Anyone been to Karyn's raw restaurant in Chicago?

[theresaann]

My friend and I are thinking of making a road trip there (5 hours from Detroit) and attending one of her raw potlucks and checking out her healing center too. has anyone been there? Love to hear about it!

[rawjojo]

I've never been, BUT I've heard great things! I am planning on going to Karyn during my next trip to chicago!

[lodestar]

I went last spring with three of my daughters and we all ordered something different. It was delicious! From the drinks, appetizers, main course to dessert... all of it was lovely to look at and some dishes were definitely more tasty than others. I had a squash soup that was spiced perfectly. It seems that the food that was supposed to replicate a cooked dish were not as tasty as just raw creations. You are in for a treat!

[theresaann]

thanks for sharing!

[sweet courage]

I live in the Chicagoland area and visit Karyn's sometimes. Karyn's is a wonderful restaurant and the food is "raw gourmet" at it's best! You can dine in the buffet area or the restaurant. She has a nice selection of the hard to find products that you would normally have to order online such as goji berries, or make yourself, such as rejuvalac.

Her desserts are excellent and the raw ice cream are to die for !!! My favorites are hemp scream, blueberry and peach. :D

[maydolphin10]

i haven't been there yet, but i'm going soon. i can't wait!

[hotgugon]

yup...we're going next tues. i think...maydolphin10 and some others...i can't wait!!...i actually went this past sat. and tried ot eat lunch there but my friends were wussies and they wouldn't...but i did pick up some other things like rejuvelac and AVC...o, nad i bought the chocolate mint cake dessert...so good!!...the chocolate was so thick on top and it tasted like there were chocolate pieces in the cake...and the mint was just potent enough for my liking...will say more when i go next tues...i am so psyched!! :D

[Lauraw]

Hi Theresaann,

I was on a business trip to Chicago the first week of November and made it a point to check out Karyn's. It's a small restaurant (maybe 15-20 tables?), but well worth it. The ravioli had olives in the tomato-based sauce and was nothing short of outstanding. The "Tiramisu" with carob fudge sauce was wonderful and served in a martini glass. I also enjoyed the "mint julep" made with rejuvelac. Skip the stuffed mushrooms and bread & butter; you can make these with a dehydrator just as well or better. I ordered enough food to take leftovers for another whole meal the next day!

They also have a small store next to the restaurant, that includes food items and books. You can relax on their couch and read 'til your heart's content. Articles about Karyn adorn the walls. She's a mini-celeb in Chicago, and has been on Oprah.

If it were me, I'd for sure get in the car with a girlfriend and head to Chicago to meet Karyn, go to her potluck, and try the restaurant. But take in the city too: Michigan Avenue shopping, theater, galleries, museums, Lake Michigan, etc. I used to live there...lots to explore and enjoy. Have fun and let us know how it goes!

[honeybee joy]

I visited there last week and it was nice. She does use honey though......and I am not for sure, but I tasted the dressing that my brother had on his salad and I swore it tasted like braggs.

But, the store was beautiful, the food was beautiful, and she had a neat looking store. I had the pasta alfredo dish, but the rawvoilis were yummy, and her stuffed pizza was yummy. I loved the carob mint cake and the strawberry ice cream. The tiramiasu was not anything like the real thing. The green soup was yummy. The almond pate was tasty.

[Mango]

The carob mint cake is the best!!!!!!!!! I am in the suburbs and look for any chance I get to go get that cake. I am not a fan of mint but this is incredible!

[spicyfull]

Your trip sounds so exciting and seems like you will have lots of fun. Enjoy yourself and your FOOD.

[StudentforLife]

The carob mint cake is the best!!!!!!!!! I am in the suburbs and look for any chance I get to go get that cake. I am not a fan of mint but this is incredible!

You're in the suburbs? So am I. I live in Wheaton, where are you?

I've been wanting to go to Karyn's so bad. I think it adds even more excitement to the diet, especially when first starting out.

I better get there soon because my husband and I are moving back to upstate NY and I don't think there are any raw restaurants there. :(

[SeaGrass7]

I went there about 4 or 5 years ago... It was really good. Ate at the buffet... all I remember really clearly is the ceasar salad... it was yummy!

Have fun and enjoy your visit!!

[Pansy]

We have! It's a real nice place! The desserts are really great!

Pansy ;)

[Mango]

You're in the suburbs? So am I. I live in Wheaton, where are you?


I'm in unicorporated Downers Grove. We are at the very south end off of Boughton Rd. Not far from you at all!

[Jul]

Morning,

I'm in the western suburbs as well - near rt 83 & 55th st.

I was just at Karyn's last night. She had a late brunch to help support RunRaw.org We got there a little late and did not get to try a lot of the foods. But I did bring home a bag of desserts - including the mint choc cake! Also grabbed some ice cream for the ride home. Her treats are delicious - and she is an amazing woman!

[Mango]

Jul,

We go to church on 55th near rt. 83. I am in your neighborhood ALL the time.

I have been to Karyn's twice but have not met her yet. I am really looking forward to going back there. I want my hubby to take me there once I reach my goal weight.

Are there any raw gatherings in our area?

[Jul]

Mango - tomorrow night there's a nutritionist name John Pierre speaking at Wild Oats - on Ogden just west of 294. I know nothing about him but the flier I grabbed at WO mentions "nutrition, fitness, vegan, and raw foods." If I can work it out with the kids' schedules I'm planning on checking it out.

I've yet to try Cousins and the Chicago Diner. I don't know of anything else in the west burbs.

[Mango]

What time is he speaking? I might be able to go.

[Jul]

From 6 to 7 p.m.

If you can make it - I'll definitely made arrangements to be there.

[StudentforLife]

Oh, man, I wish I could make it to that. It would be so nice to meet all of you. I've heard about the Wild Oats from another member on here. I would like to get out there before I have to move.

[Mango]

That would be nice to meet you. When are you moving?

[honeybee joy]

Originally Posted By Jul
I've yet to try Cousins and the Chicago Diner.

I thought Cousins had a nice salad bar. Had such neat combinations. They serve this really nice clove tea with the meals...and it is free. I liked my entree as well, cannot remember what it was called, but it was like a burger with cashew mayo, but it was on wooden skewers with other veggies.

[RawNomad]

I love Karyn's!! I just visited the place for the second time this past weekend. I second what others have said about the carob mint cake. It's to die for!! The Hempscream is also awesome. My number one recommendation would be the raw cashew sour cream. I swear, it tastes more real than the real thing!

[StudentforLife]

That would be nice to meet you. When are you moving?

I am moving Nov. 30. Our lease is up here in Dec. so it made sense. That doesn't give us much time to do anything, but I would love to actually see some live raw foodies come together. How exciting!

[Tombi]

theresaann!!

Ya know ya can't even come ta town without seeing me!! Give me a call when you are coming would love to see you!!

One Love,
Ntombi