Designed for the carnivore, but vegetarian friendly?

This is a problem I frequently run into: I want meat and fish, but I have a number of vegetarian friends and finding a moderately upscale place to dine can be a real challenge. We always do the obvious: for example, Italian, Indian, Greek and middle eastern. I know there's Green Zebra where you almost forget you're not eating meat, but I'm looking for restaurants which are moderately upscale (not in the Tru/Trotters/Alinea category) and full service (but could be byo) and offer plenty for the omnivore - Lula is a perfect example, but it can be even more upscale than that.

Ideally, there should be a number of choices for vegetarians to choose from (more than two appetizers and at least two entrees, but preferably more). And it should be a place where the food is not intended to be shared (ruling out Thai, Chinese and the like). It can also be anywhere within the city limits.

I found a few threads with more tailored requests along these same lines, but often limited to a particular night or location in the city. And I suspect others have encountered this very same issue. So I'd love to hear your ideas.

Have you considered Prairie Fire?

BR wrote:This is a problem I frequently run into: I want meat and fish, but I have a number of vegetarian friends and finding a moderately upscale place to dine can be a real challenge. We always do the obvious: for example, Italian, Indian, Greek and middle eastern. I know there's Green Zebra where you almost forget you're not eating meat, but I'm looking for restaurants which are moderately upscale (not in the Tru/Trotters/Alinea category) and full service (but could be byo) and offer plenty for the omnivore - Lula is a perfect example, but it can be even more upscale than that.

Ideally, there should be a number of choices for vegetarians to choose from (more than two appetizers and at least two entrees, but preferably more). And it should be a place where the food is not intended to be shared (ruling out Thai, Chinese and the like). It can also be anywhere within the city limits.

I found a few threads with more tailored requests along these same lines, but often limited to a particular night or location in the city. And I suspect others have encountered this very same issue. So I'd love to hear your ideas.

I always dine with a diverse group of eaters and I have yet to encounter a restaurant that can't accommodate vegetarian diners, so I'm not sure why you find it a challenge. Okay, maybe not Publican - but they can certainly accommodate the fish-friendly, but vegetarian options are everywhere.

As for Green Zebra, I've been there several times now (always at someone else's urging) and always leave underwhelmed.

I always dine with a diverse group of eaters and I have yet to encounter a restaurant that can't accommodate vegetarian diners, so I'm not sure why you find it a challenge.

I think the trick is to do more than accommodate (i.e. who want to eat a few grilled bell peppers and zucchini for dinner? vegetarians want to feel full too, and not pay full price for some dish minus the meat).

Have you considered Maza?

BR wrote:This is a problem I frequently run into: I want meat and fish, but I have a number of vegetarian friends and finding a moderately upscale place to dine can be a real challenge. We always do the obvious: for example, Italian, Indian, Greek and middle eastern. I know there's Green Zebra where you almost forget you're not eating meat, but I'm looking for restaurants which are moderately upscale (not in the Tru/Trotters/Alinea category) and full service (but could be byo) and offer plenty for the omnivore - Lula is a perfect example, but it can be even more upscale than that.

Ideally, there should be a number of choices for vegetarians to choose from (more than two appetizers and at least two entrees, but preferably more). And it should be a place where the food is not intended to be shared (ruling out Thai, Chinese and the like). It can also be anywhere within the city limits.

I found a few threads with more tailored requests along these same lines, but often limited to a particular night or location in the city. And I suspect others have encountered this very same issue. So I'd love to hear your ideas.

I think Japanese offers a lot of good options for vegetarians (think noodle dishes, tofu-based dishes, etc.), but it may depend on how strictly your friends define themselves as vegetarian. A lot of stocks/sauces may be fish or pork-based.

lemoneater wrote:

I always dine with a diverse group of eaters and I have yet to encounter a restaurant that can't accommodate vegetarian diners, so I'm not sure why you find it a challenge.

I think the trick is to do more than accommodate (i.e. who want to eat a few grilled bell peppers and zucchini for dinner? vegetarians want to feel full too, and not pay full price for some dish minus the meat).

Have you considered Maza?

Yeah, I get that. I'm saying that in 2011 it's not unheard of to find vegetarian options at upscale restaurants and that the original poster's experience has not been my experience. Occasionally it may require substitution of an ingredient or sauce but I've yet to find a chef who would not accommodate the request.

Fogo de Chao has a whopping salad bar. I know people who have gone just for that.

Try Pelago. (Also try talking to them. Chef is very accommodating.)

Pelago
201 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611-1713
312-280-0700
http://www.pelagorestaurant.com/

Uncommon Ground on Devon fits the bill. Their menu really runs the gamut. I had a great steak there and t hey have vegan "faux pho" (and many other vegetarian dishes).

I'm a vegetarian. I don't ever eat any animals (knowingly). I won't eat stock made from animals. We can't go halfsies on a pizza, because I know lovely sausage will migrate it's porkiness to my side of the pie.

GNR,Sweets & Savories (we went right after Christmas, so it should be okay)

Non-GNR's
Prairie Fire ( I could eat those lentils daily)
Naha
North Pond
Nightwood

Believe it or not, most of the nicer steak houses work really well for me.

In my business career, I always found that Reza's 3 different locations offered something for the real carnivores in our parties, and yet always had satisfying dishes for both strict vegan and lacto-ovo vegetarians.

And for mid-priced restaurants, I have always found the food to be dependably good.

432 West Ontario, Chicago
5255 North Clark Street, Chicago
40 North Tower Road, Oak Brook

Some really great ideas - I have always enjoyed Prairie Grass but have yet to try Pairie Fire. And I did not even consider Uncommon Ground although I've always enjoyed it.

So thanks and keep them coming. In the meantime, headed to Anteprima again this time.

Also suggest Turkish - Either Orchid Cafe (Addison and Lincoln) or Turquoise (Roscoe, about 3 blocks W. of Damen) will offer a bunch of veggie options.