The free bottle of water and small cup of fruit salad don’t cut it anymore. When it comes to cuisine, spas have upped their game in an effort to please a picky NYC clientele. Spa 88 houses an entire Russian restaurant, and the Clay Health Club and Spa offers a full made-to-order breakfast. Think you have to leave a spa with your stomach grumbling? Here are five spa-menu highlights that prove otherwise.
Sushi at Townhouse Spa
Townhouse offers an array of customized sushi plates, from standard California rolls ($8) to event platters featuring pieces stuffed with soft-shell crab or topped with caviar ($90 to $180). “We do anything from one person coming in and having a light lunch to 300 people coming in for a party,” says owner Jamie Ahn. Made fresh to order, the sushi is especially popular among those on the go. “We have pull-out trays on all of our pedicure units,” Ahn says, “so you can eat while you get your nails done!”
39 W. 56th St.; 212-245-8006, townhousespa.com
Mac ’n’ cheese cupcakes at Body by Brooklyn
“These were inspired by a client who was having a birthday party and wanted something different and unique,” says Renee Wray, owner and chef at Chyna’s Catering. Wray is Body by Brooklyn’s go-to foodie, responsible for whipping up menu items for the spa’s $20 three-course weekend brunch and special events. Her savory mac ’n’ cheese cupcakes have been a hit ever since she impressed the party girl. Wray combines Monterey Jack, Muenster, sharp cheddar and a “secret” cheese to make the cupcakes, which are served at Body by Brooklyn’s BBB Cafe.
275 Park Ave., Clinton Hill; 718-923-9400, bodybybrooklyn.com
Breakfast at Clay Health Club and Spa
Early morning spa-goers and workout fiends delight in Clay’s breakfast options, which are made to order from fresh ingredients. Mango smoothies with coconut water, ginger and banana ($7) make a great meal on the go, and there are also a number of dishes to be enjoyed in the cafe. “The buckwheat waffles ($4 to $6) are vegan and gluten-free, so they’re a great option for those who are on a more restrictive diet,” says Clay nutritionist Erica Giovinazzo. Noncalorie-counters are fans of the organic egg frittatas ($4), which can be filled with extras like turkey bacon, avocado, feta cheese and more.
25 W. 14th St.; 212-206-9200, insideclay.com
Pelmeni at Spa 88
You may have to pass a few towel-clad men to reach this Wall Street bathhouse’s Russian restaurant, but that doesn’t deter patrons from getting their fix of pelmeni. “It’s Russian-style ravioli,” explains Mark Davidov, manager Spa 88’s Matryoshka Restaurant, “and you can get it with veal, chicken or beef.” makes the traditional meal ($10 to $14) with fresh pasta and serves it with sour cream. They’ll serve it boiled or fried at a customer’s request.
88 Fulton St.; 212-766-8600, wallstreetbath.com