On why I live in the best neighborhood in Chicago
This afternoon as I was walking back to my apartment from the bus stop, I stopped past the building that is currently in the finishing stages of being re-modeled into a cafe. I peeked into the widows and excitedly read the menu that must have been chalked up just that morning. Just as I was moving on, an older man peeked his head out of the front door and asked if I wanted to come in. Taken aback, I asked if they were finally open. They will be tomorrow, he said. So I went in and he gave me a tour of the place.
When I first moved into Rogers Park this July, the building was just an empty hall with debris and brick scattered about. Around September I noticed some changes happening within and every time I walked to and from the bus stop, I would take a minute to peek into the windows and try to figure out what was exactly happening in there.
All of the tables and chairs are re-purposed old church pews, the counters are recycled glass and mortar, the lighting fixtures are cardboard. It was fantastic to see. He is using Direct Trade Intelligentsia beans and local everything for the baked goods and food.
Happening like this are why I love my neighborhood. The earnest people, hardworking people who encompass it. Rogers Park really is the hidden gem of Chicago.
-
gregbtracy reblogged this from stephanie-leann
-
nickthejam liked this
-
stephanie-leann posted this
