Caravan of Dreams

Photo: Beth Levendis

Some might call the well-worn interior and low ceilings at Caravan of Dreams frumpy, but as far as we’re concerned, they only add to the casual, tucked-away allure of this East Village vegan stalwart. The cocoonlike subterranean space exudes warmth with purple walls, hanging tapestries and a banquette covered with red brocade pillows. On a recent night, we dined to the world-music stylings of a live guitarist and a drummer—an appropriate choice for a menu that has no borders. Patrons can choose from a wide variety of appetizers, entrées and desserts, both cooked and “live” (made of raw fruits, nuts and seeds). We enjoyed the live hummus, an exceptionally light and fluffy spread, perfumed with pureed almonds and served with toothsome flaxseed chips and crudité. Needless to say, it tasted nothing like the stuff we buy at the grocery store. We were less impressed with the peanut-sesame noodle starter, a bland bowl of wheat spaghetti slathered with a flat peanut sauce. The solid, but unremarkable, entrées were still an improvement. A ginger curry stir-fry was a hearty, filling plate of nutty brown rice sautéed with a cornucopia of springy snap peas, sliced carrots, slivers of red cabbage, zucchini, broccoli, and chunks of tofu, but was a bit too dry. It’d be hard to mess up our dessert, however: a decadent tower of carob-coated cookies, scoops of soy ice cream and drizzles of carob and strawberry sauces.—TONY