There’s a new cafe very near my office called Cafe Ciao, and I’ve pretty much assumed it wasn’t open yet, but apparently it has been since September. There are restrictions on the signage, the owner says, and so she’s having trouble generating traffic. So here’s my little bit to help:
For lunch today I had a very delicious, extremely crunchy and light grilled chicken pesto panini, with hot-spicy Jay’s chips on the side. The place is comfortable and full of light, a very nice spot for a business or social lunch, or a drink after work perhaps, since there’s a full bar.
Julie, the owner, is very nice (and drop-dead gorgeous, my goodness) and does a great job with the food and the service. She’s also got some clever ideas to build good-will, like a raffle (each customer gets an entry) and a grab-bag of freebie coupons on the way out the door. I have “won” a free beer, so I will return — which means her ideas are working.
So if you live or work in the West Loop, get yourself over to the corner of Madison & Sangamon, and have something to eat or drink at Cafe Ciao.