Since Blossom is walking distance from the Dakota, where John Lennon lived in the Upper West Side, I imagine he would have been a regular if he was still alive.

With locations on Columbus and in Chelsea, I dropped in on the Columbus location for lunch. Madison, a waitress, greeted me with a smile. She was eager to talk about the restaurant and struck me as someone who viewed her work at Blossom as much more than a job. She was patient and helpful, and her energy matched Blossom’s mission: to bring animal-caring, health-conscious cuisine to food lovers everywhere. The Blossom website states the restaurant provides “vegan food with a cruelty-free ethos.” Right on.

After a grueling decision-making process (there’s nothing on this menu I wouldn’t walk long distances to eat), I ordered the Salmon Tofu. Although it doesn’t taste like salmon, it didn’t disappoint. It’s a perfectly matched tower of beet marinaded tofu, sliced fennel, black rice, broccolini, and two mushrooms that look and taste like scallops. It’s bathed in a proprietary sauce and topped with dill mayo.

I cherished every bite, marveled at how each ingredient complimented each other and felt forlorn when my plate was empty. A dog would have left more evidence that the dish existed. Blossom has biodegradable to-go packaging to boot–something I noticed but didn’t use because I would never not finish a meal at this gem of a restaurant.

I can’t think of a better place to visit after a stroll through Central Park’s famed Lake or Bow Bridge, or after a day at the nearby American Museum of Natural History. Blossom is one of New York’s finest treasures. If there were an American Museum of Plant-Based Food, Blossom would be in it. Fantastic service, great vibe, and food you’ll remember. I’ll return often. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.