After mastering the art of Brompton-folding, we got Nicole on to her favourite topic: her top healthy food stops around New York City.
Prepare for hunger pangs.
Knead Love Farmstand at Union Square Greenmarket, W & E 17th St, New York City
(on Wednesdays)
“Those in the know are obsessed with Sarah from Knead Love’s gluten-free baked goods. I discovered them when I opened Bonberi Mart and immediately started selling them. She’s a wizard at making childhood classics like doodle cupcakes and cinnamon rolls, but vegan, gluten-free and sweetened with maple syrup. Her everything-gluten-free bagel on weekends at the Mart has become a cult classic.”
Balthazar Bakery, 214 S Dean St, Englewood, New Jersey
“Tons of cyclists cross the George Washington Bridge out of the city and up the Palisades Parkway every weekend, but if you take a break and head down to Englewood, the first exit off the Bridge, you’ll find Balthazar Bakery’s factory and retail outpost where you can get the freshest loaves of sourdough.”
East Village Organic, 124 1st Avenue, New York City
“Quality organic juice bars are few and far between in the city since they’ve given way to trendier cold-pressed bottle joints, which are just not as good. But Ali, the owner of East Village Organic, stays true to the craft. He sources the best organic produce and has a cult following thanks to his small but mighty menu of juices and smoothies. My favourite is the Green Energy smoothie, which is spirulina-based and mixes a crunchy bite of dates and bee pollen.”
Abingdon Farmers Market, Hudson St & W 12 St, New York City
(on Saturdays)
“Everyone knows about the Union Square Greenmarket but on Saturday many of the beloved farm stands, from Norwich Organic Farms to Bread Alone, set up shop in the West Village. It’s not as crowded and you can meander along trying gluten-free vegan muffins, fresh sprouts, and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms from local upstate purveyors. I love to go early before the blueberry muffins sell out – they’re my kids’ faves.”
Bonberi Mart, 321 W 11th St, New York City
“I’m a bit biased but this is my favourite health food shop and grab-and-go in the city. I founded it as an homage to the corner delis I grew up with but instead stocked with all the healthiest and cleanest plant-based goods. The top three things I’d recommend are the Bonberi green smoothie, dulse caesar salad, and the chickpea tuna melt on gluten-free Knead Love focaccia. They’re all life-changing!”