Food historians continue to debate the origins of chili. Some believe it has roots in the American West; others say it originated from the Aztecs. Legend has it that the dish came from a Spanish nun who received a vision for the sacred recipe.
Chili is now a classic comfort food so intrinsically tied to American culture that it has its own national holiday, February 23. The traditional recipe includes ground beef, beans and a blend of chili seasonings.
One local Chicago restaurant has taken a twist on the classic recipe since 1983.
“We got the best vegan chili in town, you can add vegan cheese, vegan sour cream and about five other toppings,” said Cal, a server at The Chicago Diner.
The Chicago Diner has locations in the Lakeview and Logan Square neighborhoods, providing all vegetarian and mostly vegan American comfort food. The restaurant’s signature quinoa chili bowl is served with jalapeño corn fritters, sour cream and other vegan toppings.
Mickey Hornick and his partner, “Chef Jo” Kaucher, opened the restaurant in 1983. They aimed to serve comfort food — but without the meat.
“We’re like a family. There's a lot of love put into the food. It’s diner casual but people come from all over the country to eat here. It sticks with them,” said Cal.
The diner is one of the few all vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Chicago.
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