Mama Vie

Something smells really good on Eastern Parkway, and you’ll notice that before you see Mama Vie’s tent. Set up outside the Central Library, the tent routinely draws a small crowd of people who can also sense the presence of jerk chicken from a mile away. That jerk chicken is great (your nose was correct), but we usually go for the oxtails—they’re tender and swimming in a thick brown gravy that's turned this corner of Prospect Heights into an eating destination. It helps that nothing at this Jamaican spot is over $20, and everything comes with rice and peas, and crunchy raw cabbage. Check Mama’s Instagram for the schedule, and also inspirational quotes like “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”.