Things are going so well for bakers Wendy Thompson and SynDee Klingenberg that they are taking the next steps in their expansion plan: By the end of April, the team behind Tremont's A Cookie and a Cupcake will open Churned, a gourmet ice cream shop.
The Lincoln Park-side space previously occupied by Dish Deli is being transformed, says Klingenberg. A new awning is going up, walls are being painted, and equipment is sliding into place.
Churned will feature housemade ice creams built around organic milk and fresh purées. Guests will have a choice of cups or homemade cones. As for flavors, "we're going to have some flair," says Klingenberg, including unique offerings like peach lavender.
Klingenberg says that business at Cookie and a Cupcake continues to improve every year, which is allowing them to expand their sweets portfolio. Next up: a donut shop. "I don't discriminate against sweets," she says.
You'll find Churned at 1112 Kenilworth Avenue in Tremont.
NEW VISION FOR BRIDGEVIEW: "This last week I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I've been so excited," says David Hridel, sounding a bit like an expectant father. "I just signed the lease an hour ago and finally have the key."
Hridel is talking about the historic Bridgeview Café, the squat green-roofed building on Lorain, just a couple blocks east of the West Side Market. "It's one of my favorite buildings," says Hridel, a longtime fixture on the Cleveland bar and dining scene. "I've been trying to track down the owner for years."
Hridel, most recently GM with the restaurant group behind ABC, XYZ, and Viaduct Lounge, says that he's shooting for a June 2 opening for the Bridgeview Tavern and Co. Following the renovations, the 2,600-square-foot space with attached garage should seat approximately 90. Changes to the building will be kept to a minimum — easy enough when the space comes with a 32-foot tigerwood bar. The last time the building actually served customers likely was in the early 1990s.
While a chef has yet to be named, the concept is being billed as a "gastro-tavern," with made-from-scratch small plates. Imbibers will see 25 taps and an eclectic spirits program. Plans are to open for dinner and later add weekend brunch. Down the road, a back patio and perhaps a rooftop bar will be added as well. Erica Coffee, another former ABC and XYZ staffer, will join Bridgeview as GM. Find them at 2104 Lorain Ave.
TIME IN FOR TIME OUT: "Yeah, we wanted to burn some money," jokes Mike LaMarca, the proud new owner of Time Out, a classic bar in the Cudell neighborhood. In truth, he and three buddies — all first-time owners — purchased the bar because they knew they could do better than previous owners had. "It's been closed for months. We wanted to clean it up and make it more neighborhood friendly."
Visitors will find a recently gilded ceiling, crown molding, an 80-inch 3D projector and screen, and multiple new flat screens. Food is slowly being added to the mix, with hot dogs and tacos leading the way to, perhaps, a full menu.
"We're doing well so far," LaMarca says of the three-week-old joint at 3021 West 105th Street. Learn more at 216-252-6442 or on Facebook.
EGGSACTLY RIGHT: Sunny Side Up, a "Breakfast and Boutique Gallery," has opened in the former Tea House Noodles spot in Little Italy.
Owner Robin Schulze describes the cheery little space as part art gallery and part café. Local bakers supply the cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, and seven-layer bars, while other breakfast items, like egg sammies and fresh granola, are made to order. Lunch service begins April 1 at 2218 Murray Hill Rd.
Learn more at 216-396-6141 or sunnysideuplittleitaly.weebly.com.
