Beth "Plant-eating Machine" M.'s Profile
Date
Listed in: On Motorcycles
131 E Dunes Hwy
Beverly Shores, IN 46301
(219) 879-3081
Beverly Shores, IN 46301
(219) 879-3081
Bartlett's Gourmet Grill & Tavern
Category:
American (Traditional)
Our riding crew stops at Bartlett's on our trips down Highway 12 along the lakeshore. They have about a half-dozen beers on tap at any given time, including some from craft brews; I had Bell's Two Hearted Ale yesterday.
While most of the menu caters to meat eaters, there are vegan options. I split the balsamic grilled vegetables with orzo (on the dinner menu) for an afternoon snack. The pesto sauce gave it a nice depth of flavour. A few months ago they had a grilled veggie wrap on the menu.
Service seemed odd yesterday; the servers were bringing out a drink or two at a time, rather than taking them all on a tray at once. Not a big deal, just strange.
The patio was perfect for the unseasonably warm afternoon.
While most of the menu caters to meat eaters, there are vegan options. I split the balsamic grilled vegetables with orzo (on the dinner menu) for an afternoon snack. The pesto sauce gave it a nice depth of flavour. A few months ago they had a grilled veggie wrap on the menu.
Service seemed odd yesterday; the servers were bringing out a drink or two at a time, rather than taking them all on a tray at once. Not a big deal, just strange.
The patio was perfect for the unseasonably warm afternoon.
Listed in: On Motorcycles
2550 W Diversey Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-4028
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-4028
Kabbe's Hardware
Category:
Hardware Stores
Neighborhoods: Avondale, Logan Square
My dad's first job as a teen was at a True Value shop. In my mind the franchise has always been the old-school neighbourhood hardware store, with a man behind the counter who knows you and your family by name. This image rings true with Kabbe's.
I walked in to the cozy familiarity that you don't get at the big-box stores. The smell of metal and perhaps shop grease reminded me of my grandpa's tool room. Sensing my scanning eyes, the man behind the counter immediately greeted me and offered to help. It's different not having to wander the aisles yourself - he went and got everything I needed, asking the right questions to make sure the items fit my needs exactly. Smiles and friendly chit-chat ended what had been a frustrating day of errands. I almost wanted to hang out here for a while.
While they may not be able to carry the seemingly unlimited varieties and quantities of the larger stores, it was almost relieving to not be paralysed by options. I definitely will check Kabbe's for what I need before going to the warehouse store down the street.
I walked in to the cozy familiarity that you don't get at the big-box stores. The smell of metal and perhaps shop grease reminded me of my grandpa's tool room. Sensing my scanning eyes, the man behind the counter immediately greeted me and offered to help. It's different not having to wander the aisles yourself - he went and got everything I needed, asking the right questions to make sure the items fit my needs exactly. Smiles and friendly chit-chat ended what had been a frustrating day of errands. I almost wanted to hang out here for a while.
While they may not be able to carry the seemingly unlimited varieties and quantities of the larger stores, it was almost relieving to not be paralysed by options. I definitely will check Kabbe's for what I need before going to the warehouse store down the street.
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: On 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: On 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!
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"The Vegan Dining Expert"
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Review votes:
388 Useful, 131 Funny, and 227 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
There aren't really vegan options on the menu. They kindly made spinach sauteed in olive oil for me. I feel the beer list is severely lacking, but maybe that just isn't their focus. The pricing is rather expensive for both food and drinks. At least there is a free basket of bread to munch on.
I wouldn't make this a destination, but it's convenient for a quick stop along the route.