#DINING
BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY AMANDA HANLEY; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY ANNA ZAJAC
as lovage, shiso leaves, green coriander seeds and bronze fennel crowns to add a special touch to dishes. While a lovely planterbox of herbs and edible flowers surrounds sidewalk seating, you might not realize another 18 containers sit up on the roof. Italian dandelion and mustard greens prosper under grow lights in the basement, too. 2537 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago,773-489-9554
O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT URBAN GARDEN
O’Hare’s indoor array of 26 verdant towers is more than a thing of beauty under bright lights. It’s the first and only airport aeroponic garden in the world. Produce is grown without soil, chemicals or fertilizers through root misting. The resulting herbs, greens, peppers, beans and edible flowers can be enjoyed year-round at airport restaurants. Escape travel stress with a tranquil green moment at the Urban Garden located in the Terminal 3 Rotunda, which also includes a yoga room and mother’s room. The garden is part of widespread sustainability initiatives by Chicago’s Department of Aviation. 10000 W. O’Hare Ave., Chicago
SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB
Surprise! Skokie Country Club is way on top of the local food trend, too. Over the past two years, its introduced three culinary gardens, nine beehives and even a flock of egg-laying hens. Executive chef Richard Stanton designs the menu around the extensive, often unique vegetables and herbs. A special last summer featured garden beets and honey-goat cheese topped with hazelnut “soil” and garden sorrel. Since this is a private club, it’s time to dine with friends who happen to be members. 500 Washington Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-0600
Big Delicious Planet Canteen's urban farm; Strawberry Rhubarb Pie from Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits
UNCOMMON GROUND
For over 20 years, owners Helen and Mike Cameron have been leading the sustainable restaurant scene in Chicago. In 2008, the Edgewater hangout broke ground with the first certified organic rooftop farm in the U.S. Now it grows more than 50 crops with 120 varieties and hosts two beehives. Diners can visit the rooftop farm at special events, including the annual Vegetarian Harvest Dinner. In 2014, the Camerons opened Greenstar Brewery, Illinois’ first organic brewery, located next to the Lakeview location of Uncommon Ground. 1401 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, 773-465-9801; 3800 N. Clark St., 773-929-3680 Read our complete Dining Guide online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/WHERETOEAT M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 6
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