Sunday, November 13, 2011

Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant--Chicago

Its rare in the world of vegan food consumption, that one discovers an eatery which vows to maintain a higher vibratory environmental energy, in addition to delivering cuisine that matches the same noble assertion.  The Loving Hut was created with the vision that all beings can live in peace, love and harmony with each other. Like most vegans, the Loving Hut believes that a plant-based diet is healthier, more compassionate, and the only truly sustainable diet for the whole planet. With over 200 locations worldwide, the Loving Hut franchise has truth to the claim that they are the largest & best international vegan food franchise.  My recent trip to Chicago afforded me the great opportunity to re-visit the Loving Hut-Chicago location on N. Broadway in the Lincoln Park section of the city.


Atmosphere
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

Given the overall combination of food, prices and a serene atmosphere. Vegan Hut-Chicago scores 4.5 out of 5 vegetables on the V.W.C. scale. We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to any and everyone. Try it out and let us know your thoughts.

Happy Vegan Living!!!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Strictly Roots Restaurant, NYC

Fellow Vegans & Good Food Connoisseurs the world-over,

This entry is dedicated to my favorite vegan eatery: Strictly Roots Restaurant. If anyone finds themselves anywhere near the NYC, do yourself a favor, travel Uptown to Harlem and check out this world renowned vegan oasis.  See address:
2058 Adam Clayton Powell Junior Boulevard
New York, NY 10027-5402
(212) 864-8699

Atmosphere
Unlike most trendy vegan spots nowadays, this eatery is low on frills but extremely high on spice & tastiness. The slogan imprinted on the wall says it all "We serve nothing that walks, swims or flies", which always makes this vegan smile every time that I read it. I don't know if the slogan is really that catchy or just the fact that when I'm there, I never have to ask the question which all vegans hate to ask before a meal; "Are you sure this is vegan?" lol

Food
Rest assured every item in Strictly Roots is vegan.  Since the cuisine is Caribbean in style, one can always count on a culinary explosion of taste & texture laced with heavy exotic vegetables and spices. They serve everything from savory soups, fresh baked pastries, to full course lunch and dinner entrees.

Prices
I've found the prices to be extremely modest and the serving sizes to be even more generous. I've patronized the restaurant with my family of four for dinner and made out with a final bill below $40 (including tip). Feeding a family of four, excellent vegan cuisine in NYC for under $40 is a rarity at best.

Rating
Given the overall combination of food, prices and a low-key atmosphere. Strictly Roots scores 5 out of 5 vegetables, the highest rating on the V.W.C. scale. We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to any and everyone. Try it out and let us know your thoughts.

Happy Vegan Living!!!