Chicago Diner

I had been to the famous Chicago Diner years ago, back when my taste buds were less sophisticated and my veganism less creative. But this time around I was able to appreciate its broad selection of eats and amazing sweet treats more thoroughly. The Buffalo wings (below) were amazing, right down to the thick and creamy cucumber dill dip.Pan Seared Filet: Panko breaded & baked sesame tofu with a ginger-garlic sauce, served with sweet potato “fries”, brown rice blend & steamed kale. Hubba Hubba.

Prices could be a bit lower on the desserts: cake slices are $6 and shakes almost $7. But they are indeed heavenly. Below is the cookies and cream 3-layer cake. Golden vanilla and chocolate marbled cakes infused with chocolate chip cookie. Cakes are a bit dry but still spectacular. Icing is divine and sweet, a notch away from too sweet. Cakes are sold at Whole Foods in the Midwest area. Vegan shakes are from local wonder, Temptation. And what a difference local makes. Chicago’s Temptation is creamy and thick and heavenly. Here in NY I’ve not been impressed with it.
Brunch at Chicago Diner is extensive and hearty. Below is my ‘Steak’ & ‘Eggs’ (Breaded seitan filet with one of the best tofu ‘egg’ I’ve ever tasted, a scrumptious hollandaise sauce with tempeh and potato hash & fruit). Among the other brunch offerings: Green ‘eggs’ and ‘ham’ (Scrambled tofu with spinach, broccoli, peppers, onions & pesto, with ‘ham’, homestyle potatoes & toast). Well worth the crash course in Chicago’s subway.