You can, however, enjoy the many cultural creations that have stemmed off of the fast food Chipotle model. Specifically in Chicago, I have forced (sarcastically speaking) myself to go out and try these fast food-gone healthy spots. I have not found one I don't like. Honestly. The best part about these venues is that they are all so different. There are so many different kinds of food that involve pastas, veggies, spices, soups. They all have a different style and a different history. Now, there are countless affordable hotspots that provide an opportunity to expand your pallet.
Sandwiches & Salads: A standard go-to
Potbelly's, Pita Pit, CBA, Le Pain Quodotien
Mediterranean: Classic & fresh
Roti, Naff Naff Grill
Middle Eastern: Comfortable & filling
Hallal Guys
Asian Fusion: Tasty, hearty, flavorful
Pei Wei, Sumo, Glaze Teriyaki Grill, Brightwok
Vietnamese: Spices & soups
Fuh
Thai: Dependable
Thai Aroma, Noodle in the Pot
Seafood: Potentially questionable, but never a bad decision
Da Lobsta
Mexican: Spicy spices, flavorful flavors
Antique Taco, Big & Littles, Chipotle
I could go on, and if you check out my Instagram page @agirlblownaway, I will have endless recos of these types of places. Because they are easy, tasty, and obviously so trendy.
You may think I am obsessed, and I may be, but I really think this is the newest way to eat different foods in an affordable, realistic manner for the standard working city folk. I realized that this was a thing when I went to Fuh, a new Vietnamese restaurant in Lincoln Park. The owner chatted with me for a while and I learned about his background, his family, the restaurant. I learned about how they typically enjoyed Pho in their community. I learned this while I ate my bowl of soup, filled with delicious noodles, fresh veggies, and flavorful seasonings. It was really eye-opening to learn so much about a fast food restaurant, to learn the story behind the food. It was convenient, and cheap, but it was healthy, tasty, and made for a reason maximizing margins and artificial ingredients.
There are so many places like Fuh in Chicago, and whether they are chains or a mom & pop store, I’ve learned that these Fast Food places are just like any other restaurant, just like any other kitchen. Fast food has such a negative connotation but these days, it has given us so much. It has given us new, cultural experiences, some extra pocket changed we saved from a reasonably priced meal, has provided many opportunities to try new foods, and, as I said earlier, it has given us the gift of time.
FAST FOOD IS NOT GOING AWAY, AND THAT IS FINE BY ME.