Dessert Deck - Guest Blogger

I have been a busy lady lately with work events and the culmination of my marathon training (yes I'm proud to say I've now run 5 marathons!) I have also been doing some guest blogging for Dessert Deck a very cool compilation of $10 off discounts at 52 area dessert havens. I'm a wee bit behind in some of the writing for them as well, but I thought I'd post my blog that I wrote for Lovely, A Bake Shop.

Lovely a Bake Shop (1130 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago) is tucked away just south of



the bustling Division Street intersection that unites the Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods. It’s storefront is unassuming, but step inside and you will find yourself enveloped in a cozy café. There are large, bright windows with views of Milwaukee Avenue, charming pressed tin ceilings, wooden tables dot the interior of the space with mismatched chairs, and several old-fashioned swivel stools beckon to customers from the end of the counter. On a sunny Sunday I ventured out to the patio and was surprised that the charm of the café extended to a large outdoor space complete with greenery and small tables that revealed a hidden urban oasis. A small general store is tucked away in the back selling homemade granola and keepsake coffee mugs. My immediate reaction, why hadn’t I been to Lovely sooner?



The staff at Lovely were all smiles and truly seemed to enjoy working there (always a good sign that you’re about to take pleasure in something special). Order at the counter for prepared foods and relax while the friendly servers bring your entrée (a scenic postcard acts as your table number). The quiche was delicious (I ordered a cheese and dill special, but there are also vegetarian and a ham and cheese varieties) and served with a mixed greens salad, and piece of crusty bread. Toasty warm croissants filled with ham and cheese is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold fall day. Sandwiches range from the traditional tuna melt and PB & J to turkey pesto and roasted vegetables. With your choice of side items like veggie chips, a green salad, apple or banana you can’t go wrong. Homemade daily soup rounds out the mouth-watering entrée selections.

Who can forget dessert? Lovely is stocked full of drool-worthy options, many will conjure up fond memories from your childhood. Homemade rice krispie treats, blondie brownie bars, personal pies, sweet cupcakes and cookies galore. The options are seemingly endless and looking at their stocked display cases is almost as fun as the treats themselves. Bring friends and you’ll be able to try several options!
Lovely is the perfect spot for a weekend brunch date, down time with one of their board games, or some time quite time to catch up on work. The space is warm and inviting with a mix of city chic and old-fashioned charm. Lovely is one spot I know I’ll be coming back to again. Soon.