
Friday, July 26, 2024 | View in browser
 Enjoy: Vegan and Vegetarian Eats!
Whether looking to eat healthier, more mindfully, or just exploring some new cuisines, Evanston has you covered with plenty of local restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian options. While this list is not exhaustive, it's a great starting point on your vegetarian or vegan journey!
Blind Faith Cafe | Main-Dempster Mile: One of Evanston's oldest restaurants, Blind Faith Cafe has been transforming the way people enjoy vegetarian cuisine for more than forty years. Not only do they offer a globally inspired menu that rotates seasonally, but they are a certified green restaurant with a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Elephant & Vine | Downtown: Located at 719 Church Street, Elephant & Vine serves ridiculously good food, that just happens to be 100% plant-based. They opened in 2022 with a purpose -- making delicious food while having a positive impact. Don't forget to try their vegan shakes!
Pinto Thai | Central Street: Pinto Thai, located at 1931 Central Street, offers a casual and comfortable fine dining experience. They have several great vegetarian options, and something to satisfy everyone!
Dozika | Main-Dempster Mile: At Dozika Pan Asian, you'll find quality, consistently good food that taste great every single time. No matter what you're in the mood for -soups, salads, curry, or noodles- there are so many great fresh veggie options!
Kabul House: This Afghan restaurant offers several vegan and vegetarian specialities that include pumpkin, eggplant, spinach, and other fresh veggie options. Rated a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in 2015, you'll need to come taste these exquisite dishes for yourself!
Mid Kitchen | Downtown: With its unique menu full of organic and real food made fresh every day, Mid Kitchen makes sure to involve everybody's eating habits. They serve delicious vegan & gluten-free friendly dishes, including a great vegan breakfast!
Zentli | West Village: What happens when foodies and art lovers join forces with local Chicago artist, Alfonso Piloto Nieves? A new and powerful concept is born, Zentli, with a mission of "healing the community through incredible Mexican street food and incredible art." Come for the amazing art, stay for the great selection of vegan Mexican favorites.
Looking for a good veggie burger? Check out great veggie burger options from Edzo's, Five & Dime, and Bat 17!
 Lefty's Bagels open in the Main-Dempster Mile!
Fulfilling a dream to bring Montreal-inspired bagels to the Northshore, Lefty's Righteous Bagels has "soft-opened," serving bagels and coffee until they run out. They will be transitioning to regularly posted hours in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
Stop by to visit them at 827 Chicago Ave. to start your week right with these fresh, flavorful, hand rolled bagels and a hot cup of coffee.
 Enjoy: Sidewalk sales all weekend long!
Shop until you drop this weekend during sidewalk sales happening across Evanston business districts. Let’s show our local businesses some love.
Downtown Evanston: Downtown Evanston will host its annual Sidewalk Sale + Chalk Art Contest this weekend, where stores throughout downtown offer awesome deals at racks and tables on the sidewalks. On Saturday, artists of all ages will also create chalk art outside of local businesses.
The Main-Dempster Mile: Shop participating businesses along the Main-Dempster Mile this weekend. Enjoy sidewalk sales, free activities, a DJ Dance Party, live music, and more! Download the map to join in on the fun.
Central Street: Head to Central Street through Sunday for the biggest sales of the year! Shop outside tables and racks filled with discounts, grab local eats, and enjoy activities and entertainment.
 Be entertained under the stars
Starlight cinema: Head to Mason Park, Church St. and Florence Ave., to enjoy the movie "The Color Purple" (2023), starting at 7 p.m. Bring your family and friends out to enjoy this decades-spanning tale of love and resilience and of one woman's journey to independence.
Sounds of summer: Enjoy a Starlight Concert sponsored by Evanston SPACE at Kamen Park West on Tues., July 30. Groove to the sounds of The Howard Levy 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
See below for upcoming events and start planning your weekends! You can find the full calendar of events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Downtown Evanston
Main-Dempster Mile
Central Street
Ashland Arts
West Village
West End
Other Enjoy Evanston events
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 Meet Renee Feldman, Renee Feldman Studio
Meet Renee Feldman, owner of Renee Feldman Studio (RFS), an upscale hair salon located at 2142 Ashland Ave. in the Ashland Arts District. Renee is a seasoned hair veteran with a passion for authentic human connection, pink sunglasses, and everything Evanston. Looking for bridal styling, a fabulous cut, or maybe some expert blonding? RFS has you covered!
Read the full interview here.
KB: Can you share some of the history of your business?
RF: I’ve been a hair stylist for over 25 years in some of Chicago’s top salons. In 2016, I opened my first salon in the Gold Coast where I had a large team of over 20 employees. During Covid I decided I wanted to work closer to family, so I sold the salon, bought my building on Ashland and opened Renee Feldman Studio. Relocating to Evanston was scary but hands down the best decision I’ve ever made.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Renee Feldman Studio?
RF: RFS offers an intimate salon environment with an experienced staff.
KB: How do you set yourself apart from other salons?
RF: My team brings expertise. We have a long background of working at Chicago's and Los Angeles’ top hair salons and we are excited to bring our offerings to Evanston.
KB: How does the Ashland Arts business district support your business?
RF: The Ashland Arts district is like a family. We meet at regular monthly meetings to share ideas & resources and we work together to make our district a success. Let’s not forget our district leadership -- Councilmember Bobby Burns is always available for a chat and great advice!
KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?
RF: RFS is now doing nail services! Our nail tech Liz has 20 years of experience offering HEALTHY nail options. She educates all her clients about how you should be taking care of your hands and feet.
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
RF: I love the City of Evanston Economic Development employees because they are so helpful and supportive!
 What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?
With ten unique business districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We want to hear about your favs. Where do you enjoy outdoor dining? Send us an email about your favorite patio at hello@enjoyevanston.com.
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