Chicago
Going Green
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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LINCOLN SQUARE. Bistro Campagne boasts French Country atmosphere that's as charming as it is authentic. Elaborate mosaics decorate the walls, and the atmosphere is suitable for both romantic dates and hearty celebrations. Uniquely, the restaurant relies on local farmers and organic sources; it also promotes sustainable practices, including recycling wine bottles and composting vegetable scraps. Steak frittes and escargot are premier.
Venture out solo, or grab friends and take a self-guided tour of the Chicago Center for Green Technology, recognized as Chicago's top venue for environmental education. The building's design is energy-efficient, attractive and affordable, and the center aims to inspire sustainable practices throughout the city. While taking in an abundance of useful information, relax and enjoy the beauty of Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies and a variety of blooming plants.
WICKER PARK. The first certified organic restaurant in the Midwest, Crust is thoroughly environmentally responsible, from locally farmed food and organic cotton t-shirts worn by servers to tables made from recycled aluminum cans. The specialty dish is wood-oven flatbreads, but don't skip cocktail hour if you're a fan of innovative tastes. Try, for instance, the outstanding vodka infusions, like Strawberry & Sweet Woodruff, and Grapefruit & Bergamot. Of course, if you were wondering, the vodkas are organic too.
LINCOLN PARK. Green City Market, Chicago's only sustainable market, has an extensive selection of conscientiously raised produce and other products. While milling around the park-turned-market, you'll have plenty of opportunity to snack on fresh crepes, visit with local farmers, and enjoy fresh flowers. Be sure to follow the crowd to chef demonstrations (10:30am) featuring some of Chicago's most famous talents. During November and December the market moves indoors assuring comfort as you shop. N.B. Many vendors can't take credit cards, so carrying cash is optimal.
ROGERS PARK. Known to many as The Heart of Rogers Park, Heartland Café and General Store is a staple in Chicago's organic and progressive movement. For a sampling of the bounty, try organic PB&J or, for a more decadent treat, organic roasted pork loin. The general store is great for browsing books and picking up organic cosmetics, soaps, cleaning products, and humorous political paraphernalia.
LINCOLN PARK. For completely guilt-free shopping in sophisticated Lincoln Park, try Nau, a unique clothing store with an environmentally-friendly mission. The clothes, all designed to last at least ten years, are basic, neutral-toned, timeless, and crafted from sustainable materials. While the clothes sell themselves, 5% of sales benefit groups working for positive environmental, social, and humanitarian change.
LINCOLN PARK. A trip to Notebaert Nature Museum is educational and incredibly accessible. The museum's mission is to teach individuals to absorb information on, and care about, the environment. Activities abound, and The Greening Project, the largest exhibit, is a truly verdant and luscious outdoor exhibit that showcases eco-friendly environmental practices. A terrific place for earth-conscious families.
WEST LOOP. New to the Chicago boutique set, Pivot is a fashionable, elegant addition with an environmental purpose. The first of its kind, Pivot carries upscale, chic, designer women's clothing made from eco-friendly materials. Gorgeous lingerie from Paris and indulgent frocks will draw you in, but trendy organic cotton jeans and ultra soft t-shirts will satisfy your practical side. Note: Enter on the Aberdeen Street side.
LAKE VIEW. A unique business fusion, Southport Grocery and Café features a shop-and-eat concept. As it is, the compact store and café occupy the same space: The former, rife with gourmet and artisanal products, is surrounded by tables with understated white tablecloths. If you're dining, the cafe promises incredible fare. If you're interested in home preparation, the shop carries several organic products and, most noteworthy, supports local business by carrying some of Chicago's famous creations, like Argo Tea and Twisted Spoke's Bloody Mary mix.
ROSCOE VILLAGE. The country's first certified organic bakery, The Bleeding Heart lives up to its idealistic tag. Pink walls adorned with eclectic art reinforce the mood of the funky shop, and while the specialty is baked goods, the place also has an enticing lunch menu. Absolutely everything is organic, so diligent diners can rest easy. Chicagoans and visitors alike should give top priority to tasting a scrumptious raspberry pecan bar. They're out there, and you're proud of them. You're behind their cause and supporting them every chance you get. These environmentally-conscious businesses do their part to preserve the world around us. They include restaurants that use only organic, local produce. They're hotels with green roofs or solar panels. They're shops that deal in fair trade goods or that promote recycling. They deserve a pat on the back – and our patronage – for their globally conscious efforts!
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They're out there, and you're proud of them. You're behind their cause and supporting them every chance you get. These environmentally-conscious businesses do their part to preserve the world around us. They include restaurants that use only organic, local produce. They're hotels with green roofs or solar panels. They're shops that deal in fair trade goods or that promote recycling. They deserve a pat on the back – and our patronage – for their globally conscious efforts!
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