Caravan of Dreams

Caravan of Dreams (Menu)
405 East 6th Street - Map
Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A
(212) 254-1613
Latin-influenced Vegan/Macrobiotic, Kosher

Probably one of New York City's best vegan restaurants, Caravan of Dreams should be on anyone's list of restaurants to try. Even non-vegan, meat-lovers would find something redeeming about the delicious dishes this restaurant has to offer!

Among their list of virtues, Caravan sports a teudat hechsher - this little certificate proclaiming it to be certifiably kosher by the standards of Orthodox Judaism. So, all those of you who keep strict kosher dietary guidelines can patron this lively and friendly establishment.

Being a repeat customer, it's almost become a staple to order their Un-chicken Nachos - grilled pieces of seitan - a tofu/textured vegetable protein - (which has an uncanny resemblance to shawarma) strewn in with creamy, fresh guacamole, tofu sour cream (which you could swear tastes just like the real thing), beans, salsa, the works! Accompanied, we almost always order a carafe of their sangria - a deliciously sweet blend of their organic red wine infused with fruit juices as well as fresh fruit.

While I personally don't subscribe to the "live" or "raw" vegan diet, their live menu is particularly extensive, and others have sung its praise countless times. I usually order something from their vast entree menu, which is always accompanied by a starter salad - fresh mixed greens with beet and carrot shavings, tomatoes, cucumbers and sunflower sprouts, mixed with an interesting lemon-tamari-ginger dressing.

Of the countless times I have been here, I have sampled most of their entrees, but the ones specifically worth mentioning are: the Caravan Burrito, the Vegetable Medley, the Caravan Feast, the Macrobiotic Platter, and the Santa Maria Stir-fry. While I don't think you can go wrong with any of their entrees (except maybe something from their live menu - just kidding!), the aforementioned were particularly delicious.

Personally, a meat lover, one of the things I always tell people about this restaurant is that you leave satiated like you just ate meat - and for those kosher people out there - the best part is you can now have ice cream for dessert (just not at Caravan - but there is a Tasti D Lite on Second Avenue!!).

I highly recommend going to this place for dinner with some friends/family as the environment is highly accomodating, the waiters are happy, lively, and friendly, and are always willing to make suggestions or recommendations when asked. Reservations never hurt if you're a party large enough (like 6 or more). Their brunch menu is also quite a steal!