Cauliflower Lasagna and Shopping Too

Shopping can take a toll on the body, but what better way to replenish with a delicious meal INSIDE your favorite home store? At the base of Crate and Barrel in suburban shopping mall, the Oak Brook Center, The Table at Crate allows customers to sit down for a meal in their modern, fully glassed dining space before heading out to shop. The best part? Patrons are welcome to bring a glass of wine or cocktails along for the ride. Marble table tops and glassware accompanied by sleek furniture and lighting takes you away from the mall and into an upscale dining experience. Never forgetting why you're there, waitstaff reminds customers that every item in the restaurant, from plates and tables to glasses and forks, is available for purchase.

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The more important part, however, is of course the food. An updated American menu appeals to all generations and offers something for everyone. From salads and greens to poke bowls and steak, vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike will be satisfied with the options. I chose to dig into a cauliflower lasagna that tasted as if it was coming straight out of Grandma's oven. Tomato garlic sauce covered with gluten free mozzarella makes you forget the vegetable core of the dish. To get a fixing of carbs, curry seasoned waffle fries come with a side of aioli that creates a perfectly tangy and sweet pairing.

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The concept of dining and shopping is not particularly new, but The Table at Crate has a leg up on its competitors already. The completely immersive experience incentivizes shoppers, and the fresh "of the times" menu does not disappoint.