Recently, I had a business lunch in midtown and decided to put my tips into practice. The restaurant where the experiment was held was Ma Peche.

Ma Peche is located in the lower level of the Chambers Hotel. I was excited to try it, but knew that it wasn’t cheapeats. Armed with the tools, I knew I could succeed.

Glancing at the menu, there’s so many options that sound amazing. Then I look to the right of the menu. A 3 course prix fixe menu for $25. Cha Ching!!!!

My dining partner was eyeing the Summer Rolls as an appetizer to share when I had the light bulb moment. The prix fixe menu has an appetizer option and the Summer Rolls are on it. I’ll order it as an appetizer and we’ll save money by sharing it. Perfect

Their Summer Roll is like an Asian Burrito stuffed with crunchy veggies, peanuts, with a choice of either pork, shrimp or tofu and a hoisin sauce for dipping. YUMMY.

My fellow diner ordered the Sea Bass in a bone marrow broth. Not my ideal choice but he said it was OUTSTANDING.

I chose the Sea Bass with roasted fennel and broccoli rabe puree. It was light, flavorful and absolutely BRILLIANT.

So 2 courses down and 1 more to go. Care for dessert? I say that I’m watching my figure and suggest splitting my brownie dessert.

So, I managed to eat at this pricey restaurant and enjoy a 3 course meal for just $25. The cherry on the sundae? He paid the bill. CHA CHA CHING!!!!

Happiness, $25 and under.

The dinner is held upstairs near the cafe, in an intimate glass enclosed room. Executive Chef Juan Pablo Chavez and his team, prepared the meal and share the ingredients and preparation with the crowd.

Being on a mission to detox and get healthier in 2012, I was excited to sample this plant based feast but a bit skeptical. Not because it was a vegetarian menu but that it was prepared with no oil, salt or dairy.

MENU

VEGETABLE SOUP

VEGETABLE PROVENCALE

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA PRIMAVERA

POLENTA WITH MARINA SAUCE

POACHED APPLES & PEARS

Well despite the fact, it was SO healthy, it was DELICOUS. (Salt was placed on the table for personal seasoning) It was light, clean, flavorful and very filling. No room for seconds for me.

What was heart warming about this dinner was the bringing together of people in the community. All walks of life, sat at this table and shared stories about themselves, what brought them there and broke bread. Food is the common thread that unites us all.

Thank you Giovanna Miller, Chef Juan Pablo Chavez, Holly Shelowitz and the entire staff at Whole Foods. I left there full, light  and happy.

Happiness. $25 and under.

P.S. If you don’t live in NYC….fear not. You can also find Supper Clubs in their Princeton, Oakland, Chicago, and Boston stores.

MENU

OYSTERS ON A HALF SHELL 

CRUDITE 

RUSTIC FLOUNDER AND FARRO SOUP 

FARFALLE WITH TUNA AND CAPERS 

BACCALA WITH BROCCOLI RABE

MUSSELS MARINA

PANNETTONE BREAD PUDDING    

The focus on this delicious meal, was to educate us on Whole Foods’ commitment to their sustainable seafood program. Whole Foods supports local fisherman and has owned their own docks in Pigeon Cove for 25 years. To ensure freshness, they deliver their seafood 7 days a week.

The oysters we had, were from Westport CT and to perfectly honest, were the BEST Oysters I’ve ever eaten. So fresh, they tasted like the sea.

Whole Foods has incorporated a color code system – to inform their employees and customers about the sustainability of the fish their buying. Green = Ocean Friendly    Yellow = Medium Abundance    Red = Serious   Gray = No Ranking

As of Earth Day – April 22, 2012, Whole Foods will no longer carry any seafood that has a Red Ranking. (Atlantic Cod & Sole have been extended until Earth Day 2013)

It was the perfect setting to learn about their mission, while feasting on this delicious meal. The Flounder Soup combined with their in-house cheese bread, was a meal in itself. Mussels Marina made this Italian girl proud. The Baccala with Broccoli Rabe and Roasted Tomatoes was to DIE for. Overall, the meal was OUTSTANDING.

Besides enjoying this incredible meal and learning about their seafood program, chatting with the employees for me, was one of the highlights of the evening. Listening to their stories about how working at Whole Foods has changed their lives. One guy told me he never read a food label before in his life, but since working here, he is now more conscious about what he buys and what he eats. It made me smile hearing these kids talk about foods that had tried or recipes they make at home.

I also learned that it’s the company’s mission to educate and elevate their employees. They teach you and give you the tools and opportunities. to grow within the company. One kid started out as a stock boy and within 2years, was promoted to Assistant Mgr of the Seafood Department.

It’s not often that you find a company that not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Whole Foods…I APPLAUD YOU!

I want to thank Elly Truesdell, Blue Ocean Institute,  and the entire staff at Whole Foods for putting together this incredible meal. It was not only delicious but memorable.

Happiness, $25 and under.

P.S. Do you think the Chef will share his recipe for the Flounder Soup & Baccala?

Happiness, $25 and under.

Click for Deets

Happiness, $25 and under.

Happiness, $25 and under.

Click for deets

Pssst….If you dine out 3x, you can be eligible for $20 back.

Happiness, $25 and under.

Looking to learn how to cook but are strapped for cash? How about for FREE???

Cheapeats is teaming up with Whole Foods to offer our readers 1 FREE COOKING CLASS .

All you have to do is:

Print Out Coupon and bring to class

To reserve your space:

Call 212.349.6555

or

Email: wellnessclubtribeca@wholefoods.com

For a schedule of classes

*Don’t forget to mention Cheapeats….We want to continue to offer future deals

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happiness, $25 and under.

*This offer is good through February 29th, 2012

STAYING FIT AND WELL ON THE CHEAP

Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t live well. All you have to do is be on the hunt for those great bargains. We found one and are so excited to share it !!!!!

WHOLE FOODS MARKET WELLNESS CLUB

Whole Foods’ mission isn’t only to offer you a place to purchase good, healthy, quality and organic food, but to educate you on how you can live well. The Wellness Club is a “Lifestyle Change” program to help you learn it and live it.

The club includes:

• Cooking Classes
• Nutrition Workshops
• Wellness Seminars
• Recreational Events – Yoga, Hiking, Walking
• Supper Clubs
• One on One Nutritional Counseling or Coaching

This club is currently offered in 5 stores:

Oakland, CA

Lincoln Park, IL

Dedham, MA

Princeton, NJ

And LUCKY for us – New York City – Tribeca location

• For just $45 a month, you can attend every workshop, seminar and cooking class for FREE.
• 10% in-store discount on a wide variety of “Wellness” foods.
• 20% discount to Supper Club Dinners

If you can’t swing the $45 a month or want to try it out before you commit….NO PROBLEM. Start by taking a workshop or class. Guess what? Some are even FREE.

Want to learn how to incorporate healthy cooking at home? Their cooking classes are ONLY $35!!!! (Free to Wellness Club Members)

But here’s the piece de resistance…..ALL YOU CAN EAT – 3 COURSE DINNER FOR $15!!!!!! ($12 for Wellness Members) No, that isn’t a typo. Every Wednesday (starting Jan 11th) from 6-8pm, is their weekly Supper Club, where you can grab a HEALTHY 3 course meal for $15. That is the ULTIMATE Cheapeats!!! Their menu changes weekly, so check it out before hand.

What’s great about this is, you don’t have to feel alone. This club offers friendship and support, whether you join as one or with a group.

These simple lifestyle changes, including incorporating a plant based diet, will help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat. There’s no excuse anymore!!!!

I applaud and thank Whole Foods for creating this AMAZING and GENEROUS Program. It’s nice to see a company not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Happiness, $25 and under.

PART 1 – HOW CAN WE AVOID THE EFFECTS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS?

Cheapeats recently attended a conference on this subject matter at the New York Academy of Medicine , and we wanted to share what we learned.

Pesticides and Food – The pesticides that are used by conventional farmers is getting into our food system and affecting our children.  Endocrine Hormone Disruption is an increasing syndrome that is occurring. Girls are developing quicker and testosterone levels in boys are decreasing. Because it’s rampid in our food chain, children are being born pre-polluted. Due to this endocrine disruption, we’re seeing increased cases of Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism and Asperger.

Chemicals that are Developmental Neurotoxicants:

• Lead
• Mercury
• DDT
• Alcohol
• PCB
• Arsenic
• Manganese
• Chlorpyrifos (most common agricultural pesticide)

Plastics – The need for convenience has increased the use of plastics in our lives. But did you know that many of the things that touch our bodies everyday are increasing our toxins levels?

Phthalates

• Vinyl Curtains
• Vinyl Flooring
• Plastic Toys
• Perfumes
• Nail Polish
• Lotions/Shampoos
• Food Packaging
• IV Bags & Food Tubes used in hospitals
• Pill Containers

BPA Bisphernol A are found in:

• Soda Cans
• Lining of canned foods
• Dental Sealants
• Baby Bottles
• Thermal Receipts

By now you’re thinking; ‘So should I just shut the door and never leave my house?” No, that’s not what we’re saying. We’re encouraging you to be the ‘”CEO OF YOUR HOME.” By taking some of these steps, you will help bring about a change.

• Avoid canned foods – use fresh or frozen whenever possible
• Wash hands after handling thermal receipts
• Avoid plastics labelled 03, 06, 07 -
• Use safer plastics – 01, 02, 04, 05
• Buy PBA free bottles
• Avoid products saying “Fragrance”
• Don’t microwave plastic
• Use DBP nail polish
• Use more glass
• Buy furniture and clothing made out of natural fibers
• Avoid products that contain parabens
• Don’t smoke
• Eat foods that are low on the food chain – Plant based
• Eat Organic whenever you can – Save $ by joining a Food Co-op
• Use plant based or non-toxic cleaners
• Read labels

Foods that have the fewest pesticides:

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe
• Eggplant
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew Melon
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Pineapple
• Sweet Corn
• Sweet Peas
• Sweet Potato
• Watermelon

Foods that are higher in pesticides – buy Organic

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Blueberries
• Celery
• Cherries
• Imported Grapes
• Kale & Collards
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Strawberries

We need to put increased pressure  on our leaders to stop the use of these toxins and put regulatory measures in place.

IF THE PEOPLE LEAD, THE LEADERS WILL FOLLOW

Happiness, $25 and under

Useful sites:

www.healthystuff.org

https://greencleaning.ny.gov/entry.asp

www.beyondpesticides.org

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

www.cehcenter.org

Click to view the panel discussion