Feeling the Love

First off, I'm so excited for those friends and family who are joining me for the 21-Day Vegan Kickoff. I love hearing about your challenges, accomplishments and discoveries, along with all the other complicated emotions that bubble up when you're trying to let go of something safe and comfortable. Fear of the unknown is something I struggle with so often. I always say, I hate change. But the truth is, my life is constantly in flux, as is the life of most modern Americans.

But, I've been introduced to a new favorite eatery, here in Chicago, that brings me great big huge amounts of comfort. Karyn's in Lincoln Park has long been a spot to go for a raw meal or to pick up to-go items for a situation where I'm the only veg-only eater. As I've said before, though I dig raw food in stops and starts, my body doesn't handle it well long-term. I appreciate all the good things eating raw does, but for me it just isn't where I want to be.

So, now there is Karyn's Cooked! And I couldn't be more delighted. I came upon this gem under especially exciting circumstances. My newest crush asked me to attend a wine tasting with him. He's kind of a huge deal with the local wine scene, so I knew the event would be fun. Nevermind it had been a week since I'd seen him, and was delighted to hang out again.

In order to accompany him to the tasting I had a lot of work to do prior. So much work, in fact, I didn't take time to eat. I took time for yoga, and running and answering e-mails, and planning trips and shipping samples, and looking at blueprints...but while changing into something more "date like," it occurred to me I'd had no food.

I quickly created the green shake I'd seen on Kimberly Wilson's video blog and drank about half before dashing out to find a cab. Wine was amazing. Guy is amazing (I mean, really so ...well, I'll try to focused). But after the last glass had been poured I confessed to my need of food.

He took me to Karyn's (another reason he is wonderful)and we pigged out. I had the taco wrap, which was absolutely the perfect combo of spicy, with a little sweet and oodles of green. We both order a side of greens and my date got the raw plate. Ironically, he said he prefers the raw plate at this location to some of the dishes at Karyn's Raw. Regardless, it was all amazing.

We went really early, but as we are early in the dating stages, we sat for a very long time and chatted over tea. As the night went on, people poured in. The cocktails looked amazing and they have a very decent wine list.

I often talk about how great it has been for me to go to omnivorous restaurants and have chefs make something off the menu. I also feel it's important for omnivorous restaurants to have more vegan options on their menu, beyond a steamed veggie plate or a veggie burger. Initially, I would have had a difficult time ever seeing my friends if the only place I wanted to go was Chicago Diner.

However, it is a REAL joy to go to a place that all my friends would actually appreciate, AND I can order whatever I see on the menu, that my little heart desires. I love, love, love Karyn's Cooked!!!