Miss Ricky's Launching Dog-Friendly Menu June 21

Starting this month on Friday, June 21 (National Take Your Dog to Work Day), the menu at Miss Ricky’s in the Virgin Hotels Chicago is going to the dogs — literally. In keeping with the hotel’s dog-vibe and pet amenities (dog beds, food and water bowls, Virgin Hotels bandanas, birthday parties, a porcelain dog standing guard outside each dog-friendly room), Executive Chef Moosah Reaume has created a special dog menu available seven days a week on the restaurant’s patio for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Reaume, a pet-owner and lover himself who has competed on the local dog show circuit, has combined his culinary experience and years spent crafting special meals for his own English Bulldogs to create a menu of healthy dog dishes.

Items on the $9 menu include a Yogi Parfait, a mix of organic yogurt with gluten-free granola and seasonal berries. There are three different Puppy Power Bowls, which include a choice of all-natural proteins (steak, chicken breast or salmon): gluten-free quinoa with fresh parsley, carrots, green beans and coconut oil; steamed sweet potatoes with yogurt, berries, parsley and coconut oil; and steamed butternut squash, carrots, green beans and coconut oil. All dogs will receive a post-meal PuppiCino: beef-broth topped all-natural whipped cream and a puppy peanut butter treat.

In addition to his own experience, Reaume also tapped into the knowledge of homeopathic and traditional veterinarians for the menu. All of the dishes incorporate ingredients that are cooked minimally.. In the near future, Reaume hopes to offer the menu for room-service as well.

“These dishes are fun for dogs to eat,” says Reaume. “Plus, they are great for owners who like to hand-feed their dogs as giving them table food is a big no-no.”