Paleo Restaurant Review: Hu Kitchen

Food for Humans

Good food is hard to come by now a days, and is especially difficult to decipher in a city with literally hundreds of options.  Once my illness and the various complications really set in, one of the first (and foremost) places I saw doctors was NYC.  Before this time, I had only ever been to the city a few times with my family. Once for the Martha Stewart show, at christmas time for the Rocketts, and for my 8th birthday to pick out my first official American Girl Doll. They were all pleasant experiences, yet much different than going half a dozen times, in less than two weeks, to visit numerous specialists and doctors. Not only were the men and women I saw (and still see) incredibly smart and skillful, but they believed in me, making my love for the NYC grow tremendously.

One thing you may realize about the city, even on your first visit, is the number of independent restaurants.  Truly, there is no reason to ever step foot into a fast food chain such as Wendy's in NYC. The options are endless and you are sure to find something within your price range and (or) palate (aka best 99 cent slice of pizza ever)! As a foodie, I took the opportunity of frequent city visits to search and find the best food available. Whether it was a kitchen that would cater to my needs, or simply a meal for my family, searching and then rechecking every nook and cranny of each NYC burrow became my way of passing long and painful hours. It didn't matter how sick I was, my job became to find the "destination restaurant."  This is how I stumbled across Hu Kitchen.

Planted right on 5th avenue, Hu is any food-lovers paradise.  Whether you eat paleo, vegan, raw, gluten free, or simply "normal," I promise you will not be disappointed. If you suffer from health issues, you get that going out to eat is anything but fun and relaxing, especially when cooking at home results in a much more satisfying and tasty meal.  I can not tell you how many times I have gone to an openly "accommodating" restaurant, only to end up with a plate of wilted lettuce and a small piece of farmed raised protein. Somehow, in the process of trying to reach out to all "diet" types, chefs lose the concept of serving real food.  However, this is not the case at Hu! There is no "hold on, let me go ask the kitchen" going on in this hotspot, as the staff is super knowledgable and friendly (they know what nightshades are, yay!)  Hu's whole concept is to serve and use real, pure ingredients, or as they say "food for humans." After dreaming over the extensive online menu, and one failed attempt at visiting New Years day (60% of why we even drove 3 hours), I finally was able eat "out," and man was I excited! With fun background music, and enough room to actually breath, (yes, there is an upstairs) you are instantly pulled in to the relaxing atmosphere. Whether you want to grab a quick drink, juice, or smoothie, take food to go, or have a sit down family style meal, Hu Kitchen is the place for you. Want breakfast? They'll make your eggs any way you like, right before your eyes.  Need a quick afternoon snack? Their almond banana smoothie is to die for! And for dinner, well, don't get me started on dinner. The coconut sugar brined rotisserie chicken is incredibly succulent inside and has a crispy, to die for skin on the outside.  Hot sides usually include grilled pineapple, roasted sweet potatoes or broccoli, a sauteed green medley, and other protein dishes. Not satisfied? Try the sweet and (or) savory "Mash Bar" or turn to your left to sample dozens of their prepared foods (caesar salad, chicken wings or tenders, fish sticks, meatballs, stuffed portabellas, stuffed peppers, etc...) If you look closely, you will notice that every single ingredient used is written out on an index card in front of the dish.  Not only that, but each staff member is ready to help and make sure your every need is met! You will never leave hungry and dissatisfied with your purchase.

For every visit to the city, Hu Kitchen has become my safe haven, as they help me relax after any long and complicated doctors appointment.  Instead of worrying over where I will eat, or if I should bring my own food from home, my mom and I know that Hu's got it covered.  My friend and I both agreed that if we lived in the city, we'd be in there morning, noon, and night, to try every dish available.  Chicken parmesan, maple creme brulee, almond butter puffed quinoa chocolate bar, iced coconut milk mocha, and of course my beloved roaster chicken, were just a few of our most recent highlights at Hu, leaving us wanting more and more. Regardless of your eating style, I encourage you to make Hu Kitchen one of your must-see NYC destinations! All in all, the sense of community that they are able to bring together in a large city through one small restaurant is amazing. Check out their menu here.

Psalm 9:10 "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You."