e.leaven… a little bit of HEAVEN in Chicago–Restaurant Review

Sharing is caring!

 
IMG00340-20111012-1512
I love Chicago. It is one of the only US cities that I go back to again and again and again. The reason I seem to like it so much is that I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal there yet. Yes, there have been some questionable choices, some expensive indulgences…it happens. Every once in a while you find a place that you really like. During a fall trip to Chicago that place was e.leaven Food Company. Located at 54 East Ontario Street (that is Ontario and Rush, one block east of the Magnificent Mile). I stumbled upon it because its right next to the Four Points Sheraton.
When you enter e.leaven has a retro diner feel to it but it is decorated in a modern palate.  Its not a large establishment but is slightly off the beaten path from the Magnificent Mile. The best thing was that it was very reasonable for a ‘bistro’. It is not uber-cheap but it is also not ridiculously expensive. You get value for money that’s for sure!

IMG00326-20111011-1454
The menu choices were varied Nova Lox Platter (for you lox and IMG00336-20111012-1151bagel lovers), Southwester Omelette (my girlfriend loved hers…fresh eggs, fresh ingredients+half of an Asiago cheese bagel….yum), scrumptious muffins and tasty illy coffee.
The lunch menu also included the Roast Beef sandwich (white cheddar, herb pesto mayo and red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, pepperoncini…seriously, all of that in one sandwich???). I had the Ruben (house made corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut – {confession: I ditched that – it wasn’t bad, I just don’t really like sauerkraut} – on very hearty rye bread. To top it off, it had Thousand Island dressing for dipping. All of the sandwiches are accompanied by their homemade kettle chips (lightly salted and still hot when you get them).

Many of the salads were varied in taste, textures and flavour combinations: Chinese Chicken, Chopped Mediterranean (pictured here), Blacken Salmon, Baja and the tasty Thai Steak. They pride themselves on using fresh fruits and veggies and trust me, it tasted very fresh.
 
IMG00335-20111012-1150
Don’t be fooled that I am done yet…the ‘piece de resistance’ was their colourful, delicious macaroons (That’s what the owner called them. Where I’m from, macaroons are made with coconut.) These yummy babies are mini-cakes surrounded by meringue with icing and jam sandwiched together. You can see the varieties. They can be purchased and brought home in convenient clear plastic cylinders holding either 6 or 12 cookies. They make a lovely hostess gift or treats for the family (I was able to bring some home to the kids and they travelled without incident!).

IMG00323-20111011-1453

Overall, I love my experience at e.leaven and would highly recommend that you drop by if you want a scrumptious breakfast, hearty sandwich or afternoon coffee and sweets. Like I said, I love Chicago and I have never had a bad meal yet…and you won’t either if you stop by e.leaven’s Food Company – Restaurant and Bakery. (oh, they cater too…call them for those details).
Stats: e.leaven Food Company, 54 East Ontario Street, Chicago, 312.202.0899
Social media: Twitter: @eleaven Facebook: e.leaven Food Company Foursquare: E Leaven

STOP THE BUS….Look at what I found on @Foursquare:
E. Leaven Food Truck How awesome is that?  They tweet out their location so be sure and follow them!
Website | + posts

Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.

1 thought on “e.leaven… a little bit of HEAVEN in Chicago–Restaurant Review”

Comments are closed.