Bites on a Budget: $7.50 at Cafe Clementine

Although New York has a pretty good deal with the weather (at least compared to London), there are times when I really don't want to eat my lunch hunched on a stoop. Earlier this week, as it poured with rain, I was inspired to find somewhere I could seek shelter inside and enjoy a healthy meal. By recommendation we found Cafe Clementine—fresh organic sandwiches, soups, and salads, and civilized indoor seating. Just what we wanted. And with its pretty white exterior, it even looks more West Bank than West Broadway.

Emily decided on the Roasted Chicken Sandwich ($9.00), simply because one of the prime ingredients is chipotle mayo, and who can say no to that? Sure enough, her ciabatta sandwich arrived stuffed with freshly roasted chicken slathered in the good stuff, as well as lettuce and pickled red onion. Loddie chose the Eat Your Greens Special ($13) consisting of a lentil soup and the salad of the day, made with arugula, roasted eggplant, ricotta, roasted tomatoes, olives, garlic croutons, and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. (The salad alone will only set you back $7.50.) The ingredients looked like they'd been plucked fresh from a farm and dropped onto Loddie's plate.

Being your ultimate anti-veggie, I normally pick something stuffed with meat but today I found myself pining for some good old English cheddar cheese, so I leaned towards the Malibu Veg Sandwich ($9.00): seven-grain bread filled with sharp cheddar, crunchy California sprouts, chipotle mayo, jicama, and red onion. It satisfied my cheese craving and, although totally delicious, still felt pretty healthy. Meaning there was definitely room left for the special dessert of the day, a Peanut Butter Brownie ($3.00) with chocolate chips and chocolate icing. Merci beaucoup, Cafe Clementine!