A landmark in the West Side’s historic Edgewater/Clifton neighborhood for nearly 25 years, Truffles Pastry Shop (11122 Clifton Blvd.) closed abruptly on July 31. Owner Dan Sheppard could not be reached for comment, but I understand that conflicts with his landlord over building maintenance and increasing crime in the neighborhood played a role.
At one time, the popular bakery and café anchored a block of small independent businesses, including an ice cream spot and Sean’s Place, a small “American comfort food” restaurant. Now Plants Plus floral shop is all that remains. That, and Sheppard’s signature sidewalk garden, of course, a seasonal tumble of flowers that was nearly as beloved by the shop’s fans as the indulgent baked goods.
“All that’s left are the sunflowers,” sighed one would-be café-goer. — Elaine T. Cicora
This article appears in Aug 8-14, 2007.
That whole building (Clifton Court) is mismanaged. They’re renting to questionable tenants including registered sex offenders. Truffles had been talking about expanding their kitchen into a neighboring unit so they would be able to offer more than just pastries, but the landlord wouldn’t allow it. Plus, the landlord raised their rents on top of it which pretty much drove most of the businesses out.
The landlord should sell it to someone who cares about the neighborhood; someone who could totally renovate the building. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over 15 years and do not like to see it go downhill like this.