PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

One of Chicago's more recent additions to the vegetarian restaurant scene is Lakeside Cafe, up near the Evanston border. It's delicious, carcass free and organic twist on old favorites and contemporary flavors makes it a place everyone should try out at least once… and after that first bite, no doubt you'll be hooked! Who said healthy has to taste like leaves and twigs?

Two of the most popular entrees are the seitan gyros with vegan cucumber sauce and the Tao bowl, which is a full meal for only $6! Let me tell you, I know my gyros, and this is definitely it! Lots of oregano and thyme throughout – the look, taste and texture were all present and accounted for! All that was missing was all that grease, which isn't a bad thing.

Vegan and dairy based mozzarella cheese is available for ordering pizzas, and the Shepherd’s Pie is absolutely wonderful. Specials change nightly, along with monthlies thrown in for good measure. Lots of great juices are also available, as is fair trade coffee and tea. However, what makes Lakeside a solid standout is their absolutely sinful all vegan dessert menu. Blondies, brownies and cakes, oh my! Generous portions, made in house, with all the flavor you'd expect of a dessert item, and blessedly low on the density. What more could anyone else possibly ask for?

Now attached to this cozy little nook is the Inner Metamorphosis University (where that IMU sign comes from out front!). It features classes in meditation and dancing, along with vegetarian cooking, which the owner is more than happy to embellish upon. However, don't let that title fool you, as she's probably one of the most laid back individuals ever to grace a kitchen. Her overall personality really shows in the restaurant's overall decor, including the beautiful ivy draping the walls.

To be honest, the one “bad” thing about this place is the neighborhood it's based in. The eastern portion of Roger's Park can be downright scary for those outside the area, so it's best to keep your wits about you when going there after dark. Red line train riders should get off at Jarvis and not Howard, and drivers should circle until they find parking on Howard itself, making sure nothing of value is visible. With that one caveat in mind, making the trek out to Lakeside is well worth the little extra effort.