Le Botaniste on the Upper East Side is an apothecary styled organic, plant-based wine bar. This unusual idea is the brainchild of Alain Coumont, who is behind the tremendous success of Le Pain Quotidien in the United States.

Designed like an old-fashioned pharmacy with staff wearing white lab coats surrounded by beakers tinctures, the environs inspire mindful and healthful eating. Items on the menu are prescriptions for wellbeing with dishes such as the Tibetan Mama Rice Bowl, “a savory combination of brown rice, peanut curry sauce, steamed greens and spicy kimchi,” and a Dirty Noodle Soup, “with velvety tofu, steamed leeks, garlic and spicy ginger.” The menu here is totally organic, botanical (no animal products) and seasonal.

At Le Botaniste they offer a remarkable list of biodynamic wines and combinations of detox juices. The desserts are not to be missed – especially the “Chocolate Chia Mud” which I could not stop eating. Le Botaniste is a wonderful concept for those looking for a healthful wine bar where one can kick back with clean eating.

Here is some of what we ate: