Mint Kitchen

Elbow grease, not a machine, produces ultrasmooth hummus at Mint Kitchen. Husked chana dal is pulverized in a mortar and pestle, spiced up and served with roasted mushrooms and a puffy pita. This fast-casual Middle Eastern spot near Union Square comes courtesy of baker and culinary guru Erez Komarovsky, who executes other healthy twists like vegan Caesar salad with roasted avocado. Sit at tables or on stadium-style wooden benches in a  roomy, sunny space that’s lined by shelves of plants and urns.