First Meal in NYC

So, deciding what to have for my first meal in NYC wasn't easy.  Of course, it wasn't that hard either.  I could have spit in any direction and couldn't have missed a restaurant.  In fact, my taxi driver said there are 2,500 restaurants in NYC.  I wanted it to be easy, quick and vegetarian.  Choosing a meal that was unusual was on the top of the list - and of course, not a chain.  Thanks to the spectacular app "Around Me", I had lots of choices.  I wrote down a short list and then consulted the oracle (Google) to determine which would be good.  The winner?

Num Pang Sandwich Shop

(Be sure to visit to read the extraordinary story of Num Pang)

With two locations, this sandwich shop has been featured in Bon Appetit, NY Post, New York Magazine and the Food Network, a favorite of Mario Batali.  It was also voted #1 sandwich shop in Manhattan two years running (2010 & 2011).  A small walk-in, take-out shop, Num Pang smelled slightly sour and spicy.  They make their own pickled veggies and all of the sandwiches, soups, and sides are fresh.  They have a list of standards and seasonal options, as well as some off-menu specials and choosing what to get was really tough.

Ultimately, I chose the Spicy Organic Tofu with ginger soy-honey glaze, leeks and pickled veggies.  The spicy mayo was amazing and fresh cilantro provided a zing that only comes from fresh herbs.  The bread was delicious, slightly hard on the outside, but perfectly soft and chewy inside.  The soft and sweet tofu contrasted beautifully with the crunchy sour pickled vegetables.  Yum on a bun.

And of course, the perfect match for a sandwich is soup and at Num Pang they offer a great Curry Red Lentil.  The creamy texture of the soup gave way to a warm spiciness.  The soup was topped with pickled red cabbage, carrots, cilantro and fried shallots.

Washed it all down with a local ginger beer.  Simple and totally delicious.  I think it was the perfect first NYC meal - it was unique, fresh, and famous.