Chicago French Market: Chicago Raw

For our Monday lunch tradition, we decided to venture to the Chicago French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center to try out Chicago Raw! The second we entered the French Market, we were both in complete heaven. The setup of the market is absolutely adorable and includes so many restaurants that we have been meaning to try, such as Da Lobsta and Little Goat Bread. It was overwhelming (in a good way!) taking in all the aromas and deciding where to stop for samples! Luckily, we went in with a game plan to go to Chicago Raw so we didn't have the sheer agony of deciding where to eat. Chicago Raw is known for its entirely vegan, entirely raw menu made of fresh ingredients. You might remember Caitlin's blog post about their yummy hummus!

Fresh Spinach Lasagna ($12)

I ordered the Fresh Spinach Lasagna which is describe as, "aromatic lasagna colored like the Italian flag with thin green strips of zucchini, white cashew cheese and red marinara." The dish comes with slices of tomato and sides of a delicious pesto and olives. I was completely blown away by the flavors in this dish. I have never tasted so many delicious and robust flavors in a dish, especially one that is completely vegan and raw. The side of pesto was bursting with flavors of basil and perfect for spreading on the olives and using as a complement to the lasagna. The lasagna itself was divine. Each bite was exploding with sweet strips of zucchini, creamy white cashew "cheese," and some of the best marinara sauce I have ever tasted. If you are craving lasagna but not in the mood for the traditional belt-busting experience, definitely give Chicago Raw's rendition a try. The portion size is generous and filling without making you feel overstuffed, and the ingredients are extremely fresh.

Kale Salad ($12) 

red peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, kale, 

red onion, avocado, roasted pumpkin seeds, and acai berries. 

A customer favorite at Chicago raw is their Kale salad. Consisting of the above list of ingredients, and dressed in a tangy acidic dressing of lemon and extra virgin olive oil, this is a great healthy lunch option. Even though, there no meat is in this salad, the protein from the pumpkin seeds, is not only filling, but is a great added crunchy texture! Likewise the freshly cut, slices of avocado create a creamy consistency when mixed in with the rest of the salad. I can see why it is a big seller come lunch and dinner hours at the French Market for this raw food stand. I highly recommend it! Being the prefect size, it leaves you feeling full, but nourished and ready to get through the rest of the day!