Chicago Community Ventures Blog

CCV Client In the News: Ain't She Sweet Cafe

So yesterday, CCV client Ain't She Sweet Cafe was featured in 30 sandwiches in 30 days, and her famous Da Steve is the sandwich for day 20. Owner, Margo Strotter, wanted to create a great place to eat that served healthier options than were readily available in her community, so Ain't She Sweet doesn't serve beef or pork.

While the Trib may love Da Steve, CCV's favorites include the tomato spinach bisque and the Sweet Dream (it tastes like a Dreamsicle). Yum!!

From the Chicago Tribune:

Normally we don't condone fake pig, but the turkey bacon and turkey ham (piled high atop smoked turkey breast) are such superior combo that we'll mak  e an exception. Layer on two cheeses, onion, hot peppers and lettuce and a warm croissant can barely contain its goodness.  $7.25; 526 E. 43rd St., 773-373-3530

Chicago Community Ventures has worked with Margo since 2008 and are very excited to watch her continue to thrive, even in an economic downturn. Kudos to Margo and the hard working staff at Ain't She Sweet.

Former Fat Kid Opens Protein Bar in Chicago

By Cari Martens

Matt Matros says he spent the first 22 of his 29 years being ridiculed for being the ‘fat kid.’ In 2001, he took control of his life and adopted a lifestyle that featured a healthy diet of high-protein foods and regular exercise. He dropped 60 pounds. Now he’s trying to take others in that healthy lifestyle direction with his new quick-service restaurant in downtown Chicago, called Protein Bar. Right across the street from the Sears Tower, Protein Bar’s menu includes blended drinks, wholesome bowls, freshly-made soups, wraps and salads. All items, Matros says, are high in protein and fiber, but low in sugar. As reported by Monica Rogers on the web site ChainLeader.com, Matros admits the main focus of Protein Bar’s menu is meal-replacement shakes. The QSR offers nine signature high-protein drinks such as the Michigan Ave-alanche, made with vanilla protein, choice of milk, yogurt, banana, granola and almonds. Protein Bar’s point of difference, Matros says, is in what he puts in his shakes. Unlike other smoothie or juice bars, juice is not used. Rather, shakes are created using all-natural proteins, milks and fruits. Quoted in the article, Matros says ‘Smoothie bars largely rely on high-refined-sugar-content concentrates to make their drinks, which are loaded with empty calories and carbs. Our shakes are made with fresh fruit…no sugar,’ he says. While protein shakes served at smoothie bars typically contain 6 or 7 grams of protein, Matros says Protein Bar’s shakes have at least 22 grams of protein per serving, which keeps a person feeling full for longer. If all goes well, Matros hopes to expand and open additional units in Chicago and beyond.

 

Original article appears on The Food Network, a blog about all things food.

In Case You Missed It: CCV Client Nana in the News

Here at CCV, we’re never really surprised when we hear about awards and accolades that our clients receive. We’re just happy to hear that the rest of the world is catching on to how great they are. Nana is no exception.

Nana is a family-owned, organic restaurant offering choices for those who are not only passionate about great tasting food, but who are also passionate about where their food comes from - from Nana's website

Back in November, Nana received the Bib Gourmand Award from the Michelin Guides. Yes, thats the "Michelin Man" chalked on the sidewalk in front of Nana.  Photo courtesy of Michelin Guides Facebook Page

As noted in Chicago Tribune’s The Stew, "The Bib Gourmand is really a great honor," says Jean-Luc Naret, director of the Michelin Guides. "It signifies they do good cuisine at a very reasonable price. Especially in these recessionary times, people are looking for a good deal.”

They started out as a breakfast spot, and received rave reviews, but have since expanded to dinner. Kudos to Nana!! Check out their website  (www.nanaorganic.com) for current specials and upcoming events.

Historic Black Metropolis Business District - Shop Local and Often!

 

 

 

CCV Client In the News: Ineeka tea grown in India, shipped in Chicago

 

 

December 3, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Their farm may be in India, but this Chicago company has made a name for itself in the epicurean world.

Ineeka Teas, headquartered in Chicago's West Loop, are premium, whole leaf teas grown in the Himalayans of India.

" We have established ourselves in the world tea market as the highest level quality of tea," said Shashank Goel, owner, Ineeka Teas.

This tea company has won just about every honor possible in its segment of the food and beverage industry. Goel says quality is not the only thing that sets Ineeka apart.

"We're the only tea company in North America that actually owns our own farm. Our farms are located in the Himalayas and the farms are all organic," said Shashank.

The company's 15 farms in India give back as much to the earth as they take from it with sustainable practices in every phase of the operation from planting and harvesting to shipping. The tea is packaged and distributed in Chicago.

"I was born on a tea farm and my wife also comes from a tea background," said Goel.

So how does an award-winning premium tea company end up in Chicago? Goel and his wife fell in love with the city while she was studying at the art institute. She designed all the packaging utilizing pictures from their own families. They are constantly traveling back and forth to India

"Ineeka means 'little earth' and the whole concept is why we cannot change the world, we're making a difference and with 25,000 people and all the people we connect to," said Shashank. And those consumers include high-end retailers all over the world.

Goel says what really sets his tea apart is that they don't add oils or flavorings. The taste is just the way the tea is grown on their farms in India.

Ineeka Teas, , are sold at several retail outlets in Chicago, including Whole Foods.

 

View original entry here