Sweetness in the City: V-Note

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by Hannah (BitterSweet)

I imagine that opening a restaurant is a lot like having a baby; Although I’ve done neither to date, it would seem that both acts are exhausting, painful, and life-altering… But hopefully rewarding in the long run. There are of course a few major differences, like ending up with a little bundle of joy versus a walk-in fridge with hundreds of pounds of fresh produce, but the desire to make your mark, and bring some beauty into the world, is perhaps similar. This intent was palpable on the second opening night of V-Note, another creation by the mastermind behind Blossom.  This particular venture delves further into the world of vegan dining, and especially wine. Though the concept was partly lost on me since I don’t drink, the food coming out of that kitchen should be enough to entice anyone, imbibing or not.

Though the whole meal wasn’t pitch-perfect, there were many more hits than misses.  Fans of Blossom may recognize a few dishes from the previous eatery, but plenty of new and exciting items are more than worth a try. The pistachio and pepper-dusted tofu in particular, arriving as an impressive tower of bean curd and greens, is a stunning dish both in plating and taste. However, it was the grand finale that really makes me want to come back for more.

Unassumingly titled “chocolate ganache cake,” it may be more apt to call it whipped fudge. Just the barest sliver of somewhat forgettable cake made up the base, and the rest was the thickest, richest, and perhaps most intense little square of pure chocolate sweetness I had ever been served. Though diminutive in size, a slice any larger would have been overkill; Carefully composed, the plate was just enough to sate my sweet tooth without feeling gorged after a fine meal.

Though it’s a bit of a trek just for one meal, I will definitely be back in the near future to see how V-Note changes and improves as it hits its stride.

Full disclosure: I was not paid for my opinions nor asked to write a blog post, but my meal was comped.

36 thoughts on “Sweetness in the City: V-Note”

  2. Thanks for the comment above! I was wondering where this restaurant was located. Looks delicious and I’m agreeing with the person above and wishing I was visiting NYC sometime soon. This will definitely be on my list if I do. Thanks for sharing!

  3. I can’t wait to try this place when I go home to ny for thanksgiving! I just wish it was there when I lived on 71st! That dessert sounds very similar to the candle cafe chocolate mousse…I am sure it was delicious!

  5. The only vegan place I’ve been to in NYC is candle cafe and I really enjoyed it! I would love to try V Note out especially after reading your review! Man does that chocolate mousse sound good…better than a non-vegan version.

  6. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but, that said, the chocolate ganache cake sounds irresistible. As does the tofu dish. It’s been much too long since I’ve visited NYC.

  9. As I’ve probably blathered on about before, I’m not usually at all tempted by chocolate desserts, and you’ve managed to make even me want this! Oh, and next time you think it’s a bit of trek to V-Note for you… think about how much of a trek it woudl be for me ;)

    P.S. And here I was thinking you were pregnant, and that your “upcoming book” was code. Gosh, sometimes I get things so wrong! :P

  10. I love the opening of all these new vegan joints. Hopefully one day they’ll also spread further into the suburbs and country, rather than just clustering in the city. Ironically, the guy who opened the vegan pizza place I just reviewed was previously a chef at Blossoms. I’d love to check the place out.

    I had an amazing vegan peanut butter mousse chocolate cake last night…and judging from the picture above, there are tons of great vegan desserts out there!

  14. mmm it’s like i can taste that chocolate cake through the computer screen! It looks soooo good! I’ve always wanted to go to New York but still haven’t made my way out there. I must try this place out if I ever do

  16. we need places like this in phoenix, we have vegan junkfood and then vegan wraps, but that is it. that cake looks decadent

  28. I actually began drooling while looking at that photo. It looks incredibly rich and delicious! Now I just wish the place was a little closer…:)

  31. When i see and hear about all these fabulous eateries and foods, I wish I was in NYC. Love the cake. pistachio and pepper-dusted tofu just the sound of it made me drool.

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