Chicago Suburbs – Sweet T and a Honey B

A wonderful part of living in the suburbs is getting to explore all the different downtown areas tucked inside of each town. Each of them seem to have their own personality and the window fronts boast unique restaurants or shops. I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in the same town since I was born and downtown Downers Grove has a very special place in my heart. The various events held each season, the colorful butter cookies at Busy Bee Bakery, adorable gifts at 221 Creations or Avec Panache, a couple of delicious pizza places, and the library all make this a fantastic place to live and raise a family.

Another town located about twenty minutes from where I live is Elmhurst, IL. This downtown area offers many great places to shop, brunch, and have coffee. In the midst of looking for a good cup of coffee on a girl’s day trip this past summer, my mom, aunt, cousin, and I stumbled upon a corner coffee shop called ‘Brewpoint Coffee Company’. If the name alone doesn’t draw you in, it’s the sign on the door that advertises a weekend ‘Donut Drop’ in which fresh donuts are delivered here every Friday-Sunday. The shop is cozy and inviting with it’s chalkboard menu, framed world map, and large shelf of board games you can play while sipping and snacking.

I was fortunate enough to find myself in Elmhurst again yesterday afternoon and made it a point to pop in. I chose an orange biscotti and the Bartolome Latte, BP’s signature drink. The Bartolome is espresso with almond and coconut milk, a small amount of half and half, and cinnamon. While this will definitely be my go-to drink from now on, I plan to try coffee with some of BP’ fun flavors like lavender and marshmallow.

Unfortunately we were on a time crunch and had to take our coffee to go, though I plan to visit again this weekend. Brewpoint is unique in that they offer many events and promotions to make this feel like a truly hometown coffee spot. Besides the donut drop, Gameboard Night is held every Thursday evening, Elmhurst college students receive 10% off with their student IDs, and you can also rent out BP after hours on Sundays for your own events complete with your own Barista! I am already thinking of excuses to host an event here.

I highly encourage anyone in the Western Suburbs looking for a fantastic cup of coffee and cozy experience to pay this spot a visit. There is something special to be said about local coffee shops and Brewpoint tops my list. I can’t wait to begin my New Year’s Eve Weekend with a Bartolome and warm donut. 😉

There are few things I love more than brunch. It might be less because of the food and more because brunch is usually associated with weekends, a good mimosa, family, and friends. Though, this past weekend I found the unicorn of brunch places that combines the perfect atmosphere, menu, and most importantly-coffee.

We recently moved my mom from Downers Grove, IL to St. Charles, IL and while it’s only a 30 minute drive, sometimes it feels like we moved her to a whole different state. With that said, I decided to spend Saturday brunching, shopping, and watching the Chicago Cubs make it to the World Series out by her. We made our way to State St. in downtown Geneva, just about three blocks from her new home, and decided to grab a bite to eat at a place called ‘Buttermilk’. It’s a cute brick building located on the corner of State St. and River Lane and is less than a block away from the Fox River. There is a large, bold “BUTTERMILK” sign on the front of the restaurant and every time I drive through downtown Geneva I make a mental note to stop in. This time I am glad I skipped the note. Upon entering you are greeted with this.

If it’s not the adorable chalkboard sign with their daily specials or large “ROAST” sign, it’s the 10+ different syrups and flavorings they offer in their coffee. We were seated within minutes (which is a surprise because I’ve heard some people wait THREE HOURS on the weekends just to get in. That’s a good sign, right?) and I made note of what flavored latte I would be getting on the way out (did I mention you can also stop in and order your coffee to go?).

Mom and I both chose the Specialty Egg Panini. It was a perfect combo of breakfast and lunch. The Panini consisted of scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, spinach, seasoned tomatoes, and harvarti cheese all on toasted italian bread. We also each had a cup of fruit on the side. I plan to make something similar for my husband and I at home because I haven’t stopped thinking about it since Saturday.

I ended up not ordering a latte to go but that’s only because I couldn’t wait to get it to go. I could not decide between the Cookie Butter Latte or the Toasted Almond Latte. Since I’ve had almond lattes before I went with the Cookie Butter and let me tell you- it didn’t disappoint. It was served in a tall clear glass with a cookie butter drizzle at the bottom. It was delicious and fun to sip on. There is a butterscotch latte I have my eye on for next time.

We stayed until closing time (2:30pm on weekends) because we were enjoying ourselves so much. It was a wonderful place to catch up with my mom and I know this is going to be a favorite of mine when I drive out by her. Buttermilk’s website says, “The big idea that started it all was our belief in using the highest quality ingredients available in a warm and inspired setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for any occasion, whether it’s a gathering with family and friends or a romantic brunch for two.” I definitely agree with ‘warm’ and ‘inspiring’ and I also admire their use of fresh ingredients and extensive list of healthy choices combined with the “feel-good” choices like Stuffed Banana Bourbon French Toast! I highly recommend stopping in to Buttermilk for brunch or even just a coffee or breakfast cocktail to begin your day in downtown Geneva.