“Lunch at Verzenay Chicago”

***** Just down the street from the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park, there is a shop that I have passed for several years, but never paid attention to. This part of Lincoln Avenue is not as “hot” as the area a block to the south. During the Pandemic, Arshiya Farheen and her husband , who have been in the food industry for years, signed a lease to have a shop on Lincoln Avenue. Since her training was in Paris, it was designed to be more for breakfast and lunch as far as meals, but is in reality also a bakery where each day, her staff prepares wonderful eating experiences.

The location is  2507 N. Lincoln Avenue and half of the store front is filled with tables and chairs, while the other section is where lines of people form to see the wonderful creations that Arshiya and her staff create. The system is designed to make it easy. You look at the  Quiches , sandwiches and or pastries and place your order for that as well as beverage, pay then take your seat ( if you are dining in) or wait on the side for your name to be called ( if ,to go). You can also pre-order and come and pick up the order.

When Jane and I arrived for Lunch or perhaps , based on their menu BRUNCH  ( during holidays they did a “High Tea”, which might be quite European) we were offered an actual menu of items as one would experience in a restaurant. We selected the egg and cheese on croissant : scrambled egg and American cheese on a home made croissant that is quite buttery and delicious. You can also add chicken sausage to this. We also tried the Spinach and Kale Quiche : a delicious egg treat with greens. They were out of the Potato and Leek Quiche ( but we will be back for sure).

Just for a taste, because I am a soup lover ( in particular on a nippy Saturday morning), I did a cup of their Butternut Squash soup- it was divine! The staff also brought us a some other savory items from their shelves. Wow! Lots of goodies to take home for later as well and while we waited, we had a tour of the kitchen where we met the future baker/chef  Aleena Farheen ( who has her own little corner to do her own little thing).

I watched other patrons pick up their order and say a grilled cheese sandwich that looked amazing. I also took home a Chicken Salad Croissant to bring to Frank for Sunday lunch and some other goodies.

Verzenay Chicago is a home for baked goods. desserts , pastries and cakes, but is also a place where you can get an amazing breakfast or lunch plate and enjoy an afternoon “high ( or not high) Tea”.

Again, the location is 2507 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. The phone number 773-799-8312 and website is https://www.verzenaychicago.com

They are closed on Monday and Tuesday

Hours:  Wednesday thru Sunday  8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

They do take special orders and can also assist you with a party.

A wonderful experience for us in Lincoln Park.