Something made me stop in front of Ellary’s Greens while I was out for a walk in the West Village. Unexpectedly through the open windows the owner, Leith, popped her head out and asked me, “What can I tell you?” Boom, I finally found a restaurant where my plethora of dietary restrictions and everyone else can eat together harmoniously.
Photo by Kristine Mahan
I believe food can be the root cause of illness but also the tool used to heal. It was almost too much of a coincidence that this restaurant shared my food philosophy because very few do. I probably wouldn’t be so passionate about food if I didn’t have to cook most of my own meals.
As I came to find out, Leith opened Ellary’s Greens because she thought (more than 20 years ago) someone else would open a place in NYC where everyone could eat well. No one did, though.
Photo by Kristine Mahan
In both the Carmine Street restaurant and their grab-and-go place at Columbus Circle Subway Station, Ellary’s Greens is forging a path for organic, nourishing, and sustainable food to be accessible. Above is a picture of their weekend brunch that I highly recommend.
Photo by Kristine Mahan
I sat down with Leith in their West Village location, where she served me a plate of some of the best hummus I’ve had in NYC. It came with crudité and a toasted wrap they pressed to accommodate my gluten-free needs. I knew exactly what was in my food because they’re so transparent about what they serve that the menu is labeled with a plethora of symbols and descriptions.
Photo by Kristine Mahan
Leith is committed to sourcing local ingredients in season, and knows all of her suppliers by name. The food philosophy at Ellary’s Greens revolves around where and how the food was grown. The menu makes no discriminations as to diets or dietary restrictions. Whether you want a green juice or a biodynamic wine, bacon mac & cheese or Moroccan lentil salad, everyone can eat here.
Ellary’s Greens also makes the principles of the Slow Food Movement come to life. Nourishment and sustainability of self and the environment are heavily stressed in their business practices while being committed to serving organic.
Photo by Kristine Mahan
As I was sent back to work with some of their kombucha (that’s on tap) and an almond butter cookie, I was sold on just how special this place is. If the warm and welcoming vibe and their business practices aren’t enough to convince you to become a regular, just wait until you try their food. It’s a truly unique place that serves up the kind of food you feel good after you leave.