Wed. January 11, 2012
By Rick Karlin
Native Foods Café
1023 W. Belmont, (773) 549-4904
218 S. Clark (312) 332-6332
1484 N. Milwaukee (773) 489-8480
nativefoods.com
Among some of the more notable dishes are the nachos which features freshly made corn tortilla chips covered in black beans, vegan taco "meat", chipotle sour "cream", "cheese", salsa and guacamole. The dish is then topped with corn, green onions, cilantro and jalapenos. There's enough here to serve as a meal for one or a starter for two to three. The taquitos are another successful dish; corn tortillas filled with coconut mashed sweet potatoes are drizzled with chipotle based sour "cream" and served with guacamole. If you're noticing a Latin theme going on, you're right. The California based chain does feature a strong Latin influence, but also offers classic American fare.
Buffalo "Chicken" wings are served with a side of ranch or buffalo sauce, while the classic deli Reuben features seitan that recreates corned beef with amazing success, piled high on grilled marble rye topped with homemade sauerkraut, horseradish "cheese" and a slather of Russian dressing. The Italian sub combines "meatballs" and "sausage" on a grilled baguette topped with marinara, caramelized onions, roasted sweet peppers, pumpkin seed pesto, ranch dressing and Parmesan "cheese". Even that staple of Greek fast food joints, gyros, is recreated with slices of peppered seitan sautéed with shallots and served on grilled flat bread with quinoa, steamed vegetables, hummus and kale with lemon garlic sauce.
While these fast food staples are much healthier than their traditional counterparts, diners wishing to cut calories even more can opt for lighter fare such as; the twister wrap a combination of salad greens, avocado, cucumber salsa, chipotle "cream" sauce and a choice of crispy, blackened or grilled "chicken" in a whole wheat wrap. "Fish" tacos fill grilled soft corn tortillas with crispy battered tempeh, homemade surfer sauce, salsa fresca, shredded cabbage and guacamole.
Beverages options include juices and iced tea, but one taste of the watermelon water and you'll never want anything else. Desserts are amazingly rich, sweet and satisfying, especially the "cheesecake".
A note to those with nut allergies, Native Foods Café's cheeses and cream sauces are made with a blend of cashews, sunflower seeds and other nuts. Soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free menus available upon request
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com