So I have a problem. I like to do ALL the things, in that I’ve always been a ‘I love my plate tipping over’ kind of person. Until I realize it’s not possible to do all the things and do them well. Let’s take The Blissful Veggie (TBV) as an example.
I started TBV earlier this year with the hopes of creating a space for veggie friendly restaurant reviews. Great idea in theory. But when you’re pregnant and have a blog you already post fairly regularly to and have a full time job, it’s a bit much…even for me! Also, I totally didn’t take into account the fact that after you have a baby meals out are kind of a once in a blue moon type of event. At least for the time being. If we don’t go out to eat, I don’t have any content to share!
So with that being said, TBV is coming to an end…for now. However, I still love sharing and writing restaurant reviews so that won’t stop. When we get a chance to try new restaurants, AND I remember to take a few decent pics, I’ll share my foodie adventures on MIS.
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With all of that being said, here’s a restaurant review I’ve been wanting to share.
Native Foods Cafe is a vegan restaurant Thea (my coworker and friend) and I frequent a lot. Mind you, Thea is a not a vegetarian, yet she loves this place as much as I do.
Because we’re basically the same person (just kidding, she’s a lot cooler than me!), we always order the same few things and share. On our most recent visit, we convinced our coworker Lamia to come with us. We’re always looking to spread the Native Foods love!
Lamia was happy to go with the flow, so Thea and I decided to stick with our favorites – the Native Nachos + guacamole + the seitan taco meat and a side of sweet potato fries + the spicy and creamy dipping sauce. Because there were three of us this time, we also ordered Native Chicken Wings with a side of creamy ranch. And of course, you can’t go to Native Foods without contemplating dessert. Our contemplation pointed to a ‘duh,’ so we ended up getting the Peanut Butter Parfait.
SO MUCH GOODNESS!
The following pictures will speak for themselves, but the food here is finger licking good.
The nachos are perfectly prepared with a variety of delicious toppings, including the best “cheese” sauce. I also love the balance of textures and flavors – everything just ‘fits’ together. You may think you’re ordering the standard run of the mill nachos, but you’re wrong. These are super unique.
The sweet potato fries are great on their own, but what makes them extra special is the sauce. Every time we eat here, I’m tempted to ask someone the secret to making it taste so good. It’s so creamy and rich with a bit of spice mixed in. Love the sweet and savory play here!
This was my first time trying the chicken wings, and I must say, I’m a fan! Of course, they don’t taste like chicken, but the sauce gets you as close as possible given these are made of veggie protein. Again, the ranch dipping sauce makes these next level good. The balance of spice from the wing sauce and the cool ranch is perfect.
And finally, this dessert. It’s pretty incredible. I mean, peanut butter cream + chocolate + banana bread. And believe it or not, it’s pretty light!
If you live in the Chicagoland area (or are planning to visit), I highly recommend Native Foods Cafe. There’s truly something for everyone, vegan or not!
Your turn – do you have a favorite vegan/vegetarian restaurant in your city?
Did you know the downtown Native Foods is buy one, get one on Wednesdays? I find their food to be a bit hit or miss, but they have more than enough hits to keep me coming back regularly.
Those sweet potato fries alone are worth the visit!!
We think so!