The great thing about this list is that it helps us support local businesses owned by Black folks and encourage ourselves to explore new areas of the city. The downside is that none are very vegan for yours truly - oh well. I chose to indulge in the spirit of exploring my world!
Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken, 47th Street (March 2, 2020)
Dave and I took the Green Line down from the South Loop on a random Monday to go get some fried chicken at our nearest Uncle Remus location (Bronzeville). The Monday special was a whole fried chicken with sauce and one side, so we got that with a side of fried okra.
The chicken was crispy and delicious, and so was the okra with its nice corn meal breading (although some of the okra pieces were small and a little more breading than veggie). I had figured the "mild sauce" would be similar to hot sauce, but it was a sweet, clear-ish sauce similar to sweet & sour. Very nice to dip both the okra and chicken in.
I had made some vegan banana pudding the night before, so we came home and at least ate a relatively healthy dessert. Not a bad idea to indulge in fried chicken once or twice a year.
Old Fashioned Donuts, South Michigan Avenue (April 25, 2020)
Since we visited Uncle Remus, the pandemic happened and restaurants began closing or only offering take-out. We thought this was a good time to visit Old Fashioned Donuts to support a small business and get some tasty breakfast.
The donuts were completely delicious - the fried dough was perfectly fluffy but substantial, and the icings were very tasty. We shared one caramel and one strawberry, and the caramel was my favorite - it was like perfect dulce de leche. I look forward to returning.
P.S. We came back here several times. One of my favorites.
Harold's Chicken, South Wabash Avenue (August 27, 2020)
A few weeks prior to this visit, we tried to visit one of the Harold's spots owned by the original chain creators, but it was closed! We heard about another Harold's location closing on 87th and decided to just visit the one right near us in the South Loop. They have also been looted this year, so we wanted to give them some business.
Harold's Chicken, South Wabash Avenue (August 27, 2020)
A few weeks prior to this visit, we tried to visit one of the Harold's spots owned by the original chain creators, but it was closed! We heard about another Harold's location closing on 87th and decided to just visit the one right near us in the South Loop. They have also been looted this year, so we wanted to give them some business.
Dave got a fried chicken breast and two legs (I had a chunk of the breast) and we split the fried okra, greens, and jalapeño poppers. All of it was excellent, seemed like a cornbread batter that was not overwhelming. Okra were in huge recognizable chunks - sorry, Uncle Remus, they were better at Harold's.
Lem's Bar-B-Cue, East 75th Street (August 29, 2020)
Dave got the rib tips and hot links meal, which came with lots of fries and white bread to mop it up. Spicy and delicious; the smoked hot link was one of the best I've ever had.
We hit it at the same time as Original Soul Vegetarian (see below), which is about a block away.
Taurus Flavors, Stony Island (September 1, 2020
This one is closed for the year, possibly forever. Tried to visit it when we went to Plant-Based Junkie, but it was extremely closed. Will try again in future years!
I also wanted to add that in the midst of eating my way through the first list, racial justice activism started to go into high gear in our country, and Chicago was no exception. One thing I know I can do is support local black-owned businesses, especially on the south and west sides. I found this list of Black-owned vegan restaurants, and here's a quick run-down:
- Majani (South Shore): visited September 2020; absolutely delightful fried cauliflower and tofu tacos.
- Can't Believe It's Not Meat (Hyde Park): visited July 2020; very tasty.
- Original Soul Vegetarian (Grand Crossing): visited August 2020, has a juice / smoothie bar, hot bar, salad bar, and a selection of entrees, appetizers, and desserts to order. Really tasty and varied.
- Demera (Uptown): visited August 2020; lots of vegetarian & vegan options, makes me want to do more Ethiopian outings.
- Ras Dashen (Edgewater): visited September 2020; I think we seriously ordered one of every vegetarian main dish and side. Absolutely fantastic. The okra was really special.
- The Cultured Vegan (online): enjoyed some fantastic burgers, picked up from The Plant (an outdoor vegan market) in September 2020.
- B'Gabs Goodies (Hyde Park): picked up some juices and split a chocolate-banana-date smoothie in September 2020; lunch and breakfast options also looked solid.
- Libby's Corner (online): ran into them at The Plant vegan outdoor market in September 2020, bought a delightful peach cobbler.
- Soul Vegan (McKinley Park): found this at Whole Foods South Loop in October 2020; very nice jerk tofu wrap.
- Ethiopian Diamond (Edgewater): visited October 2020, enjoyed some delicious sambusas on a walk.
- Plant-Based Junkie (Calumet Heights): visited September 2020; amazing veggie-based burgers, super melty cheese, wonderfully cooked veggies. I got the Hot Mess, Dave got the Junk. Delightful.
- Conscious Plates (Bronzeville): visited August 2020, SO GOOD. The raspberry soursop smoothie is not joking around, and neither are the avocado fries or pretty much anything else on the menu. Look for them in the Boxville pop-up of businesses in shipping containers!
I have obviously had a blast and a half exploring these food lists. I recommend a visit to any of the restaurants and food purveyors.
No comments:
Post a Comment