HomeA Feast for the Eyes: Feed
17. Feb, 2009 
8 Comments
Before I start, I have to say it’s killing me that I can’t have music accompany this piece. This piece needs some good fifties country music or . . . wow . . . any kind of music really. The choice might feel apt or ironic or whimsical or even sarcastic, but literally any kind of music would work; this place stands up to anything. Would having music start playing when you read a post enrich the experience for you or would it feel like an intrusion? I’d like to know becau . . . huh? Oh, sorry . . . and now, Feed!
People have been telling me for months I need to check out Feed, the popular breakfast joint on Chicago’s west side. Former Open House star Tracy Ostmann-Haschke gave it rave reviews (she also painted the country diner’s murals) and during my recent conversation with Sharon Bladholm, the environmentally conscious artist praised Feed owners and partners Donna and Liz for the way they incorporate a degree of sustainability into their lives (they raise chickens and rabbits in an urban environment . . . and not just for pets).
It sounds positively quirky, but think about it; this practice could, nay, should be implemented by all of us (I’ll take photos). If we all had a little farm and a pile of critters, the benefits would far outweight the way of life we have right now with our convenient and bountiful but badly lit grocers, central air conditioning and ice cubes. If we all had little farms, we’d reduce carbon emissions, strengthen community bonds (neighbors trading eggs for tomatoes or rabbit meat for example) and provide the U.S. food system with a much needed shock absorber in the event a crisis of some sort disrupts the enormously efficient but increasingly vulnerable world food supply chain (just in time delivery just a few minutes late just might cause food riots). Hey I’m not joking!!!
Continued . . .
The rooster doing the jig on the ledge is by artist Tracy Ostmann-Haschke
People laugh when I say this (standing at the corner of State and Lake with my megaphone); they say Americans will never elect that kind of life, that we’re too obsessed with our TV’s and our SUV’s (and as we age, our RV’s). But we’re going through a seismic shift; the way we produce and consume energy and information, the way we think about and treat our climate and environment, the way we create and think about our possessions, the way we define being American and being a global citizen. And the most important problem we face – how to monetize blog content (if we assume the 2012 stuff to be myth). So we need to take action now! You go first.
When I praised co-owner Donna Knezek about really going first, she literally rolled her eyes and waved me away, saying their chickens could never produce enough eggs to serve a busy Saturday morning. But that’s not the point; it’s a start.
I almost forgot that this is a design blog (and Feed is a restaurant so click here for the Reader’s review), and there are lessons there too. Cozy, colorful and 100% country kitsch, the place ain’t fancy but it’s got style. It’s also constantly changing as friends and regular customers often bring in poultry and/or country-centric gifts. So remember the color and change it up to stay fresh. Does that qualify me to keep my Design Blogger Membership card?
2803 W. Chicago (at California). 773-489-4600
p.s. I knew Donna and Liz were kindred spirits when I walked in and saw what was on the jukebox:
I love, love LOVE Feed! They are also big supporters of Red Door Animal Shelter and always have pictures of the available rabbits & cats (for pets).
I think I recognize one of the diners. He’s scowling up at the camera.
I am going to try it out and check back with you. The Yelp reviews are 50/50 on the joint. I am not a follower though so I will make my own visit and grade on it.
Looks like a pretty chill place though. Good job.
Yes folks, it’s a great little spot. While the food is good, I’m more partial to the experience a restaurant provide. Let me know what you think RP30.
Oh, also, you guys need to get yourself some avatars. You all look alike.
I can hear Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs playing sweet bluegrass on their banjos as I coast through these pix. Hope the food is as easy on the palate as the decor is on the eye! We’re having a dismal day in Southern Ont. so the vivid colours of Feed really woke me up. See if the owners will let you pipe in a soundtrack from the restaurant for this blog.
PS I tried to get a gravatar but the directions are too complicated for me. I like the one called Austin ( a purple and white geometric quilt pattern ).
Thanks as well for the second visit to Ostmann-Hauschke Garfield Park bungalow. I like their living room best with the windows at right angles in one corner. Lets in light and fresh breezes, so very important to a comfy home.
wow, nice pics Tate. you must not have gotten the voice mail, but our chickens and bunnies are only pets. Liz says don’t eat the bunnies, but I venerate their brothers and sisters that sustain us, and say they’re delicious ;> of course I haven’t been allowed to cook one in the past 10 years, lol
it’s so weird to see yourself on someone’s blog. click our website iff’n you want music. yeah, restaurants are about the experience package, lotsa of sensory stuff.
blogs, not so much. much more cerebral, not a bad thing. But that’s why Feed is what it is. I don’t think folks should think and dissect their food. they should just eat, (hopefully not discuss how bad it is), talk to their friends, listen to the music, look at the stuff on the walls. (which isn’t kitsch, what is kitsch? this is more homage)
I’ve been thinking a lot about the art of critique lately, but I won’t bore you. But this is a really well written piece, about a larger subject than design. It’s all connected, eh?
heck, I’d like ‘em all for my memory scrapbook. I’m planning now for my dotage.
However, your photo of the jukebox buttons is phenomenal. can I have a copy?
Thanks Donna! I like to think we can explore all kinds of topics and stories through design.
Of course you can have a photo. I’ll email it to you.