Beth "Plant-eating Machine" M.'s Profile
Date
1769 W Sunnyside Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-2420
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-2420
Spacca Napoli
Category:
Pizza
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
The Marinara pizza is a simple yet flavourful option for vegans. No cheese, just tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves and peppery chunks of garlic. The waiter asked if I wanted to add any vegetables on top; I opted for mushrooms. They were good quality mushrooms - perhaps crimini - not just your standard white buttons. I managed to eat the whole pizza, but generally you would probably have some leftovers to take home. Reasonably priced and a treat for the taste buds. The complimentary glass of prosecco while waiting for dinner companions to arrive was a nice touch.
Listed in: Vegan Pizza
5885 Sawyer Rd
Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, MI 49125
(269) 405-1076
Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, MI 49125
(269) 405-1076
Greenbush Brewing
Category:
Breweries
Greenbush was our first Saturday Michigan ride destination. There is very limited seating in here. We squeezed into the tiny kids' chairs (?!) in the front corner. I can't say I'm used to seeing coloring books, Legos and other diversions for children in a bar. Unfortunately, even these seats were not ours for long; another patron came in with fussy children and we had to stand.
Beers at Greenbush are fairly cheap, and the Distorter Porter was great. You can order flights from their different categories. Next time I'd get a growler to go. It wasn't the most comfortable space to just hang out, though the beer was excellent.
Beers at Greenbush are fairly cheap, and the Distorter Porter was great. You can order flights from their different categories. Next time I'd get a growler to go. It wasn't the most comfortable space to just hang out, though the beer was excellent.
Listed in: Motorcycles, Brewpubs
1552 North Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-3900
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-3900
Levi's Store
Categories:
Men's Clothing,
Women's Clothing
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Along with many other things, I loathe shopping for clothes. I hate dragging an armful of items into the fitting room only to find that none of them fit well. Then I have to re-dress, grab all my belongings and start the process again. This happens over and over until I decide that "maybe this fits well enough" or "I'll just be a nudist".
Thankfully my experience at the Levi's store was made less painful by a very helpful and patient staff member. Seeing the fear in my eyes as I gazed at the plethora of pants in front of me, she offered to check my measurements and make some recommendations. She grabbed a couple adjacent sizes to be safe, then returned frequently to check on my progress. I was happy with the results. Now, to make these jeans last as long as the previous pair...
Thankfully my experience at the Levi's store was made less painful by a very helpful and patient staff member. Seeing the fear in my eyes as I gazed at the plethora of pants in front of me, she offered to check my measurements and make some recommendations. She grabbed a couple adjacent sizes to be safe, then returned frequently to check on my progress. I was happy with the results. Now, to make these jeans last as long as the previous pair...
I kept seeing the "All Natural Seitan" lettering in the window as I passed by this little neighbourhood joint, so I had to check it out. I had the seitan "chorizo" burrito with vegan cheese (Daiya). You can order your food Mexicano (cilantro and onions) or Americano (lettuce and tomatoes). I opted for the prior. The burrito was huge and quite heavy; I'm used to veggie burritos (sans cheese) to be not as substantial. Usually I finish all my food, but I had a little bit of the flour tortilla that I couldn't quite pack in my belly.
The atmosphere is nothing special, but it's a great place for a quick bite to eat or to take out. Definitely will return.
The atmosphere is nothing special, but it's a great place for a quick bite to eat or to take out. Definitely will return.
Listed in: Vegan Dish Variety, Vegan Cheese
1742 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-1742
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-1742
Mana Food Bar
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Vegan,
Juice Bars & Smoothies
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
All-vegetarian Mana offers small plates, much like Green Zebra, except many can also be ordered in a full entree size. The dishes also seem to be less elaborate, but the prices are a little lower as well. The menu is pretty easy for a vegan to navigate: All the cold dishes are vegan, and the non-vegan hot dishes include cheese or whatnot right in the description, so you don't have to ask. Sadly, the mushroom sliders cannot be made vegan. However, their tofu dishes (such as the "bulgogi") are superb in texture and flavour. The sesame noodles were simple but delicious. Two small dishes per person (which were then shared) was more than satisfying. We washed it down with Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout. Yum.
Since the space is so small, Mana can't take reservations, but after giving your name and number, you can go elsewhere for a drink until there are open seats. There isn't really enough room to wait inside. Service was friendly and helpful; even the way they poured the beer and refilled our water glasses seemed to demonstrate they genuinely cared.
Since the space is so small, Mana can't take reservations, but after giving your name and number, you can go elsewhere for a drink until there are open seats. There isn't really enough room to wait inside. Service was friendly and helpful; even the way they poured the beer and refilled our water glasses seemed to demonstrate they genuinely cared.
Listed in: All Vegan/Vegetarian, Fancy Pants Vegan/Vegetarian
The Livery was our destination for Saturday motorcycle ride to Michigan #2. I loved the downstairs bar area. It reminded me of an after-school program room, complete with random wooden tables and chairs, a bookshelf, and delicious beer on tap. (I wish they had beer after school.) A group of little old ladies laughing while drinking wine and flights. There's a painting of the bartender behind the bar; not sure that she knew how creepy it seemed. We hung out for some time without being crowded or asked to pipe down. It was quite relaxing.
I was sad I wasn't able to get a growler of my favourite brew there - Pavlov's Porter - since it was a nitro tap. But I took home one of the Guide IPA for the next day's Bears game; we finished it in no time. IPAs aren't generally my first choice, but it was good.
I was sad I wasn't able to get a growler of my favourite brew there - Pavlov's Porter - since it was a nitro tap. But I took home one of the Guide IPA for the next day's Bears game; we finished it in no time. IPAs aren't generally my first choice, but it was good.
Listed in: Motorcycles, Brewpubs
2657 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-7110
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-7110
Longman & Eagle
Category:
Gastropubs
Neighborhood: Logan Square
I suppose I should update my review, considering I've been here more often in the past month or so than I had since it opened.
While the cauliflower dish is no longer on the menu, the waiter graciously offered the chef's skills to make me a special vegan dish last night. I thought it was great, and even my non-veg companion said it was delicious! It consisted of white beans, carrots, turnips, brussels sprouts, huckleberries and (I think) mango, along with layers of herbs and spices. I've also had the salad with the lemon dressing and house potatoes made with veggie oil - yum!
Some of the servers and bartenders are more outgoing than others. Make some friends at the bar, and they'll treat you well. Cheers!
While the cauliflower dish is no longer on the menu, the waiter graciously offered the chef's skills to make me a special vegan dish last night. I thought it was great, and even my non-veg companion said it was delicious! It consisted of white beans, carrots, turnips, brussels sprouts, huckleberries and (I think) mango, along with layers of herbs and spices. I've also had the salad with the lemon dressing and house potatoes made with veggie oil - yum!
Some of the servers and bartenders are more outgoing than others. Make some friends at the bar, and they'll treat you well. Cheers!
Listed in: Gastropubs for Vegans - Not…, Vegan Brunch, Whiskey
1 Previous Review:
-
9/1/2010
It's usually difficult to find veggie options at these gastropubs that seem to highlight the grossest parts of unusual animals. Thankfully, L&E has the cauliflower and lentil dish that can be made vegan. The portion was reasonably-sized and quite savory. The price seemed rather extravagant though for what it was. It really was just cauliflower and lentils with a few raisins and small bits of mango. Perhaps a small side dish of a grain would fill it out.
Living nearby, I see the overflow of people pouring out from the packed place - not quite what I want to deal with for a relaxing after-work drink. It was really too loud to have a conversation with my dining partner, so we just drank more whiskey and beer!
2153 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
Chicago, IL 60622
Vegan Gallery
Category:
Art Galleries
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Why a "vegan gallery"? The owners adhere to a vegan lifestyle, and many, but not all, of the artists do as well. But since vegans come from all walks of life, you can expect an eclectic mix of art styles, subjects and media. There's something for every price point as well. Four pieces of art have come home with me from the gallery so far: drawings by Jennifer Anne Buckley and Edna Angeles and two prints by Darren Miller.
I've been to several of their Friday night open house events (every other week, I believe). It's a very down-to-earth, friendly environment. Keep an open mind and meet some interesting people; have a little fun (and/or a drink or two).
The woman behind the vegan food truck brings sandwiches and more for sale during the open house Fridays, but she's sure to sell out quickly!
I've been to several of their Friday night open house events (every other week, I believe). It's a very down-to-earth, friendly environment. Keep an open mind and meet some interesting people; have a little fun (and/or a drink or two).
The woman behind the vegan food truck brings sandwiches and more for sale during the open house Fridays, but she's sure to sell out quickly!
Listed in: Art I like.
I remarked to my companion, "If I had a den, I would want it to look like this!" The dim lighting and somewhat eccentric decor (a plethora of antique odds-n-ends) reminds me of my grandfather's basement, but it makes this the kind of place I'd hang in all night. A live jazz band played the first time I sank into a spacious booth, adding to the relaxing environment.
There isn't much food for a vegan, per se, but I did have a spinach, fruit and nut salad without the cheese. It made a perfect light meal.
Cash only, but an ATM is conveniently located near the entrance.
There isn't much food for a vegan, per se, but I did have a spinach, fruit and nut salad without the cheese. It made a perfect light meal.
Cash only, but an ATM is conveniently located near the entrance.
1321 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 243-1577
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 243-1577
Three Aces
Categories:
Italian,
Gastropubs
Neighborhood: University Village
Several of my riding buddies hang out here, and I finally got a chance to check it out. The bartender was super-helpful when I asked about cheeseless pizza; he went back to the kitchen to make sure their homemade dough was vegan. The pizza was enough for a heavy snack/light meal. It had spicy tomato sauce, bits of portabella, hot red pepper slices, onions and fresh basil. Yum.
I didn't look at the drink menu because they were passing out tokens for free Sailor Jerry drinks.
I liked the rock 'n roll atmosphere. I shall have to return.
I didn't look at the drink menu because they were passing out tokens for free Sailor Jerry drinks.
I liked the rock 'n roll atmosphere. I shall have to return.
24 Lists
1. Ciao Napoli Pizzeria
Veganized pizza can be…
2. The Boiler Room
Awesome! The Boiler Room…
3. Whole Foods Market
See Full List »
Of course I complain…
1. Roman Custom Cycles
Some people drive across…
2. Chicago Harley-Davidson
Thanks to Nick's help, I…
3. Ride-Chicago Motorcycle School
See Full List »
I've been eyeing the Ride…
|
"The Vegan Dining Expert"
- 104 Friends
- 225 Reviews
- 7 Review Updates
- 16 Firsts
- 54 Fans
- 24 Lists
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
374 Useful, 125 Funny, and 219 Cool
Location
Chicago, IL
Yelping SinceSeptember 2008
Things I Loveeating plants, rescuing animals, drinking dark beer, riding my Harley
Find Me InLogan Square or Hyde Park
My HometownBorn in the southwest suburbs; ran away to the big, bad city
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm stuffing my face.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI know where to eat on a non-standard-American diet.
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadSex Before Dawn
My First ConcertLucky Boys Confusion
My Favorite MovieAmores Perros
My Last Meal On EarthFalafel!
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I have an overeating problem.
Most Recent DiscoveryBreweries within riding/driving distance
Current Crusha certain someone special