Espresso Thy Art

July 2nd - Salted Caramel Pop-Up Popsicle Shoppe

2011-06-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Strawberry rhubarb popsicle

Oatmeal cheddar cookie with dried apricots and plums and honey ice cream

Join Salted Caramel this Saturday, July 2nd, as they transform the cafe into a Pop Up Popsicle Shoppe. They will be launching a variety of their new frozen treats and they'll have other products such as smoked pecan bourbon caramel corn and stout marshmallows for sale! Bring the kids for carnival games and face painting in the back patio. Hours: 12pm-4pm.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn
Smoked Pecan Bourbon Caramel Corn
The Jugglers, A Gastrique Collection of pate de fruit
Carousel Cookies
Salted Bourbon Caramels
Stout Marshmallows
Pretzel Graham Crackers
Chocolate Molé Pudding Pops
Thai Mango Yogurt Pops
Watermelon Coriander Ice
Lemon Raspberry Goat Cheese Cups

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs026/1103315548930/archive/1106147072043.html

June 18, 2011 - Local Art Event

2011-06-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

http://weenerware.com/

http://kristine-miller.com

http://marilyngrad.com/home.html

kathleen's kloset

Starting this Saturday, join us as we kick off the farmer's market season with local artists selling their unique wares and products. Artists will be present to answer questions and tell stories about their handmade, one of a kind creations.

Grand Re-opening Tuesday May 31, 2011

2011-05-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

We're open again for the season with morning hours during the week (8:00am-11:00am) and most Saturdays from 8:30am - 1:30pm. We plan on having local artists showcase their art when the farmer's market season opens on June 18th.

"Artist Spring Sale"- Saturday March 12, 2011

2011-03-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

"cattails" on 6x6 canvas by melissa schoenback (http://www.mykindatown.etsy.com/)

"white daisies" on 6x6 canvas by melissa schoenbeck (http://www.mykindatown.etsy.com/)

"old rochester peach tree" on 6x6 canvas
by melissa schoenbeck (http://www.mykindatown.etsy.com/)
block print applique on handmade paper
by annie perry (http://www.peartreestudios.etsy.com/)

block print by annie perry (http://www.peartreestudios.etsy.com/)

crystal "caged" in sterling silver by barbara dermody

fused glass "caged" in sterling silver by barbara dermody

photo pendant by juana ryan (http://www.stellalily.com/)

handmade coaster by juana ryan (http://www.stellalily.com/)

photoblock by juana ryan (http://www.stellalily.com/)

handmade coaster by rossana reformado (http://www.re4mado.etsy.com/)

infrared photography by rossana reformado
(http://www.re4madoprints.etsy.com/)

handmade coaster set by rossana reformado

(http://www.re4mado.etsy.com/)

tagua nut jewelry by veronica riley martens
(http://www.veronicarileymartens.etsy.com/)

handmade coaster set by juana ryan
(http://www.photoaccentsbysl.etsy.com/)

mixed media collage by kathleen toledano

jewelry design by kathleen toledano

Local artists will be selling their art as everyone gears up for the 2011 art show season. Come and see what's new and what's on SALE!

There will be mixed media, tagua nut, and wired wrapped jewelry from various artists, beautiful botanical coasters from photographer Juana Ryan, painted eggs by Melissa Schoenbeck, original hand stamped cards by Annie Perry, and much...much MORE!

Virginia will also have ensaymadas and pastries for sale. Hope you can join us!

Last Minute Holiday Shopping starts this Thursday - Dec. 16th!

2010-12-14T03:51:00.000-08:00

The cafe will be open this Thursday thru Saturday ( December 16th-18th) for last minute holiday shopping. Local artists will have a variety of handmade items for sale. Come and visit us during these special holiday hours:

Thurs: 12-8pm
Fri: 10-5pm
Sat: 9-12pm

Participating artists include:

Hardwear Chicago
Veronica Riley Martens Jewelry
Jewelry Designs by Margaret Skimina
Liam Parkinson Photography
Kathleen's Kloset Mixed Media Art
Katydids Jams
Reformado Photography
Virginia's Baked Goods

Empanadas

2010-10-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

We've perfected the same beef empanada recipe that my mom used to make when they operated Balingit Bakery for 20 years. They're filled with ground beef, potatoes, peas, carrots and a few raisins.... wrapped and baked in a buttery crust! These were so popular among their customers. Now they're back and we're ready to take orders again!

We're open for the Ravenswood Art Walk this weekend (Oct. 2nd &3rd) ! Join us!

2010-09-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

We are venue #44 on the map!

Join us at Espresso Thy Art this weekend (October 2nd and 3rd) during the Ravenswood Art Walk. The cafe will be open Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Some of our local artists will have their photography, jewelry, and other artwork on display at the cafe this weekend. We hope to see you there!

"Re-purposing" Espresso Thy Art

2010-08-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

To our valued customers,

The past year has been a great ride and we thank you all so much for your patronage. We have decided to take our business in a new direction and "repurpose" our cafe space. Like our parents before us, we will be concentrating on our wholesale baking business and by doing so, we must close the retail portion of the cafe. The space will now be available to rent for parties and meetings with a full espresso bar option (including all the various drinks and smoothies on our menu). Bakers or cooks who need a kitchen approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health can rent the space to do their baking and cooking.

Our coffee beans and baked goods (food for the gods, ensaymadas, banana bread) will be avaliable for purchase by order only.

In addition, Rossana will be hanging her photography/artwork throughout the space to use as a gallery and studio. She will be holding various workshops and her artwork can be viewed or purchased by appointment and during scheduled events (Ravenswood Artwalk, Holiday Artshow/Shopping week in December).

Next Saturday, August 28th, will be the last day that Espresso Thy Art will be open for walk-in customers. To launch our new endeavor, one of our regulars is holding her wedding reception at the cafe that same afternoon. We'll let you know how it turns out, but if past events at the cafe are any indication (e.g. birthday celebrations, graduation party, rehearsal dinner, baby shower, wine-tasting), it promises to be a wonderful time.

Again, thank you all so much for your patronage. Please consider using Espresso Thy Art for your future events/meetings.

Marissa, Rossana, Virginia, Joe, and the rest of the Espresso Thy Art Family

Northcenter Sidewalk Sale - 20% off all artwork

2010-07-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Stop by this Saturday, July 17th, for the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sale! All artwork will be discounted by 20%.

Coasters for Father's Day

2010-06-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

New additions to the Chicago sports coaster collection are now available just in time for Father's Day! Custom coasters of your favorite photos can also be requested.

Closed on Sundays - Effective May 30th

2010-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

We will also be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day.

Cafe rental space will be available after cafe hours Monday thru Saturday and all day on Sundays.

1st year anniversary celebration! Join us on May 13th!

2010-05-10T16:36:00.001-07:00

Easter Weekend Hours

2010-04-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Good Friday - 7:30 am-2:00pm
Closed Saturday and Easter Sunday

Have a great Easter!

New Featured Artist - Hiroshi Ariyama

2010-01-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

Hiroshi Ariyama is our featured artist thru the end of February. His original hand pulled screenprints of Chicago can be viewed here:

Latte Art 101

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Rossana's first attempt at "latte art".

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T22:44:00.001-08:00

We will reopen on Monday, January 4th, with revised winter hours during the weekdays. Cafe weekend hours will remain the same.

Cafe is on holiday and will reopen on January 4th.

2009-12-25T03:34:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T03:27:00.000-08:00

May you have a blessed holiday season.

Northcenter Chamber of Commerce featuring Espresso Thy Art

2009-12-18T22:33:00.001-08:00

Thank you Northcenter Chamber of Commerce for profiling our cafe and for your support in local businesses!

Read the article below:

Three Sisters Express Creativity ... and Espresso, Too!

Espresso Thy Art Café, owned by Rossana Reformado, Marissa McCormack and Virginia Castro, opened its doors in May in the space once occupied by Balingit Bakery. With their first summer behind them, the business is on its way. It’s a venture that would make their father, owner of Balingit Bakery, proud. Rossana, the resident artist, explained, “He wanted to retire and suggested I use the space as a gallery but I really wasn’t comfortable taking on a gallery. So we came up with the concept of a café that showcases the work of local artists. “

It seems the community has embraced the concept. Espresso Thy Art is holding its own despite being located just across the street from a rather formidable coffee competitor.

If you haven’t stopped by Espresso Thy Art, the environment is warm and inviting. You will find the café bustling with morning commuters or buzzing with moms and tots later in the day, yet you can always find a corner to relax. There are also local business types stopping by for lunch, and the ever-present wifi seekers with their head in a laptop.

“We really want people to feel at home. We become friends with our customers. And, it’s a great place to find out about events and happenings in the neighborhood!” says Marissa. In the warmer months the huge back patio boasts ample seating and a beautiful flower, herb and vegetable garden. It also features a playhouse popular with the youngsters. “We have customers from all over. I think they appreciate an independent, family owned business.” Marissa adds.

Take your shot, americano or latte (no drip coffee served here), and wander to the back of the space and you will find a wide array of local craftsmanship. Browse the unique photography, original paintings, jewelry, stationery and small collectibles. Now is an especially great time to visit and find something uniquely local for the holidays. Chances are you won’t find it anywhere else. The art rotates, so visit often for new inspiration.

Typically you’ll find Virginia working behind the counter and despite the tiny kitchen, they produce a variety of crepes, pastries, smoothies, teas and of course, the espresso, custom made from a special roast. “Depending on the season you’ll see some changes in the menu but we try to focus on the freshest, seasonal ingredients and start creating from there.” For those of you missing the Ensaymada, the Filipino pastry that made Balingit Bakery famous, the sisters have the secret family recipe and they’re not afraid to use it.

Always a good Northcenter neighbor, Espresso Thy Art has hosts a number of events including the recent Chicago Firefighter Calendar Preview benefiting the Ignite the Spirit Fund. The space is available for gatherings of all kinds. Giving back to the Northcenter community is an important aspect of the business. The sisters grew up here and are now raising their own families in the area. Visit www.espressothyart.blogspot.com for the latest on events and happenings at the cafe.

Creative expression comes in many forms at Espresso Thy Art Café. Whether the art is on the wall, on the plate, or in a demitasse, it’s a comforting presence in Northcenter.

- John Belmont, contributing writer and Northcenter resident
Espresso Thy Art Café is located at 4019 N. Damen, (773) 248-1935

http://northcenterchamber.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=2

2010 Chicago Firefighter Calendar....now AVAILABLE!

2009-12-17T00:13:00.000-08:00

Get your copy and support our firefighters. All proceeds benefit the Ignite the Spirit Fund.

Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday

2009-11-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

the cafe will be closed this thursday and friday (november 26 and 27) for the thanksgiving holiday. we will reopen saturday morning at 8am. happy thanksgiving!

2010 Chicago Firefighter Calendar Preview Party - Saturday, November 7th - 4:00 pm

2009-11-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Wine Tasting/Art Exhibit - September 16

2009-09-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our traveling vineyard wine consultant will expand our palate as we discover new favorites of specially-selected, hand-crafted wines from some of the best wine regions in the world, specifially California, Chile, and Italy. Orders placed that evening will come with a special gift to accompany your wine purchase.

Join us as we travel to Napa Valley, Italy, Paris and Belgium with new manipulations, prints, and coasters from our resident artists. Beautiful autumn paintings and prints will also be on display as we enter the new fall season.

Harvest time at the cafe

2009-08-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

We've been harvesting okra and tomatoes in the garden. Pictured are the fruits of our labor. The white flower is from the okra plant which highly resembles the red hibiscus along the fence. We've got giant and cherry tomatoes and the kids enjoyed comparing sizes.

Julia Child's Birthday Party - August 15 - Saturday

2009-08-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Julia Child's Birthday Party
Saturday August 15, 2009 from 4pm to 6pm
Espresso Thy Art 4019 N. Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60618 773.248.1935
http://www.chicagobuffets.com/julia-child-birthday-party.html
Price: $35.00 per person

Julia Child's Birthday Party
Saturday August 15, 2009

We will be celebrating the birthday of Julia Child, a culinary queen, who was born on August 15, 1912. She introduced French cuisine and cooking techniques to the American mainstream through her many cookbooks and television programs, notably The French Chef which premiered in 1963 and showcased her one-of-a-kind persona. Her most famous work is the 1961 cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

We will feast on baguette, butter, brie, crossiant, butter, foie gras, crepes, and butter. Other delicacies such as Boeuf Bourguignon or Beef Bourguignon will be served as well including more butter. You may bring your own wine to the event and we will serve coffee and tea. Chef Marissa will demonstrate how to make the perfect crepe and we will have a contest to see who can make the best crepe at the event.

The main dish of the evening will be Boeuf Bourguignon and prepared by Chef Marissa. Boeuf Bourguignon or Beef Bourguignon is one of the first dishes Julia Child made on her PBS show The French Chef.

Beef Bourguignon is a well-known, traditional French recipe. It is essentially a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine (preferably an assertive wine such as Burgundy because bourguignon means "of Burgundy", hence the literal translation is beef burgundy) and beef broth, generally flavoured with garlic, onions, carrots, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions and mushrooms. Bacon cut into small cubes is used to produce the initial cooking fat and added to the dish at the end. Beef Bourguignon is one of many examples of older recipes being slowly refined into haute cuisine. Over time, the dish became a standard of French cuisine.

Door prizes will include these books: Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme

Grand Opening Party! ......Join us! Friday.....July 17th.. from 4pm-7pm

2009-07-10T12:53:00.001-07:00

Raspberry Mocha

2009-07-04T20:34:00.001-07:00

Now that summer is finally here, why not try this refreshing raspberry mocha! Espresso, dark chocolate and raspberry syrup.....there's nothing quite like it!

July 4th

2009-06-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

The cafe will be open this Saturday, July 4th, between 8am until 3pm.

They're back!!!

2009-06-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

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For those of you who remember the Balingit Bakery and feared that their famous ensaymadas retired with my parents, fear no more! Back by popular demand, the ensaymadas will be available at the cafe on a daily basis.

For those of you who have never tasted or even heard of an ensayamada, they are delicious Filipino pastries that are topped with butter, sugar, and parmesan cheese. It's the perfect addition to a great cup of coffee!

2010 Firefighter Calendar Photo Shoot - Wednesday July 1st

2009-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday morning, July 1st, and meet some of the firefighters chosen for the 2010 Chicago Firefighter calendar. For the third year in a row, our very own Rossana Reformado will be the photographer for the upcoming calendar (www.re4mado.com). Stop by, have coffee, and enjoy the view!

Take a peek at last year's calendar which can be purchased at the cafe. All proceeds go to the Ignite the Spirit Fund which was created for Chicago firefighters and their families in times of need - http://www.ignitethespirit.org/.

A video slideshow of the 2009 Calendar can be viewed here:

http://animoto.com/play/wDpBw1StLAlIRgDF4F3Gxg?autostart=true

Cafe will be open during Ribfest hours

2009-06-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

In addition to our regular hours, we will be open late till 10:00 pm during Ribfest (June 12, 13 and 14). More Ribfest info can be found below:

JUST ANNOUNCED! Ribfest Chicago 2009 Band Lineup
Click Here to See This Year's Rockin' Schedule
Ribfest Chicago

Three outrageous days of ribs, music and fun! Fri: 5 - 10 pm, Sat/Sun: Noon – 10:00 p.m.

2009 Ribfest Chicago Overview
We have something for everyone. From great music (Band Line-up), outstanding ribs and other great food (Participating Restaurants), to 12 hours of entertainment and fun for the kids in our famous Kids Square (Kids Square Entertainment)!

Current Cafe Hours

2009-06-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m.-1 p.m Sunday

Metromix article on Espresso Thy Art

2009-06-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent article on the cafe posted by Metromix:

Owned by three sisters who were raised in North Center (their father owned the Filipino bakery that once occupied the space), this art-focused cafe serves only espresso-based drinks. Drip coffee, they say, just doesn't cut it. The bev lineup includes straight-up espresso shots, Americanos and a variety of lattes made from a five-bean blend that's roasted just for the shop. Crepes, sandwiches and egg casseroles make up the rest of the menu. Order at the counter, then choose a seat in the tiny dining room where works from local artists are displayed on a rotating basis. You'll also find six tables in the rear garden patio, a nice refuge from the busy nearby Damen Avenue/Lincoln Avenue /Irving Park Road intersection.

http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/american/espresso-thy-art-chicago/1210485/content

Thrillist article on Espresso Thy Art

2009-05-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

thank you THRILLIST CHICAGO for featuring the cafe in todays "Recent Food+Dining"

4019 N Damen Ave, at Irving Park; North Center; 773.248.1935

Started by a trio of sisters in the renovated space formerly occupied by their parents' bakery, Espresso's an art-inspired coffeehouse decked out with for-sale local works (some by the owners) and a wrought-iron enclosed garden patio out back, serving up the usual caffeinated suspects along with smoothies (lychee, guava-strawberry), and housemade pastries, including sweet (strawberry/banana/Nutella) and savory (spinach/mushroom/feta) crepes, though French wrap totally fell off after MC Solaar.

http://www.thrillist.com/chicago/espresso-thy-art

In bloom at the garden patio.....

2009-05-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Introducing...Summer Sundays

2009-05-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

We will now be open on Sundays from 9am till 1pm. Come and join us for brunch prepared by our resident chef, Marissa...she will delight you with a different menu every weekend.

This Sunday, one of the featured dishes will be: Pesto chicken spring salad with fresh fruit.

Welcome to Espresso Thy Art!

2009-05-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Our cafe is now open for business, so please stop by and say hello if you're in the neighborhood! We specialize in handcrafted espresso based coffee and offer fresh baked goods....cafe and garden seating available along with free Wi-Fi. We also have an art studio featuring art by local artists.

Click on the link below to see a slide show of our new cafe:

http://animoto.com/play/YeS9lCuJwx0oj2n3SIb1Zg?autostart=true

Espresso Thy Art article posted on www.examiner.com

2009-05-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

New coffeehouse opening soon in North Center: Espresso Thy Art
Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Espresso Thy Art article posted on www.examiner.com

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North Center's main drag is stepping up its coffeehouse game. The busy Irving Park-Damen-Lincoln intersection already houses a Starbucks, but soon it'll be home to Espresso Thy Art, a locally owned coffee shop that'll have me passing on the venti Pike Place Roast for good.
Owned by three sisters, Espresso Thy Art merges an art studio with a cafe, dishing up one-of-a-kind paintings alongside frothy cappuccinos. I emailed with artist and co-owner Rossana Reformado about the inspiration for the cafe and what patrons can expect when it opens.

Why did you choose this particular locale/neighborhood for your coffeehouse?Our parents own the building, and they operated a Filipino Bakery from 1987 to December 2007. We are familiar with the neighborhood as we grew up in the Lakeview/North Center area and have seen many changes throughout the years.

Can you tell me a bit about why you decided to open the cafe, and what role each of you will play?My sisters and I decided to start an indie coffee house that also sold artwork. It’s a leap of faith that none of us really anticipated doing at this stage in our lives, but it’s also a venture that we are extremely excited about. My older sister, Marissa, will help with product development for the café, and my younger sister, Virginia, will be the café manager. On any given day, you will see one or all of us working behind the counter, and occasionally you will see me doing my artwork in what we call the “studio” area, where much of the artwork will be displayed.

Will you display artwork of other artists or just your own? What price point will your pieces be at?The café will display my artwork and that of other artists. Price point will be anywhere from $4.00 for note cards, and up to $600 or more for original paintings. We will also have jewelry, tumbled marble coasters, and prints with a Chicago theme. We will feature artists on a rotating basis, and also plan to have art openings in the future.

What amenities will the cafe have? The café will have free wi-fi for customers. Most pastries will be baked in-house as well as fresh breakfast and lunch items. Some of the items we will offer include freshly made crepes, Belgian waffles, Filipino baked goods, smoothies, and fresh fruit. Our coffee is specially roasted for our café, ground in-house, and handcrafted to order. We hope to have the backyard finished for outside seating during warmer weather. We will be growing fresh herbs and flowers in our garden for the enjoyment of our customers.

Espresso Thy Art 4019 N. Damen Ave.773/248-1935.