In Thai, klong means canal. Many of Thailand’s klongs are relaxing sites of refuge and escape from the frenetic city streets and their accompanied stresses. Located in the heart of the crazed East Village, St. Mark’s Place, home to tattoo shops, punk music and down-home pub grub, Klong is an underground oasis of tranquility and savory fare and the owners wouldn’t have it any other way, modeling their restaurant after their childhood experiences in 1970s Bangkok.

Once inside, you’ll experience a labyrinth of simulated waterfalls, an undulating gold steel ribbon traveling the walls of the entire restaurant, slick lounge music, and the delicious smells of Pad Thai, papaya, and mussels steaming from the kitchen.

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Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

On any given day, my home away from home is the sweet spot, 71 Irving, an intimate coffee shop that fashions itself much like a living room replete with soothing jazz music, illuminating table lamps, a makeshift fireplace and a faux landing with steps leading to an alleged second floor (there have been rumors, but nothing substantiated yet). Here you’ll find a motley mix of writers, artists, journalists, Gramercy gals with their strollers and corgis, business moguls keeping it casual in khakis - all sipping fresh, farm roasted estate grown coffee from their own farm, as well as a delectable assortment of rich pastries including berry tortes, brioches, marble cakes, sinfully tasty magic bars slathered in toasted coconut. And all the food here is organic, gals. All natural yogurts (some brands imported from Sweden), and homemade granola. For the lunch fare, savor one of their homemade sandwiches, paninis (hot off the panini press!) or a varied selection of soups, salads, cheese platters, and of course, the signature 71 Irving Waffle with your choice of simply maple syrup, or fresh strawberries - but why not be decadent and top your hot waffle with homemade vanilla bean ice-cream, nuts, berries?!

Whether you’re looking for a quick orange-spiced tea and some time with your favorite book (the cafe is incredibly European in the sense that nobody shoos you away, you can spend hours with your tea or your laptop, clicking away, indulging in their wireless internet service, gratis, of course), or you’re searching for the perfect cozy nook to share a glass of fine wine and conversation with a dear friend, then this stolen treat, tucked away in the posh Gramercy Park area, amidst corgis and million-dollar brownstones, is a divine gem.

TIP: Make sure you turn off your cellular phones/Blackberries, ladies, the mellow folks here don’t take kindly to loud gals screaming on their phones.

71 Irving
18th Street/Irving
New York
Subway: 4/5/6, N/R to Union Square

Famished Girl, Scene Girl | Email | Print | //

In a city where flyers advertising yoga studios share real estate alongside vendors selling imposter Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs handbags on the sidewalks of trendy Union Square, it is an Olympic feat to discern the real thing amidst the slew of imposters. A studio that stresses principles of alignment, places a distinct focus on breath instead of the fanfare and confetti of gym billboards toting bleached blondes in white leotards that read, “No Pain, No Gain!” is what makes OM YOGA, steps away from Union Square, such a delectable find. Under the direction of the renowned Cyndi Lee (a twenty-year practitioner of both Hatha Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books and DVDs, most recently, Om Yoga Beginner/Intermediate Class.), her and her team of over thirty experienced teachers will lead you through a vigorous, but playful, alignment-centered asana practice.

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Active Girl, Relaxin' Girl | Email | Print | //

I like pizza, but I love good pizza. So it’s not your old-school authentic Italian New York joint, but it’s damn good, and it’s Two Boots PIzza. Know of it. With locations all over the city now, and slices named for icons like “The Dude” and “Tony Clifton,” there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some of this goodness yourself. My favorite slice is the “Larry Tate,” with spinach, plum tomatoes, ricotta, and loads of french garlic, and my favorite location is Bleecker Street, both best enjoyed with my pal Nick.

And this pizza doesn’t give me gas, which says a lot.

Two Boots Pizza

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

When I saw Chrissie Hynde sitting a table away from me at dinner, I knew that Candle Cafe was something special. Then, when the beautifully yet simply prepared meal was brought out, I was completely convinced. Being a vegetarian is so easy when the lovely folks at 3rd and 75th put so much love and spices into it. My favorite is the seitan steak, which Brad always orders and I end up eating half of, though I tend to always order the Paradise Casserole…something about the combination of sweet potatoes, baked beans, millet and spinach, topped in a rich mushroom gravy must remind me of my mother. Don’t ask.

Meat-eaters and Vegans alike will love the food here, and yes, it IS worth the hike to the Upper East Side. For a finer dining experience, try their new location, Candle 79, at 79th and Lex—which also offers a vegan Sunday Brunch! Yes darling, you CAN be fabulous and conscious at the same time.

Candle Cafe

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