Chicago - July 21, 2008

Chew on This

Mana Foodbar Opens

When the MEA (Meat Eaters Anonymous) SWAT team put your house on lockdown, you knew you were screwed.

After denial, anger, and a wiener binge, you’re ready to take the plunge.

Veg out at Mana Foodbar, Jill Barron and Susan Thompson’s (Sushi Wabi, De Cero) new, globally inspired, meatless resto in Wicker Park. Mana, which means “life force in nature” and “the thing magic is made of,” stays true to its name.

Menu items include beet carpaccio (arugula and apple salad), Vietnamese pho, and buckwheat soba noodles (peanut sauce, Asian veggies). Take a swig of a sake-based cocktail with fresh fruit and herbs or fresh-squeezed juice.

Cozy and welcoming, the space is ecofriendly and unpretentious. Take advantage of the outdoor patio while summer lasts.

Looks like someone has redefined the meaning of pigging out.

Mana Foodbar, 1742 West Division Street, between Hermitage Avenue and Wood Street (773-342-1742).