The Chicago Traveler

Near the busy intersection of Clark Street and Belmont Avenue, a long line forms on the sidewalk every weekend. The space is small and the wait can be long, but devoted patrons don’t let that stop them from lining up in front of one eclectic restaurant every week. Inside, the exposed brick and high ceilings, normally highlights in any other eatery, are downplayed by the obvious theme. Orange walls, orange pillows, an orange tree… It should be no surprise I’m talking about a restaurant called Orange.

This dedication to citrus offers delicious juices of all kinds of combinations, freshly squeezed to order, as well as orange-infused coffee. The breakfast options are creative and fun, including French toast kabobs (coconut-infused French toast skewered with fresh strawberries and pineapples), green eggs and ham (eggs scrambled with basil pesto), and pan-seared oatmeal. Another popular treat is the “frushi” (fruit sushi), bits of seasonal fresh fruit rolled in sticky sweet rice. They even come with chopsticks!

If you want to avoid the breakfast crowds, lunch is just as nice, offering plenty of organic and/or veggie-friendly dishes. Salads, soups, and sandwiches (steak, Reuben, grilled cheese, and more) are all available. And if you like your orange with a little kick, the restaurant is BYOB.

Have some light-hearted fare, and you may find your worries peeling away.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) daftgirly (1, 2)

Orange ($): 3231 N Clark St; 773-549-4400
Brunch
Mon – Thurs: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fri – Sun: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner
Sun, Tues – Thurs: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 77 or Brown/Purple/Red Line train (Belmont)
http://www.orangebrunch.com

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