candle cafe (MoFo 17)

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Candle Cafe started as a health food and vitamin store. It has evolved into a much loved Manhattan vegan restaurant that also has a sister fine dining place, Candle 79. They serve local, fresh food, all the while being eco-conscious and green. And then there is the food.

They serve a Mezze Platter, with hummus and tabouli, Chimichurri Sietan and a daily assortment of soups. Their main meals range from Teriyaki Seitan to Tuscan Lasagna. In other words, they serve a variety of seasonal dishes.

I chose to make Candle Cafe's World Famous Split Pea Soup. I happen to adore split pea soup and couldn't resist the World Famous one. I added some toasted croutons.

And what every soup needs is a sidekick - a sandwich. The Southwestern Chile-Rubbed Seitan Sandwich sounded right. The seitan is rubbed with a homemade chile paste and grilled. Then it is topped with caramelized onions and chipotle-mayo. This was outstanding. If you happen to have some seitan and chilies lying around, you know what to make.

And don't forget to enter to win a copy of "American Vegan Kitchen" on the T.G.I.Friday's post!

Cost Breakdown:

soup:

peas: $1

carrot, celery: $1.50

bread: $1

Total to make 5 servings:

$3.50

sandwich:

bread: $1

seitan: $1.50

chilies: $1

tomato: $1

veganaise, garlic, vinegar: $1.50 

onion: $1

Total to make 3 sandwiches:

$7.00

Split Pea Soup

Southwestern Seitan Sandwich

Split Pea Soup Recipe

Southwestern Seitan Sandwich Recipe