Aug. 07--Vanille Patisserie is opening a store in Lakeview, those who follow the business's Facebook page learned this week. The new spot? As some Facebook users guessed in Vanille's contest, it's at 3243 N. Broadway at Melrose. Look for a soft opening Sept. 8 and the official ribbon cutting possibly on Sept. 10, according to owner Sophie Evanoff.
"I'm a fan of the Lakeview neighborhood,'' says Evanoff, who likes the energy and diversity of the locale.
"It's a later crowd," she adds, noting the new store will be open to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Opening at 7 a.m. every day for early birds.)
Vanille Patisserie specializes in desserts, tarts, macarons and cakes. Evanoff is planning to launch a line of gluten-free cakes and create some sort of doggy treats when the 1,100-square-foot Lakeview space opens. She's also hoping to have some sort of musical entertainment monthly on Friday nights.
"I want people to come and hang out,'' says Evanoff. But don't expect WiFi connections. "I want people to come and enjoy pastry and eacy other and enjoy the moment."
The Broadway location will be the third for the classic French bakery, which operates at 2108 N. Clark St. (773-868-4574) in Lincoln Park and the Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St. (312-575-9963) in the West Loop.
Evanoff may not be through with expanding.
"I'm open to the possibility," she says. "Hopefully, there will be another Vanille somewhere next year."
wdaley@tribpub.com
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