The Vegetarian Option: Karyn's Fresh Corner

[Photograph: Amber Gibson]

Next to Karyn's Raw is a more casual cafe option, Karyn's Fresh Corner, which sells everything from raw lasagna and meatloaf to raw spreads like hummus and cream cheese. Smoothies, raw nut milk ice cream, and a decadent raw dessert display case at the front allow for an indulgence. There is even a plethora of vegan and raw snacks and ingredients for making meals so you can eat raw at home, too.

[Photograph: Amber Gibson]

On my most recent trip, I sampled several of the salad bar ($8.99/lb) options, from mung bean sprouts and kale salad to curried cauliflower. I also had to try the faux salmon maki roll ($5.99), where the salmon was actually a walnut pâté. No, this didn't taste anything like salmon and there's no way I would have mistaken it for fish. It was tasty though, and a lot lighter than most sushi rolls, since there was no white rice. I enjoyed the crunch of fresh veggies and the kick of the accompanying wasabi sauce.

[Photograph: Amber Gibson]

For dessert, I almost ordered a big slice of pie, but I decided to try the carob pudding ($8.99) instead. All of the desserts are surprisingly expensive, but that's the price of going raw. The carob pudding is made from three simple ingredients: carob, avocado and honey. I was hoping for a chocolatey flavor, but instead, the honey was predominant. The pudding itself was extremely thick, almost like a ganache. It was good, but next time I'm going to try the hemp ice cream or maybe a cacao superfood smoothie.

Karyn's Fresh Corner

1901 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)
312-255-1590
karynraw.com‎

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