Category > Eat it Vegan C-U
My time in Champaign-Urbana is dwindling and so the thought of choosing one more place to review for this column has been a bit daunting. Then, I got a little update from a Twitter account I follow called Vegan Mainstream (@Veganmainstream). According to the short snippet, this new traveling vegetarian/vegan trailer was going to make an appearance in Chicago. However, upon clicking the link, I discovered it was going to be located at our very own Farmer's Market in …
The charming Courier Cafe would be a main staple of my diet should I have chosen to live within the beautiful and quiet streets of Urbana. The website claims, "it's amicable staff will continue to please its loyal clientele for years to come" and it would be absolutely absurd of me to disagree. My visit took place just as the afternoon lunch rush was coming to a close. I was seated quickly and my waitress was probably the most …
This week involved a trip home to northern Illinois for spring break. Sadly, I did not have the opportunity to travel to warmer weather. However, due to my absence from campus, I decided to write about a mainstream, chain fast food restaurant — Chipotle. The fact that the chain offered a decent vegan option and was also translatable to the Champaign-Urbana community was appealing to me. Chipotle has been a glorified place among the vegan blogging community because without …
First and foremost, vegan cuisine requires flavor. Bland food is never satisfying, but it's even more essential when eating vegan. Indian food is able to captivate the senses precisely because it provides both a variety of flavor, as well as an abundance of alluring smells. I don't know that it is possible to pack more character into a meal. Whether ginger, garlic, or its decoration of coriander, there is certain to be a taste to appease your senses in …
Windows lined with assorted wine bottles and a variety of pleasant earth tones greet you upon entering this incredibly quaint space named The Bread Company. It is a unique spot for a light, yet filling lunch on a still slightly chilly Saturday afternoon. The smell of freshly baked breads and the delightful chatter provide a sense of welcome immediately upon arrival. The Bread Company is located on Goodwin in a spot that always seems to be bustling with activity; …
For years, I have celebrated many birthdays by going out to dinner at one Mexican restaurant or another. Oftentimes, I have equated my love for Mexican cuisine to the mere fact that I was born on Mexico's Independence day (September 16). But, one of my favorite things about Mexican food is that it happens to be incredibly simple in terms of accommodating a vegan. My latest birthday was spent at Fiesta Cafe. This little delight is located on First …
Most days, being vegan means being creative with food items gathered, prepared and consumed. And even more, one must be creative when dining out at restaurant — especially in a barely urban context like central Illinois. To me, this poses a challenge, but never a hardship. Most people question what a vegan is supposed to eat; many cannot possibly figure out how to eat a deliciously satisfying meal beyond the realm of meat, cheese, eggs or other animal products. …
Most Recent Food Comments
it’s quite choice. looking forward to seeing how it and its patronage grow and develop over the course of the year. could be a neat little ecosystem.
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Looking forward to trying this place!
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
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Most Recent Comments
High-profile whining. AKA Lobbying.
it’s quite choice. looking forward to seeing how it and its patronage grow and develop over the course of the year. could be a neat little ecosystem.
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Super cool! Excellent track, Excellent band.
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
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High-profile whining. AKA Lobbying.