Honestly, the curb appeal of this enterprise leaves much to be desired, but that sentiment is quickly quelled once patrons cross the threshold into the "Hallowed Halls" of the Loving Hut Chicago. A brief conversation with the owner rapidly confirms my instinctive hunch that the employees probably meditate prior to every shift. The proprietor, an older gentleman, explains to me that a sound emotional environment, where all parties are at peace, makes an ideal place for food preparation & consumption. He further explains that compassion & love are the key components in plant-based diets as well as spiritual ascension and development. I quickly agreed with this elder's irrefutable claims and began to observe the amount of detail that has gone into the aesthetics of the interior of this facility. The cool, neutral wall color allows the subtle messages of peace, compassion and love, painted on the walls, to stand out even more. The various bamboo plants and other greenery set an aire of tranquility that is expanded by the small water fountains strategically placed around the dinning area, which completes the elegant ambiance.
Food
In terms of the actual cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised at the extensive variety and the affordability across the menu. Check it out:
I was happy to indulge in the both aesthetic & palate pleasing cuisine from this trail-blazing vegan institution. There is something intoxicating about freshly prepared vegan food, be it baked, steamed or dehydrated, it is definitely an unmistakable and truly tantalizing experience for the taste buds. On this visit, I was lucky enough to partake in the steamed dumplings, for appetizers, the Almond Joy entree with brown rice, a slice of zucchini bread & a steaming cup of peppermint tea. All of these items were deliciously fresh and a great way to begin my brief expedition in the Windy City.
Price
The Loving Hut-Chicago location, is definitely reasonable in terms of the individual pricing strategy. If future patrons are anything remotely close to me (in terms of my 'lack of self-control', with regards to over-indulgence of quality vegan cuisine), then they can rest assured that this place will happily oblige while not breaking the proverbial 'bank'. I escaped from my visit with a bill of less than $25. Definitely a victory in my book and a place to revisit in the near future.
Rating
Happy Vegan Living!!!
