Eating Local on the Road

I've been traveling a bit recently, some for work, some for fun.  No matter the reason there are a few things I've been sure to take with me - hard boiled eggs from the ladies and some form of bounty from our garden.

The last two weeks I have been traveling for work and have been in a town about 45 minutes north of Chicago, IL.  I've brought 2 hard boiled eggs for each day away and as many grape tomatoes as I can fit in my container.  For those wondering, these items are NOT liquid and can be brought on a plane in your carry on luggage.  You may get some odd looks and an extra bag check, but the taste is worth it.

My first trip out this way was last week and it was for training.  With the day and the meals provided by my employer I was happy to have snacks provided by my ladies and hard labor in the garden.  I opted out of the dinner menu selections requesting the pre-planned menu be slightly altered to offer me the option of soup and salad with my salad being a dinner size portion.  Why?  One reason really, I don't sleep well my first night out of town typically and the meal wasn't going to be served until 9pm CST, which is my typical EST bedtime.  A heavy meal would not have afforded anywhere close to a restful night sleep.

This week is my second trip out and I'm on my own so to say for meals.  The office is not near anything, so breakfast and lunches are relegated to the hotel or cafeteria, but dinners are my choice.  Again I came bearing gifts from the ladies and tomatoes from the garden.  On day 2 I could have easily finished my grape tomatoes, but I've decided to ration them.

Prior to coming for my second trip I did a bit of research.  Knowing I would be on my own for dinners I knew I would have a great deal of say in my choices.  While there is a mall with many chain restaurants supposedly just a few minutes to the west, I have been heading a few minutes further to the east and sampling from restaurants that share my love for local flavors.

Last night I enjoyed dinner at Inovasi.  With a menu that provides a listing of Farms providing their  ingredients I knew this would be a great place to start, and I was not disappointed.  I started my meal with a Watermelon Soup, followed by "The Carnivore Addition"  A menu option that explains the restaurant receives an animal from a different local farm each week and they prepare a variety of different dishes.  Last night's dish was a leg of lamb with chantrelle mushrooms.  I ended my meal with a cherry mousse.  It was divine.  I was able to get a few recommendations for other restaurants, though Inovasi is the only restaurant close to the office that provides a listing of local farm sourced items.

Taking a lead from the recommendation I received while at Inovasi I went to a sister restaurant of one recommended tonight for dinner - South Gate Cafe (Bank Lane Bistro had been the original recommendation, but I was looking for a little lighter fare this evening).  South Gate did not disappoint.  At first glance of the menu I determined I wanted to sample all of the sides and a few of the starters.  As I was dining alone, sadly this was not a reasonable menu selection, however the waiter indicated he would be more than happy to accommodate a meal of all sides...thus I started narrowing down my selection.  How could I not sample the tomato and watermelon side dish?  and peaches and cucumbers together, oh my.  While feeling the need for protein I did ask about the pork and beef.  While both were local, the beef was not grass fed, which made me wonder a little bit about the pork so I settled on my sides.

The waiter recommended the sides come out in courses, vs. all at once, which was perfect.  I could fully appreciate the flavors of one at a time.  Service 1 was the tomato and watermelon dish which was brought together with mint, basil and olive oil.  So light and refreshing.  Service 2 was new potatoes with thyme and basil in truffle oil, featuring blue, red and yukon gold new potatoes from the local farmer's market that melted in my mouth.  Service 3 was peaches and cucumber in a black peppery peach vinaigrette, again local produce from the farmer's market.  The Waiter raved about the peaches and they did not disappoint.  Of course I couldn't go without some protein...so I ordered Creme Brulee for dessert.  Perhaps a bit of a stretch on the protein part, but I swear there are eggs in there somewhere! 

I already have plans for my airport dinner tomorrow night - Tortas Frontera, a restaurant that lists the farms supplying their ingredients on a placard by their menu - thank you O'hare! 

While it took a little extra effort to find local fare, the food and the atmosphere have definitely been worth every minute of research.  And as I learned, it only takes finding one and asking for recommendations.  My only regret, I forgot my camera.  I wish I could share the beautiful food preparations with you.  Next time...