The deal with Bluebird...

I know I've complained about Bluebird in the past. A lot. And I had good reason to. But I would be remiss not to give credit where credit was due, and it would appear that where Bluebird is concerned, the fourth time's a charm.

Our most recent visit was for a friend's birthday party. Maybe Bluebird just rolls out the red carpet for parties of eight or more, but whatever the reason, the service, the food, and the timing were all considerably better than my three previous visits. A word to the wise: don't expect to get out of here without emptying your wallet. While Bluebird may woo you with it's oh-so-casual bar-like atmosphere, the tab can get pretty hefty pretty fast. This is a special occasion kind of place, despite its corner-bar come-on.

Lovely: A Bakeshop. Chicago's loveliest coffeehouse

A warning to the (coffee)bar fly: Lovely has cut you off from your power supply. If you bring your laptop hoping to spend an afternoon of quality time with it and a latte, make sure it’s sufficiently charged beforehand. In an effort to encourage card-playing and other forms of face-to-face interaction, Lovely’s sockets are now no good to you. Or me. Buyer beware. If, on the other hand, you came for a treat and some coffee, well, you’re in luck!

One part Americana charm, one part Old World patisserie, Lovely: A Bakeshop is a bright spot on an otherwise drab stretch of Milwaukee Avenue. The owners, professionally trained in the art of French pastry, use their talent to crank out old-fashioned American treats like cupcakes topped with generous swirls of fluffy frosting, and individual apple pies. On the European side you’ll find the likes of glossy, chocolate espresso tarts and wedges of blueberry almondine. The lunch crowd can choose from sandwiches, soups, and other savories like quiche (the broccoli is particularly tasty) and the requisite coffee, tea, and espresso drinks are all on offer. Need a last minute gift for the retro domestic goddess in your life? Lucky for you, a small assortment of vintage-inspired kitchenware and accessories (think gingham aprons) are available in the back of the store. For those with a refined sweet tooth there are Lovely’s own jams, fruit butters, and granola for sale.

lovelybakeshop.com, 1130 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Bluebird, redeem thyself!

The owners of Webster’s Wine Bar hopped on the gastropub bandwagon (along with every other new pub owner and his brother) with the opening of Bluebird a year ago plus. As far as ambiance goes, it weren't broke so they didn't fix it: Webster’s cozy-hip exposed brick and worn wood aesthetic is echoed here. True to form, the wine and beer lists are comprehensive and eclectic. No issues there. The menu offers small bites like olives and fries, and heartier plates like braised rabbit over pasta. The chicken wings are a favorite, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses is on offer to be ordered by the ounce. So what am I whingeing about? Oh, nothing much, just that every time I give Bluebird a chance they go and screw it up again: an order, the timing, the complete and utter lack of anything resembling customer service. I get the too-cool-to-care thing. Really I do. But then I guess don't expect us to care either, Bluebird.