One of Chicago’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants Serves Up Tasty Dishes Even Carnivores Will Love

During a recent tasting at the vegetarian-beloved Blind Faith Cafe in Evanston (525 Dempster St.; 847-328-6875; map it) more times than not, after sampling the restaurant’s assortment of tofu and seitan (a wheat-based meat substitute) dishes, I placed my fork down and cheered a loud, “Yummy!” Even my boyfriend, a proud and dedicated carnivore, blurted out his own “oohs and ahs” after finishing his first vegetarian Kung Pao made with Szechwan glazed gardein sautéed with ginger, garlic, and roasted nuts and served with baby bok choy and jasmine rice. I nearly gave a standing ovation after tasting the restaurant’s Asian dumplings in shiitake consommé with vegetable dumplings, tofu, and ginger. This soup is made with tremendous care and detail, simmering for 24 hours before it turns into the most delectable, warm, and nourishing ginger soup I have ever had.

Blind Faith Cafe has been an institution in Chicago’s vegetarian scene for more than 25 years. The service is friendly, attentive, and consistent. The menu, which changes seasonally, is equally impressive, giving any  meat dish a run for its money. Even the most ardent of meat lovers will walk away from Blind Faith Cafe with a new appreciation for glazed Portobello mushrooms and risotto cakes. Other crowd pleasers include the restaurant’s:

Kung Pao – as described above.

Enchiladas Verde made with corn, potato, sour cream, jack cheese, and salsa verde.

Sagamite made with hominy corn, wild mushroom, Jerusalem artichokes, and apple smoked squash.

Mongolian Stir Fry with seitan, broccoli, red pepper, and scallions in a spicy Mongolian sauce.

Be sure to save room for dessert because some of the restaurant’s vegan creations you will not only want to enjoy after dinner but will also want to buy extras of and take home – they are that good. (Tip: Blind Faith Cafe has a to-go bakery.) Dessert favorites include peanut butter-chocolate cake, flourless chocolate cake, and Tiramisu. From the to-go bakery, the peanut butter blondie bar, vegan pumpkin cheesecake, and vegan cupcakes with tofu buttercream frosting won’t disappoint.

Blind Faith Cafe serves alcohol, including beer and wine (organic and vegan options are available) and specially-made cocktails such as their popular Caipirinha with cachaca, sugar, and lime. Non-alcoholic beverages and teas and coffees are also available.

The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and, of course, for coffee and dessert.

For more information and to make a reservation:

Blind Faith Cafe
525 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60201
847-328-6875

Photo credit: SXC