Happy Fat Tuesday! It's pączki day (also observed on Fat Thursday, the Thursday before Lent), a Polish, pre-lenten tradition that everyone should celebrate! I came across an article about where to find these lovely indulgences, the Chicago Tribune's Pączki Day Specials from 37 Chicago Restaurants and Bakeries. Too many to choose from so I skimmed the list … Continue reading Scafuri Bakery
Category: Treats
Frida’s Cafe
I absolutely adore this little gem! Frida's Cafe and Gallery is a unique coffee shop that serves as a tribute to Kahlo while celebrating Mexican folklore though local art and cultural products. They not only serve coffee, light fare, and delicious sweets but display local art and sell Mexican novelties (i.e. jewelry, mugs), candy, etc. … Continue reading Frida’s Cafe
West Town Bakery
West Town Bakery is an eccentric local bakery that serves breakfast and lunch in addition to yummy baked goods. They strive to be green and sustainable and offer options for everyone (all main food allergies accounted for). I like what they stand for and it's a cool shop to visit, very colorful and unique inside. I'll … Continue reading West Town Bakery
Do Rite Donuts
This may be my favorite donut shop in Chicago. Do Rite Donuts and donut do wrong! I first tried this artisanal doughnut shop after the Big Ten 10k last year as a treat (: I went for the yeast raised, chocolate glazed. The texture was light and fluffy, with just enough chewiness. Also, the chocolate glaze was fantastic: … Continue reading Do Rite Donuts
Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery, although a global chain, has the best banana pudding I've ever tried! They also bake sweets like cupcakes, cakes, pies, cookies, and cheesecakes. Although founded in New York City, Chicago has a location downtown, on State St., close to Millennium Station. Finding this was by accident (I didn't know they had a shop … Continue reading Magnolia Bakery
BomboBar
Bar Siena's walk-up window, BomboBar, delivers some fresh, delectable, sugar-coated bomboloni (Italian, "hole-less," filled doughnuts). They're fried, coated, and filled up as you order so they're fresh and warm - crisp on the outside, and just the right fluffiness/chewiness inside, with the filling of your choice! They used to just fill them but now they insert a … Continue reading BomboBar
Warm Belly
Get in my belly! Warm Belly is a "cookie-centric" bakery in Chicago's West Loop. They do offer a plethora of other goodies as well: Bobtail ice cream, milkshakes, etc. and serve Dark Matter Coffee. Well, their cookies are the bomb! They're a chunky cookie ball of warm, chewy, sweet goodness. They have a rotating assortment of 40 different … Continue reading Warm Belly
Evolution Artisan Confections
I am my mother's daughter, definitely. We both have an immense sweet tooth that is mostly boundless. This past fall, we tried Evolution Artisan Confections in Valparaiso, IN. Like you're reading a book: spicy mango, blood orange, matcha, liquid honey, banana foster, raspberry lychee and rose, dark caramel, passionfruit, and chai. My favorites in no … Continue reading Evolution Artisan Confections