I love VegNews. When I say that, I mean I read every single word in each issue. My copies of VegNews end up almost tattered by the time the next one comes.
Last week, my issue came in the mail. I was watching my sister's kids and my own, so I only got to flip through it the day it came. The next morning, though, I was sitting at my kitchen table taking a closer look while I had coffee with my husband. While I was perusing my beloved mag, I was telling him how much I'd love to some day see Welcoming Kitchen in VegNews.
Then I let out a scream and cried for close to two hours!!!! Not only was my book in the Media Lounge section, but they loved it.
What to do ... but celebrate? This time, my sister watched my kids while my husband and I got away for the night.
I have wanted to go the fine-dining vegan restaurant extraordinaire, Karyn's on Green since it opened over a year ago. Whoa! It was FANTASTICALLY AMAZING!
Their menu is absolutely top-notch. They also code everything so that diners know what's raw, gluten-free, soy-free and/or nut- and seed-free.
They serve small plates, soups, salads, large plates, pizzas and sides. I had Roasted Carrot Potato Leek Soup, Sweet Pea Risotto (totally Welcoming Kitchen-friendly--GF, soy-free, nut-free and included white truffle oil!), and my husband and I shared Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. My husband's Butternut Squash Soup and Barbecue Seitan were also amazing.
The cocktails were also super-special. We had a Tree-tini, a yummy concoction that also makes you feel kinda good about yourself. They plant a tree for every one sold!
If you're in Chicago and looking for a special meal, you really can't do much better than Karyn's on Green, I think.
Can you believe that we had a Welcoming Kitchen-friendly lunch at another restaurant the next day?!
We ate a vacation-y lunch at Irazu, a sweet Costa Rican restaurant in Bucktown. We have been meaning to come here since our honeymoon to Costa Rica 10 years ago, and now we're kicking ourselves for taking so long!
Pinto Gallo (a traditional Costa Rican dish made from black beans and rice), corn tortillas, sweet plantains, and loaded tacos were not only a bargain, but so delicious!
All around, a good way to end the summer, and a reminder that even with dietary restrictions creative eating options abound!
Happy Cooking!
Kim and Megan
I am so glad you can find restaurants that are Welcome Kitchen friendly. I wanted to comment on the bowl, it is so futuristic, I love it! Now that makes a memorable dinner out, unique dishes and great company (your husband), congratulations on being in the magazine!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roxee! The restaurant was beautiful. Even though I don't need to eat with all the Welcoming Kitchen restrictions, it is so exciting to know that whatever your level of restriction is, there is likely an opportunity for you to have a good meal!
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