F: Is for Food that keeps you fit

I have a lot of vegan friends who are always on the look out for the top restaurants that cater to them. Here are nine that should send you into vegan delight.

1: LULA'S SWEET APOTHECARY: 516 East 6th Street: Average entree cost: $1-$5
They make their own ice cream and also carry Chicago Soy Dairy soft-serve. Lots of old timey soda shop things like egg creams, floats and malts, as well as Red Mango and Gone Pie baked goods and fair trade coffee and hot chocolate.

2: CANDLE 79: 154 East 79th Street: Average entree cost: $15-$20
If you are looking to impress your vegan date, this is the place.

3: SNICE: 45 8th Avenue: Average entree cost: $5-$10
This is a NYC vegan favorite. Decently priced and delicious sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere where you can comfortably hang out with a group or sit alone, hovering over your laptop and a cupcake. Desserts are mostly vegan, and don't miss putting together an ice cream sandwich with your choice of cookie.

4: WILD GINGER:380 Broome Street: Average entree cost: $10-$15
Wild Ginger delivers.

5: BLOSSOM: 187 Ninth Ave: Average entree cost: $20+
Juice bar/ cafe by day; candle lit restaurant by night.

6: CURLY'S VEGETARIAN LUNCH: 328 East 14th Street: Average entree cost: $5-$10
Vegetarian variations of American diner food, for the most part. The menu claims any item can be made vegan for an additional 25¢.

7: RED BAMBOO: 140 West 4th Street: Average entree cost: $5-$10
This restaurant offeres a fusion of American soul food and Chinese food with some other world dishes thrown in. There is also homemade ice cream which you can eat alone or in a Boston or milkshake.

8:ANGELICA KITCHEN: 300 East 12th Street: Average entree cost: $10-$15
A NYC mainstay. If you love old school vegan food or if you were in gradeschool or a coma in the 90s, Anglica's might be the place for you. Next door to the main restaurant, there is a seperate entrance for take-out or counter service (with very limited seating). Warning to caffeine fiends - the strongest thing here is Orange Pekoe tea; they do not serve coffee.

9: BABYCAKES: 248 Broome Street: Average entree cost: $1-$5
Soy, nut, and sugar-free confections made without refined flour. $1 buys you a shot of icing!

Eating healthy is easy if you know where to look and that is a F.A.C.T.