We started our day at the Union Square Farmer’s Market:
Whenever I visit New York City and walk through Union Square, I gaze longingly at the famous farmer’s market, wishing I actually lived in the city and could thus take advantage of the greenmarket’s offerings. This year, therefore, it was fun to pretend I was a local, shopping for fresh fruits and veggies… and trying to remember that Jessica’s tiny refrigerator only comes up to my knee!
A healthy food truck decided to park itself right outside the market.
I bought a coconut truffle, and a cashew-based Macaroni and Cheese to try later:
The coconut truffle was delicious (albeit tiny). I didn’t like the moc and cheese, but I admittedly have very high standards now that I’ve tried Blossom’s vegan cheese sauce.
Speaking of cheese… this was lunch:
S and I spotted this restaurant called “Naked Pizza” as we were walking from 14th street to the East Village, and we figured it was perfect for both of us: vegan-friendly for me, and pizza for him!
Above is the pizza we ordered, with Daiya cheese on the left and mozzarella (non-vegan) cheese on the right. We both decided on mushrooms and spinach for our respective side’s toppings, and I liked how the crust was whole-grain.
S just liked that it tasted good 
.
And later, for dessert…
More ice cream from Lula’s!
Their chocolate ice cream tastes like you are eating a chocolate milkshake. Hands down the best chocolate ice cream I have ever eaten, vegan or not.
Question of the Day:
What toppings, if any, do you usually like on your pizza?
When I was really little, I detested tomato sauce. So I’d order “white” pizza with just cheese and nothing else. Then I was introduced to the concept of Hawaiian pizza, with pineapple and ham, and that became my favorite for awhile. Somewhere along the way, I learned to love tomato sauce. Thank goodness, because it’d be pretty hard to eat pizza if you were a vegan who hated tomato sauce… all you’d be eating would be crust!
Link of the Day:
Suzie says
I have heard of Naked Pizza and anxious to try it when I get a chance, looks fantastic!
Tanya @ Playful and hungry says
Same here! Next time I’ll go to NY, that’s definitelly a place on my to go list. Actually… I am more excited for all the food options in NY than the sight. But I have to admit that I’ve already seen most of the city (but it’s NY, so there’s always more to discover!) 😉
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
I definitely love NY more for the food than the sights 🙂
Janice says
This looks so good! I like pizza but i always try and find a healthier version! Or at least make sure its going to be really delicious to make it worth it lol.
This Fit Chick Carrie says
AH pizza looks amazing! I top with mushrooms 🙂
char eats greens says
I am NOT a pineapple lover on pizza – I could do without it forever!! I just love to pack on the veggies, mainly the hot peppers 😉 Your half looks so tasty! We normally buy the orange Daiya to add at home after we order a pizza with no cheese, but I really want to get the mozzarella and try that next!
Melissa says
I’m glad you got to Lula’s! Living on the same block makes it oh-so-tempting every day… Did you pop into the Creative Little Garden? It’s a hidden gem in the neighborhood a few doors down from Lula’s.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I always overload my pizza with as many veggies as possible – to the point I can hardly hold it before the crust gives out on the bottom lol
Sarah @climbinvegan says
I didn’t know Naked Pizza had vegan cheese! Also I’m pretty sure you walked right past where I used to live in NYC on your way to Lula’s…
Erin says
Haha, I laughed out loud when I read how it would be hard to eat pizza if you were a vegan who hated tomato sauce 😀
I don’t really know what my favorite toppings are… I feel like you can hardly taste them sometimes. I did have an eggplant pizza the other day that was very good though 😀 And I always add crushed red pepper.
J. Edgar Mayeaux says
Vegan Pizza Dough Sucks. Traditional and the best pizza doughs uses eggs. I use to manage a popular Pizza place in Dallas. We made many a vegetarian and vegan customers smile with our cheeseless veggie pizzas. None of them asked about the dough and we didn’t tell them unless they asked.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
That’s not only really deceitful, it’s also not a very smart business practice… you could be opening yourself up for lawsuits from people with allergies 🙁
Mary says
Seriously! What a jerk… I wish he had gotten sued. He would have deserved it.
I smiled when I read your entry because I also hated tomato sauce when I was little (and spaghetti sauce, and ketchup… and peanut butter… etc. etc.). And I didn’t think you were “allowed” to order a pizza without sauce! The day I finally discovered white pizza was pretty exciting, IIRC. I recently discovered American Flatbread’s Vegan Harvest frozen pizza, and it’s sooooo good. It uses Daiya.
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
I love love love seafood pizza with mozzarella (and no sauce!) YUM!!!
Becca says
I love margherita pizza (mozzarella, tomato, and basil) on a wheat crust! So delicious!,
Brie @ Coxswain's Dilemma says
For my poor lactose-intolerant stomach, that mac n cheese looks HEAVEN SENT. Do tell if it’s good!!
Holly - InspirationBeauty says
Katie mentioned what she thought of it in the post.
” I didn’t like the moc and cheese, but I admittedly have very high standards now that I’ve tried Blossom’s vegan cheese sauce.”
Brie @ Coxswain's Dilemma says
Sorry, I should’ve been more explicit – I was merely asking for an opinion on how to make it better. I love (anything) cashews, so I was hoping for some advice on how that type of mac n cheese could be made better!
Nicole says
I’ve loved your travel posts so very much! Please continue to do more in the future. I love seeing the vegetarian offerings in other areas coupled with your high quality photography and commentary.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love tomatoes, basil and chicken – nice and simple! And I’m actually not a huge fan of cheese, just a little is fine with me!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Wow, all of your eats look amazing! I really vary on my favorite pizza toppings. Sometimes I like classic pepperoni, but I also really like putting lots of veggies on my pizza. And banana peppers are always a must!
Tricia says
That Daiya pizza looks amazing! Suddenly, I wanna visit NYC! Today, I had pizza for lunch as well– Amy’s frozen pizza. I normally like tofu and spinach on my pizza with soy sauce and fennel– sounds odd, but the combo really works well 🙂
Lisa @ The Raw Serenity says
Thats great they they did half vegan / half regular pizza!
I have never been a huge fan of tomato sauce as a base either so I always get it with BBQ.
Never heard of a white Pizza before though!
Tanya @ Playful and hungry says
Oh I wish I was back in NY… really miss that city!
CJ says
My favorite (homemade) pizza lately has been one without tomato sauce. I actually do a melted Earth Balance/EVOO, minced garlic, and oregano combo that I brush over my dough. Then I mash up cannellini beans with a bit of lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder (I love garlic) and spread across to act as the cheese (I dislike Daiya). Then I top it off with sauteed red onions and kale (also with a bit of lemon juice). So yummy.
When I order pizza, though, I do load up on the veggies so that I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Kacey says
I actually don’t really like tomato sauce. I used to eat white pizza all the time as a kid too. Nowadays, I usually make pizza with either vegan pesto or hummus for the base, then caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms, pumpkin and fig jam. It sounds bizarre but it is SO good. And I love all these food reviews! I’ll be going to college near NYC in the fall and can’t wait to try some of these places!
Jessica says
When making pizza at home I always put on green peppers, mushrooms and onions. If I have fresh pineapple I’ll put some of that on too. I should try spinach too, looks like it would be uber yummy.
Joanna says
It’s so great that both of your are finding yummy food everywhere!
I’m a plain Jane and I usually go for cheese-only pizza. =) Sometimes I like spinach and/or pineapple on top. Mmm…
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
As far as pizza goes I pretty much like EVERYTHING!!! Every veggie imaginable and to really take it over the top I like pineapple too! Nothing beats the combo of sweet and savory !
And all these NYC recap posts are making me want to plan a trip there so bad! I have been a few times but it seems like I always miss all of these amazing places you went to! Must get to some of them!
Sunnie says
Well, I do my topping in an unconventional way . . .
I make a vegan cheese pizza with a little sauce and a little cheese, and then after it cooks . . .
. . . I dump a whole cup of chopped mushrooms and a whole cup of sauce on my slice. That’s how 1 piece of pizza turns into an entire meal! I think that it’s more like I have pizza with my mushrooms, rather than mushrooms with my pizza . . .
Cheri @ The Watering Mouth says
My fav: pepperoni, roasted red peppers, pineapple and EXTRA cheese!! 😀 😀
xoxo
Cheri
Brin says
Did you mean, “moc and cheese” or “Mac and cheese”? Im confused.
Andrea says
I think she meant moc & cheese, only because it isn’t true mac & cheese. It also says that on the package 🙂
Kim@hungryhealthygirl says
As a kid, I only liked pepperoni or sausage, but now I go for either a veggie pizza or veggie and chicken. I really love to make my own and experiment with toppings…..one of my favs is butternut squash with prosciutto.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Either Hawaiian or BBQ chicken pizzas will make me extremely happy!
Although, if I’m aiming for something a big healthier, spinach, mushrooms and ham is my favourite way to go.
Melissa (Better Fit) says
Looks like great fun!
I love mushrooms on my pizza!
j3nn says
I’ve lived in upstate NY almost all of my life, just 65 miles from the city, and have never visited the union square farmer’s market, or the statue of liberty! Lol.
I love veggies on pizza, especially garlic and olives and artichoke hearts. Hubs likes just cheese.
Tanya @ Playful and hungry says
It’s always like that… when you’re living close, you just don’t go… cause… you are living so close by? 😉
Mia says
Hahaha I hated tomato sauce too and did the same thing with pizza. Just cheese and bread. Lol ;P but I love mushrooms & olives, or Hawaiian pizza.
kristle says
i used to love pineapple on pizza, haven’t actually had that in years… also, there have been numerous times i’ve ordered a pizza with green peppers – and they give me sweet peppers. i detest that! it’s happened even when i stress that they’re just green bell peppers. all time fav pizza topping though goes to my fav veg… broc 🙂
BroccoliHut says
I’m actually a big fan of fusion pizzas, particularly those with an Asian twist. Sub peanut sauce for the tomato sauce, ditch the cheese and pile on the veggies!
Alaina says
I love Naked Pizza! Tastes so good and doesn’t taste healthy! 😛
Patricia @ thecastironvegan says
my all-time favorite pizza topping combination (all on top of a basic red sauce): artichoke hearts, portabello mushrooms, spinach, and garlic. Sooo good.
Sarah says
I’m a huge pizza lover, especially homemade. My favourite toppings are caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms. Yum!
Also, if you get the chance, give Candle Cafe in NYC a try. It’s 100% vegan and 100% delicious! Their chocolate mousse pie is to die for.
Debbie says
I often use homemade salsa instead of tomato sauce. Then I pile on red and green peppers, tomatos, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and any other veggies I may have.
After all these posts I want to go to New York now more than ever.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
I love the Greenmarket! I go every time it’s open:) It’s right across from my acting school, so I really have no excuse! haha I have yet to try the raw food truck! can’t wait:)
Katie says
When I was little I absolutely hated cheese, so I always had mine with sauce and toppings only. Since then I’ve grown to like it, but sometimes we go without for my dairy-free friends. One of my current faves is to replace the tomato sauce with pine nut and basil pesto, and top with chicken or veggies. It’s great with or without cheese! Of course, my all time favorite pizza topping is lots and lots of black olives!
Holly says
you were literally a block away from where i’ve been dancing for the past month 🙂 and pizza toppings?….can’t go wrong with spinach, mushroom, and tomato. But personally I much prefer Chicago-style deep dish to New York’s thinner variety. Now I want to find out if Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s has vegan cheese as an option!
Jacqueline says
I’m allergic to cheese and my favorite is actually olive oil or bbq sauce bases!! So I guess if you’re vegan it might be okay not to like tomato sauce (although it is a little more flavorful sometimes)! My favorite pizza is olive oil base with bbq tofu, red onions, spinach, and pineapple. SO good.
Sophie says
My day is ruined…
Because now I know that pizza exists, and I’m NOT shoving it in my mouth right now.
This is an awkward round about way of saying thank you 🙂
Melissa says
I love veggies on my pizza, but my husband and 2 boys love all meat and my daughter doesn’t like all the same veggies as I do. But, once in a blue moon I will get half of the pizza done the way I like it-YUM!!!
Thank you for such a wonderful blog! I am enjoying trying many of your recipes-especially some of the breakfast ones. I am not a big breakfast fan, but if looks like dessert, tastes like dessert and satifies like a dessert-then that’s the type of breakfast for me! :o)
Katie says
Mixed vegetables. Pretty much whatever vegetables I can fit on a crust. There’s a pizza place in Buffalo that does this amazing mixed vegetable pizza. I’ve been making them at home the same way lately. I was making pizza last week with left over bean salad, which wasn’t as odd-tasting as it would seem.
Rachel says
Mmmm I looove vegan pizza 🙂 my mom makes a great one with just olives, artichokes, and peppers 🙂
Sharky says
I currently prefer my pizza with spinach, broccoli, and pesto sauce. But I’ve only had bad pizza twice in my life — it’s really hard to mess up pizza for me!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love peppers and onions on my pizza or I like the traditional Mozzarella and tomatoes.
Laura says
I love your blog and your recipes. I do exactly like you when I travel and troll markets pretending I live there and what I would buy! My brother lives in NY and is a vegan so next visit, I will suggest Naked Pizza!
susan says
i’ve been reading your nyc notes… i love going there and eating all the great vegan food. i just tried lula’s for the first time last month and i liked it but there’s another place just a few blocks from there called stogo, also all vegan ice cream. no great toppings like lula’s has but the ice cream options are pretty terrific. check it out if you have a chance!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I saw a Naked Pizza when I was in Miami a couple months ago. I wish I had tried it.
I love mushrooms and banana peppers on pizza! 🙂
Andrea says
I have a weird question for you! When you get a pizza that is half & half like that, do you worry about eating the pieces that may have a little bit of real cheese on them? Or do you just pick it off?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Not a weird question at all!
I don’t like thinking about the fact that I might consume some cheese unknowingly, and I definitely don’t seek it out… But I try to remember that I’m a vegan for ethical reasons, so if I happen to accidentally consume a tract amount of dairy from someone else’s food, my money isn’t contributing to any extra animal suffering. I try to look at the bigger picture, that I’m showing veganism as a do-able thing as opposed to painting vegans as hyper-worried people who can’t enjoy eating out because of possible cross-contamination.
I guess, in summary, I try my hardest to look out for it but I don’t stress out too much if I eat a bite of what I think is vegan food and taste something not vegan.
Andrea says
I like that answer! I try to think the same thing – my money isn’t contributing to any extra animal suffering – but sometimes I just feel bad for whatever animal(s) the food came from, so I can stress a little bit. Thanks for offering your opinion though, I should remember that it rarely ever happens, so if and when it does, I shouldn’t worry. Have a great day 🙂
Laura Lea says
Katie, if you are still in NYC you MUST go to Cafe Viva Natural Pizza on 2nd Ave between 11th and 12th Streets (East Village). It is a total whole in the wall but a local secret–hands down the BEST pizza vegan pizza I’ve ever had (great desserts too); the pieces are enormous and the owner Peter pretty much rocks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
We actually did get over there! I tried the Zen pizza because it’s what the guy recommended. I thought it needed more sauce, but the crust was delicious!
Laura Lea says
Oh bummer–the Picante with soy sausage is my favorite, in part because of the sauce. Their sauce is magical! Glad you’re enjoying yourself in NYC!
Laura Lea says
haha *HOLE!
Nicole says
Your pizza looks super yummy! My favorite pizza toppings are veggies and loads of them: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach, and sometimes hot peppers like jalapenos.
Erica says
I love Naked Pizza! It’s the one place I can get vegan pizza that doesn’t cost a ton of money. We usually get mushroom, sometimes get basil and garlic, and if I’m eating alone I get mushroom and pineapple.
Kristin says
First, I LOVE Naked Pizza. By far some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. And a fun fact, they also have stores in Europe (specifically Prague). Now, I think that is really cool.
My favorite toppings are definitely artichoke, eggplant, and mushrooms!
Kate@Watch Her Shrink says
I love pizza period! When I was young I liked plain cheese with extra sauce. As I grew so did the sauce to cheese ratio (more sauce, less cheese please). Nowadays I completely cut the cheese out and top it with tons of sauce, spinach/lots of leafy greens, artichoke hearts, broccoli, cauliflower and sweet potato if I’m feeling sassy.
Katie Henderson says
Have you ever tried making mac n cheese with cheddar Daiya? I veganized a (seriously) cherished family mac n cheese recipe fairly successfully with the stuff.
Saraquill says
What was a favorite or memorable stall for you at the farmer’s market? I like to seek out the emu/ostrich farmer so I can marvel at the size and color of the emu eggs.
Moni Meals says
You are having the best to time! That pizza looks so delicious! Gotta have NYC pizza, right!
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See says
I LOVE tomato sauce, so extra tomato sauce, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives are my fav 🙂
j says
i dont like those sunglasses!!!! They make ur pretty face look blind or insane or both
NowAmandasCookin' says
With the exception of onions, anchovies and chicken, I’ll eat anything on a pizza or try it at least once. My favorite is Italian sausage and pepperoni pizza loaded down with mushrooms, peppers and black olives.
I recently did a blog for my company’s website about food trucks with crazy menu items and one of them had a crab leg pizza. Although I like pizza and I LOVE crab legs I’m not sure how those two would fit together. I’ve never had any kind of seafood pizza but I’d be willing to give it a try.
Corban says
Naked Pizza is a franchise so it may be coming to a city near you soon. I remember hearing about the original store in Louisiana and wanting to try it. Hopefully they open some up in Houston soon.
Claire says
when I still ate meat, prosciutto and date was my favourite kind of pizza. now I love mushroom and olive!
Lindsey says
it’s funny that you said the chocolate ice cream tasted like eating a chocolate milkshake because isn’t a chocolate milkshake made with chocolate ice cream? haha
Tanner says
I like pineapple, veggie ham, and nutritional yest on my pizza, and, call me crazy, but my favorite pizza sauce is actually Ralph’s (kroger) store brand, LOL!
I also really like Whole Foods’ vegan roasted vegetable pizza, yummies!