***This vacation was taken before I started blogging and before I started photos of my meals. It still contains relevant info on sightseeing and dining.***
Chicago, Illinois..Thats where I ventured during a long January weekend this past year. Again, the HappyCow website led me to some wonderful vegan travel and dining options.
I decided to eat at The Chicago Diner. The menu contains vegetarian and vegan items. Its not downtown but a subway ride followed by a short walk proved worth my while. The menu includes shakes & smoothies, brunch (tofu scrambles, burritos, french toast & many other options), entrees (lasagna, rice dishes, faux meat, stir fry), and fabulous vegan desserts. Vegans can substitute tofu for eggs. I made sure to try a smoothie, french toast combo, and vegan cookies for dessert. Everything was DELICIOUS! I can not say enough about this wonderful place.
For dinner one evening, I decided to check out some pizza places because I wanted to try “Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza”. Unfortunately every place I visited told me that the cheese is pre-baked into the pizza or the crust contains butter. Finally, I stopped at Pizzeria Uno. They told me that they could indeed make a vegan pizza for me with several toppings. I was thrilled! Now there are several Unos in Chicago. As it turns out, I was at the ORIGINAL one, the first in the country! The vegan pizza, by the way, was SUPERB! Vegan diners: Please do not be afraid to ask restaurants if they can alter or omit ingredients. Most chefs are very accommodating. Many restaurants are willing to make vegan pizza for you.
Chicago also has a “raw food” vegan restaurant called Karyn’s. http://www.karynraw.com/pgs/kfc_me.html
I ate dinner there one evening. There did not appear to be any veggie-friendly restaurants in Chicago’s downtown, “Magnificent Mile” neighborhood but a quick taxi ride away. Karyn’s serves healthy, nutritious smoothies and teas. The meal is a buffet where you can choose from salads, beans, veggies, and desserts. They have lots of options. You can choose from many different nutritional “boosts” to add to your smoothies. I give this restaurant a “thumbs Up” also.
My sightseeing included a visit to The Sears Tower and John Hancock Observatory overlooking the city. Another Must-See is the Adler Planetarium which is the oldest one in the Western Hemisphere. Stop for lunch afterwards in the Planetarium’s cafeteria. Its large windows give you a waterfront view of Lake Michigan. History buffs may want to stop by Water Tower Place and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.
Art lovers should visit The Art Institute Of Chicago. The museum is huge. Its definitely worth your time.
One evening I attended a performance at Second City Comedy Club. This is where many famous comedians and SNL stars got their start.
For my second evening’s entertainment, I headed over to a Chicago Blues club. The performer was amazing!
All in all another wonderful trip with satisfying vegan dining options!