Prasino, Chicago

When Peggy Maglaris Kopley's husband was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma, she used the news as the catalyst to cleaning up her family's diet with organic foods, as mentioned by "190 North". Even as her husband fought his way into remission, Peggy continued her foray into the world of organic eating and green living. The two passions became the inspiration for her contemporary American restaurant, Prasino, which has gained praise from the pages of Time Out Chicago and Chicago Magazine_ and the screens of ABC7 and WGN. And to ensure both locations live up to their name—Prasino means "green" in Greek"—Peggy and her team, who are trained in organic standards, craft fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees including a pretzel bun eggs benedict and chorizo seitan tacos, using locally-sourced and organic ingredients. The chic restaurant's farm-to-table ethos is further supported in their efforts to work with ranchers and farmers, including partnerships with Niman Ranch and Knutson's Country Harvest, who practice sustainable living by treating their livestock humanely and ensuring their meats are antibiotic- and hormone-free. The eco-friendly vibe carries over into a line-up of specialty beverages, from Goose Island brews to cocktails infused with fruits and vegetables, as well as each restaurant's eco-friendly design, complete with reclaimed wood furnishings, energy efficient appliances, and robot waiters who are fueled by sweet compliments.