Cipollina (Wicker Park, Chicago — 1543 N. Damen)

Come Friday, after a long week, I highly recommend meeting a friend for breakfast before heading into work. It’s quite therapeutic.

Jasmin — my extra fabulous friend, coworker, and designer (she did my blog header) — always raves about Cipollina, a coffee shop/bakery/deli/market in her ‘hood. And after hearing her rave about their vanilla fig black pepper lattes (yes, really) a million times, I knew I had to try it out.

It’s wonderful.

To drink: Soy steamers — vanilla fig black pepper for me; pumpkin coconut for her — accompanied by Intelligentsia espressos.

To eat: What can only be described as the best oatmeal ever, topped with toasted walnut halves and dried cherries.

Look! Shelves of amazing goodies (including Nutella, of course). I’ll take one of everything, please.

A ridiculous selection of baked goods, including scones, criossants, danishes,  granola, muffins, etc. etc.

It doesn’t get much more charming than this.

Literally steps from the Blue Line El at Damen, Cipollina gets a lot of commuters grabbing a cup and a treat before work.

Cipollina, it was a pleasure. Until next time…