Sunday, August 16, 2009

Loop's sexiest breakfast/lunch spot

Photobucket
(Photo: Protein Bar)


The next time I head over to Protein Bar, I'll make sure my lipgloss is poppin' and butter's whipped.

That's because the slick, health-focused eatery (directly across from Willis Sears Tower) attracts a steady crowd of Chicago's sexiest singles for breakfast and lunch.

They're coming for an amped-up menu of signature smoothies, sandwiches, salads, soups and non-alcoholic sippers certain to keep them in tip-top shape. And the best part is that every item on the menu's labeled with nutritional info (calories, protein, fiber, sugar, saturated fat).

Our favorites?! We sampled a number of the signature smoothies—which can easily substitute a meal—and absolutely fell for Oak Street Peach (vanilla protein, milk, fresh peaches, agave nectar), Wrigley Peeled (chocolate protein, milk, all-natural peanut butter, banana) and the BGT (Bucktown Green Tea made with vanilla protein, milk, green tea extract).

And then there were the signature bowls. The Peachy Keen-wah, warm quinoa with fresh peaches, certainly caught our eye and didn't disappoint. It's certain to be a hit when colder weather rolls around. Ditto for the One El of An Oatmeal (steel-cut oatmeal with chocolate protein!) and Quinoa Feel It (warm quinoa with fresh blueberries, almonds).

Oh, and we couldn't find anything on the menu more than 500 calories. No wonder this is the land of the beautiful people!

The most useful Tweeter on Twitter

Photobucket

avec. Tango Sur. Piece. Bristol. Hot Doug's.

Instead of pulling your hair out of frustration at the idea of waiting and waiting and waiting for a table at one of Chicago's busiest restaurants or bars, check in with Wait Watcher on Twitter before you head over.

Created by the A.V. Club (the arts-and-entertainment section of The Onion), the very useful service tracks waiting times at the most popular spots in town.

So check in with Wait Watcher before your next trip to Kuma's Corner for one of their famous burgers. Who knows. Your next wait for a table just might be only five minutes!

Send tips via text/call to 620-CHI-WAIT.