Sampling produce and meats from area farms is as easy as dining at Chicago’s hip and trendy Lula Café, a cozy eatery at Logan Square. Decorated with twinkling lights, vintage modern furnishings and artwork, Lula Café specializes in seasonal organic produce from local growers, wild-caught fish and naturally raised meats and poultry.
“Our menu changes all the time, even daily, because we always use what’s in season from local farms,” says Robby Sexton, barista at Lula Café. “We might feature duck crepes or ricotta pancakes with lemon curd.”
Lula Café has been voted Best Breakfast by readers of Chicago magazine, thanks to its unusual, tasty specials such as peaches and mascarpone-stuffed brioche French toast, and strada, or fluffy eggs layered with artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes and caramelized onions.
One of Lula’s trademarks is Monday Night Farm Dinners, held year-round from 6 p.m. to close.
“We pull together resources from local farms to prepare the meal, and the menu is posted online the same day. There’s always a set price for a three-course dinner,” Sexton says. “It’s a very popular event – we’re always packed by 8 p.m., and we usually run out before the night is over.”
The Monday Night Farm Dinners are always different, but past menus have included items such as salt cod croquettes, pancetta-crusted sturgeon and dark chocolate popovers for dessert.
When the weather is nice, Lula Café offers alfresco dining with bright green chairs that summon passersby for a weekend brunch. But it’s just as inviting to dine inside, where the atmosphere is laid back and diners can gaze at a variety of artwork.
“Our curator picks different art shows, and they change every couple of months,” Sexton says. “We have photography exhibits as well as abstract art. You never know what will be featured.”
Learn more about Lula Cafe at www.lulacafe.com.
