Chicago - May 16, 2007

Chew, Chew!

Vella Cafe Opens

After being poked, prodded, squished, and drooled on one too many times, you decided to boycott the el.

Nowadays you cab, skateboard, and freestyle walk (anything to avoid the train). But here’s a good reason to get back on track: Vella Cafe, a new breakfast and lunch spot opening today right below the Western Blue Line.

Created by the same duo that cooks the Green City Market’s addictive panini, this bright, cheery 45-seater serves a wholesome menu with an emphasis on local ingredients.

Make friends with the stranger sitting next to you over a breakfast of stuffed French toast with honey-orange cream cheese and amaranth pancakes with lingonberry jam. Detour from your usual brunch spot for chicken sausage crepes with caramelized onions or potato-parsnip pancakes with a poached egg. As for the lunch panini, we’d say they’re well worth the commute.

Vella’s iced Vietnamese coffee goes perfectly with the soups, salads, and house-made sweets .

So come on, ride the train.

Vella Cafe, 1912 North Western Avenue, at Milwaukee Avenue (773-489-7777).