This spring a pair of renowned Chicago restaurateurs plan to open new bakeries.
James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal, owner of Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in Chicago, plans to open a working bakery in an expansive warehouse in the Logan Square neighborhood. Veering away from Segal’s signature plated desserts, the French bakery, inspired by the baker’s Paris honeymoon, will capture the artisan craftsmanship of baking, featuring traditional fare as well as seasonal finds and a large collection of specialty cookies. Segal plans to use only natural, clean ingredients for her rustic, earthy and fresh menu.
Moto and iNG chef-owner Homaro Cantu partnered with Jeffrey Mauro, chef-owner of Jam, a breakfast restaurant, to open Berrista, a bakery café focused on introducing the public to the revolutionary “miracle berry” — a plant with origins in West Africa that turns sour and bitter flavors sweet. Berrista — open from morning until night — will showcase guilt-free, sugar-free breakfast treats like donuts, scones, coffee cakes, sticky buns, turnovers, waffles and other baked goods as well as some sandwiches paired with the natural berry.