![candle_cafe_photo_01](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5963590471_abde6f0f88.jpg)
Someone told my dad that this restaurant was supposed to have one of the best veggie burgers in the city, and I had already had it on my to-try list too. But because it was also a birthday dinner, my friend and I had to treat ourselves to an appetizer too…
![candle_cafe_photo_02](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5964147884_48b380589c.jpg)
These seitan chimichurri skewers were AMAZING. If you go to Candle Café, you absolutely MUST order them!
But on to the veggie burger…
![candle_cafe_photo_03](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5964147938_10458b5eb3.jpg)
Completely vegan (like everything at Candle Café), the burger is described as a “seitan burger on seeded bun”, I splurged and paid an extra $2 for tapioca cheese… because, well, tapioca cheese! I’ve never seen or heard of tapioca cheese, and I’m always interested in trying new vegan cheeses.
![candle_cafe_photo_04](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5964148018_f4c6c3f39a.jpg)
all stacked up with the toppings
![candle_cafe_photo_05](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5964148140_6721abf9a0.jpg)
This is why I normally do not have photos taken of myself eating, haha.
The bun was hearty and very seedy, slightly sweet – it tasted very good although it was a bit chewier than I expected in a burger bun. It was closer to the consistency of a chewy french baguette.
The patty itself was heavily flavored with herbs – rosemary in particular stood out to me. It was delicious, and the taste kind of reminded me of Thanksgiving stuffing. But unlike our juicy seitan appetizer, the burger was a little bit drier and breadier. It didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of it too much though, because my toppings compensated for it…
![candle_cafe_photo_06](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5964148208_9473c5a83a.jpg)
The tomatoes were perfectly ripe and juicy (it appeared that the chef had even cut out the center of one of the slices, something I myself do at home to avoid tough or green centers, but something I rarely see in a restaurant! How awesome!), the lettuce was fresh and crispy, and the onions added a nice crunch. But the tapioca cheese stole the show. Simply amazing! Perfectly melty and gooey, it tasted similar to daiya, which I have since learned (through google) also contains tapioca. Is daiya what Candle Café uses, or do they make their own tapioca cheese? Does anyone know? Either way, delicious. I normally hate paying extra for additional toppings, but in this case I would say it is definitely worth it, because including the cheese balances out the textures and moisture and elevates the burger to a much higher level.
![candle_cafe_photo_07](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5964148260_a36d5a988e.jpg)
And of course I had to order the vegan cheesecake for dessert ;)
![candle_cafe_photo_08](http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5964148342_a80616268f.jpg)
Cost: $13 (+$2 for tapioca cheese)
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Burger patty: 4 Bun: 4 Toppings: 5
Candle Café
1307 3rd Avenue
between 74th and 75th street
New York, NY 10021
212.472.0970
YumVeggieBurger review #67
tapioca cheese? That sounds nuts- but looks so good and melty. Have to make it out there one day-but dragging a meat eating bf into vegan restaurants is hard, not because he's against it, but because we typically eat veggie/vegan at home, so when we go out, it's his chance to eat whatever he wants
ReplyDeleteLiz, I bet your bf will love the seitan chimichurri so much he won't mind! ;)
ReplyDeleteAli, I do think both the Candle's use Daiya, but I've found that most restaurants that do don't call it by name. Try the cheddar!
ReplyDeleteThe tapioca cheese is made at the restaurant. I have the cook book on how to make it at home.
ReplyDeleteInteresting... that might be something I have to try one day! Homemade tapioca cheese!
ReplyDeleteThank you foor this
ReplyDelete