There's no place like Chicago

It is certainly getting chillier out in the city and it’s time to switch the summer dresses for boots, scarves and blazers for the fall season.  That doesn’t mean you need to stay under a heated blanket and spend your weekends hibernating with movie marathons just yet.  There are plenty of great festivals and parks to venture out to during the fall season, so don’t allow yourself to be lame and complain about the weather—because it’s beautiful out!  

The cutest park I’ve seen in Chicago has got to be Oz Park located in Lincoln Park. Close to the Armitage Purple/Brown Line stop, The Scarecrow greets guests from the southwest corner. 

If he only had a brain!

Make a day out of packing a picnic and strolling in the park. Find Dorthy with her ruby red slippers. 

Yes, that's Toto's paw next to Dorthy!

I won’t ruin the entire experience providing photos of each of the characters—spend a fall afternoon visiting Oz Park yourself!

First bake the strudel then sit down and ponder

“First bake the strudel then sit down and ponder” is an Austrian proverb.  Last night I enjoyed a bite with my roommate at Austrian Bakery located in Lincoln Park.  We made our way inside and sat in the corner propped on stools at the window sill, ideal for people watching.  

Upon arrival, my sweet tooth was attracted to the display of cookies, cakes, and torts.  I decided immediately that I needed to save room for dessert.  I began contemplating my decision between the red velvet cookies, chocolate cake topped with a raspberry ganache, and giant heart shaped flakey pastries. 

It was a quite frigid out, so soup was perfect for the evening.  We ordered Frittaten soup, which is a traditional Austrian dish composed of savory vegetable broth with thins slices of Frittaten (pancakes) on top with a touch of diced green onion.  It tasted similar to a chicken noodle soup, except this had no chicken and noodles were substituted with sliced pancake.  It hit the spot.

Austrian Bakery really had a comfortable feel inside.  It was very European and welcoming, quite different from most mainstream delis and bakeries in the city.  In my opinion, it’s perfect to warm up on a cold winter night with a friend. 

As mentioned, I had to save room for dessert.  With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I went for the heart pastry.  When I received the check, I realized that heart pastry I ordered was actually a “Big Ear.”

Let me know your thoughts after visiting this spot!

Neighborhood:  Lincoln Park

2523 N Clark Street
(between Deming Pl & St James Pl)
Chicago, IL 60614

Hours:  Mon-Sun, 8am-8pm

Website:  www.AustrianBakery.com

Menu: Soup, deli, bakery

Perfect for:  A casual bite for 2-4 people

Price Range:  $