vegan but the taste is amazing.

erin m said...

yum, terry! that sounds so good! i may make those for dinner tonite! i've never seen buffalo wing flavored hummus...wonder if i can find some around here....

Terrence said...

Now the healthiest hummus is those you make yourself. But the brand I refered to is Sonny & Joe's - they are sold in CA too.

erin m said...

actually, i usually make my own...and my little twist is that i use lime juice instead of lemon. really yummy.

Vegan Epicurean said...

The next time I get to NYC I am looking for Bonobos your lunch sounded great.

Buffalo wing hummus, what a good idea. Thanks for sharing it. You know I have to try to make that soon.

I hope you are having a equally good Wednesday,
Ali

Terrence said...

Thanks Ali!

Trish said...

Buffalo wing hummus sounds spicey -- right up my alley! I received a tip from another healthy vegan blogger to try the roasted red pepper hummus. I told her I wanted to try hummus but I didn't particularly like the flavor of chickpeas on my salad alone. (Nearly lost my lunch after just a few bites.) Next time I go visit our local Whole Foods market I'm going to see if they have the buffalo wing or roasted red pepper kind.

Terrence said...

Trish - you will not be dissapointed

Randy Uselton said...

Terry, you really need to work up some kind of AmWay type program with all of the restaurants that you find and promote on your blog. As a fellow media advertising guy I must say that you are missing out on the big $$$$'s ;-)

(just having some fun)

Next time in the city I will be visiting these establishments and will let them know that my friend Terry the "myveganquest blog maester" tuned me in.

Peace...

Terrence said...

You are right Randy, I should at least get some free food!