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Candle Cafe 
 based on 30 member reviews
1307 3rd Ave, New York City New York
10021
212-472-0970
Type: Vegan-friendly, International, Organic, Delivery, Catering
Info: Mostly vegan cafe. Uses Teese vegan cheese. Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm, Sunday until 9:30pm. Price: Moderate.
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| "I love Candle"
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My Rating |
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 5 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 27, 2009 |
Review: I go whenever I'm in the neighborhood, and I haven't been disappointed (although I haven't tried the Cajun Seitan sandwich. I think I steer clear of their sandwiches because they're so pricey.) I submitted the third picture, of pan-seared tofu with polenta and greens; I believe on that trip I also got an obscenely huge piece of their chocolate layer cake—their desserts are easily sharable, but I was dining alone—and commented to the waitress that I was totally blissed-out from the meal. I ended up taking home half the piece of cake.
I've never gotten delivery from them, so I can't say anything pro or con about that. They use local produce, and apparently most or all of it comes from Mountain Dell farm, a long-standing organic farm in upstate New York.
Interestingly, they're right next door to a steakhouse; when you walk in, the juice bar is to your left along with an array of cookies and muffins. I usually get one or two muffins or cookies, and this last time, one of the muffins I got was hard, dry, and burnt on the bottom; since I live way downtown from them, I didn't bother to bring it back. Normally their baked goods are great, and this had never happened to me in my several years of going there.
Pros: reasonable for upper east side * friendly staff * big portions
Cons: * * |
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| "Very enjoyable"
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My Rating |
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 17 |
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Posted on: Friday, December 04, 2009 |
Review: I made a point of trying out Candle Cafe while in NYC and was not disappointed. The circumstances of my visit were not ideal but the food was so good I forgot about the rest. I had the BBQ tempeh and sweet potato sandwich and simply loved it. I also liked the location and the atmosphere in the restaurant. Wish I had had more time in NYC to try out other items in the menu!
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Going downhill..."
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Saturday, October 31, 2009 |
Review: I worked not too far from Candle Cafe and so sometimes threw caution to the wind and ordered their delicious Cajun Seitan Sandwich (for $14, eep!). Really delicious. Sometimes other menus items, too, but always loved that sandwich, and so suffered the long, long times on hold and long wait for delivery.
But then the seitan changed from moist, chewy, and delicious to hard, gummy and just nasty. A few of us complained and we told "thanks for letting us know."
Next time, good. Then bad. Then bad, then good, then bad. Calling to tell them, "thanks for letting us know."
Okay. You charge $14 for a sandwich, treat people poorly on the phone, take over an hour to deliver ten blocks - and that's it?
When it was good we were spending a couple hundred dollars a month over there. No longer. Too bad cause the pickings are slim on the Upper East Side.
Pros: Had good sandwich * *
Cons: Now, sandwich not good. * * |
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• they make their own seitan, as do I, and I can tell you it is an inexact science. I'll save you the process details, but their seitan is the best, and if yours was not as good, try something else, perhaps. Their menu is extensive and sure to please anyone!. response by kindlizard
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| "Get the Cajun Seitan Sandwich!!!"
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My Rating |
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164 |
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Posted on: Saturday, September 26, 2009 |
Review: Candle Cafe was one of my favorite places in NYC. It's a restaurant that's a bit nicer so you can dress up if you'd like or wear something casual (we wore what we walked around in all day). We ordered the Cajun Seitan Sandwich and the Tuscan Seitan Parmesan Sandwich. I highly recommend both; however, the Cajun sandwich was the winner out of the two. The best part of the entree was the Cajun sauce that came with it! I can't wait to move to NYC, this will be a regular eating place for me.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Wasn't Impressed"
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My Rating |
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12 |
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Posted on: Thursday, September 03, 2009 |
Review: I had heard so many good things about Candle Cafe, but I wasn't impressed my first time there. I don't think I'll be back - given the fact that there are so many other great vegan restaurants in NY. The place is busy, and the seating is very close to each other. The place was smaller than I expected and definitely a 'cafe' and not a restaurant. The split pea soup we ordered needed salt, and the little pieces of pita or flat bread on the side were tasteless. Not a good way to start out our lunch. Our entrees were definitely lacking something, and neither of us finished our meals. The service was as lackluster as the food...disinterested and too busy to care. Prices run about $14 for a sandwich - which I think is pricey considering that it's a cafe and not a real dining restaurant. I'm bewildered by all the great reviews this place gets.
Pros: * *
Cons: Food lacks taste * Overpriced * Crowded |
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• Dear Kindlizard,
Thanks for the response to my review.
If you care to re-read my review of Candle Cafe, you'll see that I am not knocking the fact that it is busy or that tables are very close together. I am merely making an observation of the environment and surroundings. However, what I am knocking is the tasteless food. Split pea soup is one of the easiest vegan dishes you can make. I’ve had it in countless restaurants – all better than the Candle Café. Our entrees were bland, unoriginal, and after a couple bites, quite boring. It’s rare that we ever leave food uneaten on our plate, but it happened at this place. Maybe they were training a new chef, maybe they had a mishap with the seitan, maybe I have just high standards, or maybe, just maybe, I’m opinionated. But isn’t that what writing a restaurant review is all abo.... response by Kell Bell
• you knock all the great places... how much space in NYC should there be? Some cities have all one big table!! You'd really hate that. Being busy is a blessing; you know your food is fresh, doesn't have time to go bad, and you are in NYC!!! You want a room w a view, a room alone, in quiet? Wrong town.. response by kindlizard
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| "Nice menu, delicious food"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Sunday, April 19, 2009 |
Review: I eat here fairly regularly and always enjoy my meal. It is an excellent menu and the food is always tasty. It is always crowded and I don't think it is cheap at all..... in fact, I think it is rather pricy. That said, I always have a good experience when I am there.
Pros: good food * pleasant service *
Cons: crowded * fsairly expensive * |
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| "Good Solid Place"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 |
Review: My friend and I went there last month and enjoyed our dinner. I had heard alot about this place and since I was in the city for a night, I thought we'd make our way there. Nice atomsphere. The tables are a little too close together, but, hey, it's NYC. But the food was really good. I only wish the portions were a bit bigger because the pricing is on the higher side. But I will return. It was an enjoyable night out.
Pros: Flavors * Location * Staff
Cons: pricing * * |
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| "The best cakes"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Thursday, January 22, 2009 |
Review: I had a banana cake and my boyfriend had a chocolate cake. Both the best cakes I have tasted. Had a very tasty burger as well.
Pros: excellent food * friendly staff * nice atmosphere
Cons: * * |
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| "Incredible food even if they rushed us a bit ;)"
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My Rating |
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19 |
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Posted on: Friday, January 02, 2009 |
Review: So I'd been to another vegan place the night before and was really let down. I was afraid this might be the same, but nope, a total 180.. LOVED it.
I ordered very similar to the night before at the other New York Vegan restaurant... I got a veggie drink (delish) and a fruit smoothie (awesome) and a shot of wheat grass. My friend had a beautiful tofu dish which was on a bed of broccoli (perfect and I barely like it - but not overcooked -really tender and green) with lentils and on the top was the most tasty tofu I'd ever eaten (luckily she shared it!) No it wasn't raw but it was good! I'll definitely be back here. If they hadn't rushed us I'd have had dessert but as luck would have it my other gal friend stopped by with raw desserts from Pure.. What a treat. And then I caught my plane and went home.. feeling happy after my perfect meal...
Pros: excellent food * quick service * ambiance
Cons: felt a bit rushed * a bit crowded * bathrooms lacking a little |
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| "Amazing"
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My Rating |
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 2 |
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Posted on: Saturday, November 29, 2008 |
Review: That's it, just amazing.
Pros: AMAZING Food * *
Cons: Not enough seating * * |
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| "excellent lunch spot..."
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My Rating |
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6 |
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Posted on: Friday, November 28, 2008 |
Review: food was excellent and fresh...this place was packed and rightfully so...the menu was extensive, creative and staff was friendly...wonderful experience.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "One of the best veg restaurants in the world"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2008 |
Review: We went to NYC last summer for a week. We went to Candle Cafe on our first day there because it was one of the places I wanted to visit the most. By the end of the week my wife was slightly embarrassed that we were such regulars there! You must experience the dishes yourself. The seitan is so tender and delicious and all of the spices are just right. The lasagna was perfect. The hummus plate made a great "on the way back to the hotel" snack at the end of a long day of sight-seeing. This place became our home away from home and I can't wait to return.
Pros: awesome food * friendly staff * large portions
Cons: none * * |
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| "Delicious"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 |
Review: Just like Candle 79, the Cafe lives up to the hype. It's a little less expensive but the food is just as amazing. The staff is really friendly and attentive and the presentation is beautiful. Can't wait to go there again when we are in town!
Pros: Food * Service * Atmosphere
Cons: * * |
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| "Good but crowded"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
Review: I had a very tasty Asian wrap. Restaurant was crowded but I was able to sit at the bar as I was solo.
Pros: Fresh food * Good variety * Good service
Cons: Crowded * Pricey * |
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| "Overall good experience."
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My Rating |
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8 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 |
Review: Arrived and were seated quickly, service was friendly and upbeat. There was a good menu selection and a good atsmosphere - little crowded :) Ordered the Tofu "BLT" and was pleasantly surprised with the faux bacon. Would recommend and return.
Pros: Good Selection * Friendly Staff * Good Food
Cons: Crowded Dinning * * |
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• "Crowded" as being the only flaw is actually a good thing, I think. Crowded means the food is always fresh. Crowded as a negative though, welcome to NYC!!! Personal space is at a severe premium here and they couldn't afford you the luxury of any more space, or you'd be complaining about waiting outside. Somewhat spacious for some places in NYC.. response by kindlizard
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| "Great Lunch & Atmosphere!"
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My Rating |
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21 |
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Posted on: Saturday, January 26, 2008 |
Review: I had a delicious Vegan BLT Sandwich w/ potato salad it was truly a treat for my first meal in NYC. Also, the Seitan Kebabs were very tastey (also served at Candle 79). The atmosphere was fun as well, I liked observing the Upper East Side culture with all the skinny, wealthy and good looking people..totally different from the mid-west:)
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "My Favorite Restaurant!"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 30, 2007 |
Review: I LOVE Candle Cafe. I used to go there with my boyfriend quite often, but I have been going less since I've been so busy with school. Every time I go there, whatever I order is absolutely delicious. The Tofu Club is great, and so is the BBQ sandwich with sweet potato. Their salads are super fresh, and the dressing is scrumptious. The limonade is very good if you don't mind sour tastes. The only thing I have tried that I did not like was the chocolate peanut butter shake. I was expecting it to taste like a Reese's, but it just tasted like a peanut in liquid form. As for the food, I think it's the best! I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Pros: Amazing Food * Friendly Service * Vegetarian
Cons: Far From Home * * |
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| "You have to try it!"
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My Rating |
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18 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 16, 2007 |
Review: It was our favorite restaurant on our trip to New York. The food was fresh and delicious. We had a group of five friends, only two of us were vegans. Everyone loved the food and we were passing around our dishes for each other to try. I had the best vegan lasagna I've ever had. The only setback was that the restaurant was very crowded, but if you're visiting New York you should definitely try it out.
Pros: Delicious food * friendly waitstaff * great desserts
Cons: small restaurant * * |
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| "Great place for a quick vegan lunch"
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My Rating |
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334 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 |
Review: Its a little crammed, but the review below says its affordable, and I wouldn't use those words :) The good thing is you can probably split what ever your getting with your significant other or close friend.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "great casual food"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Saturday, November 24, 2007 |
Review: The food is great and affordable. It is kind of cramped and the blender gets a bit loud, but you'll be pleased once the blended drink lands on your table.
Pros: good prices * generous portions * friendly staff
Cons: noisy * cramped * |
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| "Tasty"
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My Rating |
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11 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 |
Review: I took my mom here for lunch before headed off to the airport. The portions were large enough for left-overs for dinner during the flight. The dining room was a bit crowded; I felt crammed in. It's not cheap, in fact the lunch bill for two was a bit more than dinner (sans the vino) for two at Candle 79. The service was mediocre to good. We were in a hurry to catch a flight and it took a while to get our courses close together and containers for the left-overs. In their defense it was VERY crowded.
Pros: Delicious * Large Portions * Good Service
Cons: Far from Time Square * Crowded * Pricey but worth it |
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| "Not worth the hype"
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My Rating |
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16 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 |
Review: I ordered their veggie burger. The bun was so dry and dense I had to take it apart and create two mini burgers. Great vegan mayonnaise though! That really made the burger taste good. Their banana cake was awesome. Best part of the meal. My husband got a cajun sandwich that he enjoyed. He agreed that my burger was very dry and bland and you could build a house with that bun. I'm sure the food there is good but I didn't get something good. Avoid the soy burger. Get the dessert.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Absolutely wonderful"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Saturday, September 01, 2007 |
Review: I ate here last year for my friend's birthday and it was amazing. The food was delicious, the menu was very extensive, and the service was cordial and friendly. I had one of the specials, which was an Indian dish of assorted vegetables, beans, and curries; it was so good! Everyone else enjoyed their meals as well. Plus, the restaurant is in a very charming part of the Upper East Side. I will definitely eat here again.
Pros: Delicious food * Great service * Extensive menu
Cons: * * |
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| "Great Food"
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My Rating |
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10 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 |
Review: The specials are always exciting and they have HUGE portions for all the food. I enjoy it everytime we go, and always get something new- can't say that for many other places.
It's a must go to if you're in the area.
Pros: Good food * nice staff *
Cons: * * |
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| "Yummy Food and Wine"
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My Rating |
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19 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 |
Review: Candle cafe is a great place to relax with some friends and grab a bite to eat. The food is always great and they have a wonderful selection of organic wines and beer.
Additionally they also have a bar where you can just sit down and have a snack and a drink if you prefer.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Solid, simple, honest food"
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My Rating |
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97 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 |
Review: Candle Cafe has great ambiance, though it's a small place. The service was attentive and friendly. Their chocolate peanut butter smoothie was too liquidy for my tastes, but their Tuscan lasagna was layered, tasty and filling. Prices are high, sadly.
Pros: Taste * Ambience * Service
Cons: Expensive * * |
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| "Fave place in NYC, if not east coast"
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My Rating |
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100 |
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Posted on: Friday, April 06, 2007 |
Review: Great food, staff, menu. Go there, be happy.
Pros: food * staff *
Cons: * * |
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• This place is so consistent. We go here more than any other place in the city. Seemingly whenever we can go here because they are so consistent and the food always rocks. One of the top 3 in the country, easily.. response by kindlizard
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| "The better of the two"
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My Rating |
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13 |
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Posted on: Saturday, February 03, 2007 |
Review: The "lower priced" candle cafe, lower priced is relative, but since an entree can run close to twenty dollars it's still alittle pricey. The atmosphere is fine...a little cramped for the cash. My friends like this place best because the food reminds them of "normal" food and they can order burritos, burgers, sandwiches and other things that don't intimidate them. The daily specials are good, and menu changes a little bit seasonally. The vegan rehash of regular foods can get a little tired, but the food is still delicious and runs the gamut from big saucy entrees to snack-y appetizers.
Order: Matzoh Ball soup (so good!), indian plate, macrobiotic plate, tofu club, rice pudding, mezza platter, daily specials
Skip: it's a matter of taste, but I could take or leave the casserole. Also, anything involving cheese actually contains casien (it is marked on the menu) but it eliminates several choices.
Joy and Barry are also really nice, and if you're a NYer who misses traditional Jewish food, you can get some pretty good imitation =)
Pros: "normal" food * tasty as all get out *
Cons: price * small space * |
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| "Seitan Heaven!"
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My Rating |
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18 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 |
Review: Very casual atmosphere, great service, delicious food. I got seitan kebabs and was not disappointed. Three of us dined, each getting a different meal and sampling the others' and all of them were delicious. Desserts were delicious as well.
Pros: delicious * good value * good atmosphere
Cons: * * |
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| "Great place"
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My Rating |
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43 |
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Posted on: Sunday, August 27, 2006 |
Review: I have eaten here many times since it opened, and always love the food here. It is healthy and good tasting. It is less expensive than its cousin Candle 79, though not quite cheap. The place tends to be crowded and cramped. Still, the food makes it worthy a visit.
Pros: Healthy * good taste *
Cons: cramped * * |
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