Bittersweet

The other day on Chowhound a few people (maybe a few as with their software you never really know) attacked the quality of service at the bakery-cafe, Bittersweet. Having just been there for a nice lunch with the family, I objected, having had fine service. Still, as I knew we were going back as part of the birthday celebration for the Condiment Queen, I promised to report back. And, the service was fine.

Using a team approach, the waiters took fine care of us. Giving us a few minutes from sit-down to decide but not so long as how much is there to decide on a five item menu. Drinks and soup came quickly, and when the soup came tepid, they were around enough to fix the problem. When we stayed at our table just a moment past when we should have arisen, they realized we wanted dessert. All of the time, they smiled and seemed happy to be surrounded by a store this close to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Now ask me about the food? Fine service, not so fine food. Never had food this mediocre at Bittersweet. The cesar salad lacked any power, the dressing tasting like mayonnaise. The sliced chicken on top got to be both bland and rubbery. The gazpacho was a nearly smooth version of tomato soup, not the can't taste the specific chunks of summer vegetables that the CQ herself makes. The ice cream was uncharacteristically heavy and one note-ish in its flavor (like frozen peanut-butter). Only the quiche and the best of show pecan roll met the usual high standards. Good thing I liked the service.

Bittersweet
1114 W. Belmont Ave.,
Chicago
(773) 929-1100

This afternoon as I walked down Belmont to a meeting on Southport I stopped into Bittersweet for some ice cream (they had Dulce de Leche but I ended up with Espresso - also very good).

While in there, the camera were rolling for an upcoming episode of Check Please! Likely to be on air sometime in November....

As always, the ice cream was quite good, one of the best scoops in town.

Shannon

I had lunch here today and remembered that it is my favorite lunch spot in the city. I always opt for the 1/2 soup,salad or sandwich option. Today's soup of the day was a wonderfully flavorful Carrot Jalapeno soup. It was served piping hot which I appreciated. I had the Mediterranean Salad which had very fresh ingredients and a very bright homemade lemon vinaigrette. While the focus is on their pastries I love the cafe and each time I go there I wish my mom lived closer so I could take her to lunch here.

www.bittersweetpastry.com

1114 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657-2798
(773) 929-1100