Sweet Thang, 1921 North Ave, Chicago

This cute little Parisian coffee/pastry café serves authentic French Bakeries, Breakfast Food, Dessert, Lunch and of course coffee! Café is located in the heart of Wicker Park neighborhood. The brand of coffee is Illy caffee. While they serve your mocha, Americano, espresso, latte, whatever your choice may be… they are known for their pastries. Bienvenue! This cute little French pastry & coffee house, with French speaking staff is a bit eccentric with it’s faux-French décor seats around 20 with heart-shaped chairs, café table and a velet chaise near the window. The flaking red paint, peeling wallpaper and black and white pictures of Parisian life reveal an old-world charm. This neighborhood patisserie, Owner Chef Bernard Runo grew up in Wicker Park but studied abroad at the illustrious Ecole Ferrandi before returning home. His mission has been "bringing pastry to the masses" since setting up shop in 1998. While known for his custom wedding, novelty and erotic cakes, Runo is equally fluent in all things fresh and flaky. Here temptation has many names though some are hard to pronounce: foret noire, milles-feuilles, raspberry coconut roulade, tarts, scones, canolis, eclairs, flans, cheesecakes, cookies, danishes and, yes, even your standard sticky bun. Peel apart a soft almond palmier over cappuccinos or relish a delicate mousse that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette. Prices depend on the size and shape of your sweet, but a quick bite won't cost you more than $3-$6. If you are in the Chicago area, this is a must café to stop by and visit! Bon jour!.

Review by: Joyce Almieda

Posted: Monday, September 12, 2005