Yes, you read that headline correctly!

Believe me, even I can’t believe I’m saying it. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term charcuterie, it is a restaurant or deli specializing in prepared meat products (not usually a place for us veggie folk).

Back in the spring I was invited to the grand opening of a new restaurant in Chicago called Tete Charcuterie. Just from seeing the name I had the immediate, knee-jerk response of “no thanks”!  I had visions of having to say no to every single passed appetizer and food option that came my way while constantly explaining that I’m vegetarian and don’t eat meat. To me, that just did not sound like a fun evening and clearly this event was not up my alley. That’s ok, can’t say yes to them all!

Girls Love Sausage Event

Fast-forward a few months and my friend Amanda is inviting me to Tete Charcuterie for an event called “Girls Love Sausage” (hee hee, totally got a chuckle out of that name…genius right:)) I look at Amanda perplexed reminding her that I blog under the name VEGETARIAN Tourist. She must have forgotten that minor but important detail. She laughs and tells me that Tete Charcuterie prepares some amazing vegetarian dishes. Really Amanda? A charcuterie? Are you sure about this? I don’t know…

But since I trust her, I show up at the event (admittedly, a little bit curious and quite a bit skeptical to see what the heck a charcuterie could possibly make for a vegetarian that is good).

WHOA! I don’t even know where to begin. As each course of meat was being brought out for the rest of the table, I was being served some of the most beautifully prepared dishes I have seen in a LONG time. More than that, each dish was flavorful and absolutely delicious. I dare go on a limb to say some of the best prepared vegetables I have ever had! Yes, you also read that correctly.

First Course: Asparagus Salad– Thyme flower vinaigrette, purple mustard greens, roasted asparagus. This salad was light, delicious and fresh. It was so beautifully presented, it took me about five minutes to dig into it because it was almost too pretty to eat. It’s like a piece of artwork!

Tete Asparagus Salad

Second Course: Summer Garden– Cocotte of vegetables, fruits and herbs. There are well over 20 vegetables and fruits in this dish and the surprise hidden at the bottom of the warm cast iron skillet is a delicious puree of pistachio and ramps with a touch of curry (almost tastes like an Indian cilantro chutney). Absolutely delightful and amazing.

Tete Summer Garden

Third Course: Ricotta Agnolotti– Green asparagus, morels, vin jaune d’arbois, burnt bread. Honestly, some of the most light and flavorful pasta I have ever had. The greens in this dish really brought out the flavor of the pasta and morels along with the air like sauce. I wanted more…a lot more!

Tete Ricotta Agnolotti

Dessert: Sticky Toffee Date Dessert– Date cake, coffee ice cream, caramel sauce, white chocolate bark. Um….Oh. My.God! That warm date cake was amazing but that coffee ice cream…that coffee ice cream was heaven on earth and definitely the best coffee ice cream I have ever had. Hmm, wonder if they sell it by the vat?

Tete Sticky Toffee Date Pudding

Drink: Tete A Tete – Vodka, pate spice, ginger beer (I confirmed this was vegetarian…the pate spice is not meat based). I always enjoy a good, spicy, ginger beer and this drink did not disappoint. I loved the beautiful color gradient from the spices and more so, that it was very, very tasty!

Tete A Tete Drink

A couple of important remaining thoughts:

1. It was fabulous having a view of the chefs in action throughout the entire dinner. Their passion and attention to detail were literally served up on each plate (even all my veggie plates). I think that speaks volumes about the chefs and their dedication to providing a quality product and great experience. I really appreciated their drive and that they did not forget their vegetarian and vegan friends when creating their meat-based menu.

Tete Chefs Hard At Work

2. By the end of the meal, each person at the table had also tried all of the vegetarian dishes and I was blown away by the response. The carnivores agreed their favorite dish of the night was the vegetarian Summer Garden dish. Score!

3. I took it upon myself to rename the event. It only seemed fitting after the veggie verdict. It was now the “Girls Love Veggies” soiree and everyone was on board with this decision.

Girls Love Veggies