Across Chicago, people are joining in solidarity, donating to organizations working against racism, learning from black organizers, thinkers, artists, and writers, and finding concrete ways to address racial injustice. Frequenting local restaurants, including takeout and delivery options, is one practical way to assist the local black community—and NEMA Chicago residents have an incredible array of delicious eats to choose from, right in the South Loop.

Grail Café

“Local” is the mantra for this Printer's Row District favorite. Wherever it can, Grail Café uses ingredients harvested nearby. The seasonal soup makes for a wholesome lunch dish, especially when paired with the Grail Garden salad—created with vegetables from the cafe's own garden and sprinkled with flower petals for color. Breakfast is another specialty: order the Mushroom Oeufs Brouilles, made with herbs and goat cheese, to your NEMA Chicago apartment and start the day right. The Hot Honey Granola is delicious too—and if you're feeling extra devilish, save room for the vegan peanut butter tart.


Taste 222

Proof that pickup and delivery menus needn't mean compromise: Taste 222's is groaning with fire-charred sirloin salads, blackened salmon Nicoise, shrimp with stone-ground cheese grits, and sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches layered with applewood smoked bacon. If you're sharing your NEMA Chicago home with family members, order one of the mouthwatering feasts: perhaps the chorizo-crusted pork chops topped with ancho gravy, a side of garlic mash, and red velvet cake to follow. There's wine to go too; order the soft and juicy 2016 Decero Cabernet Sauvignon or the 2018 Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise Blanc. With this spread on the table, your living room will feel more like a high-end restaurant.

Teapot Brew Bakery

This family-run bakery only knows how to do fresh: their aim is to sell out their products each day—anything that doesn't get sold is donated to a local shelter. If you're working from your South Loop apartment at NEMA Chicago, you can perk up your coffee break with Teapot Brew Bakery's loaf cakes, macaroons, scones, donuts, and cookies—all available for pickup. To accompany your sweet treats, order a freshly brewed americano or cocoa. And when the sun's out over your private terrace, it's time to order a cool cider or a serving of premium gelato. Bellissimo.

Kilwins

Now is the moment to show your support for Kilwins—purveyors of high-quality chocolate, ice cream, and fudge—on South Michigan Avenue. This local business was recently impacted by looters, damage, and financial hardship. Even still, Kilwin’s is rising above and continues to show support to the local South Loop community and its employees, through fundraisers and donations. Jackie Jackson (the first black female franchise owner in the nation for Kilwins) is rebuilding her business and has decided to pay donations forward to the city by giving away 2,020 ice cream cones to the class of 2020 graduates (from kindergarten through college). Makes you proud to be a part of Chicago!


NEMA Chicago’s luxury apartments are perfectly located just steps from dozens of delicious South Loop eateries. During these especially difficult times, be sure to support local black-owned eateries —many within walking-distance from your home at NEMA Chicago.