If you drive by Bleeding Heart Bakery's old Chicago Avenue location, you're in for a surprise: It's gone (well, sort of; it's still there, but renamed by the new owners as the Painted Lady Organic Eatery). But never fear, organic pastry lovers, there's good news: Bleeding Heart has just moved to a different location in Roscoe Village. Painted green wooden floors, green carpet, powder blue walls and oodles of display cases make this spot a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Expect the usual impressive assortment of USDA-certified organic desserts, as well as some new breakfast options.
The giant vintage bakery sign outside says "Philip's Bakery," but don't be fooled; it's left over from the sweet German spot that lived there from the 1920s–1990s. Since Philip's departure, two other bakeries have moved in, including Bulldog Bakery. Now, owner Michelle Garcia and her team of dedicated organic-o-philes have cleaned the space up and gotten certified by Indiana Certified Organic LLC (a third-party certifier, one of the peppy employees tells me).
With all the excitement of moving, Garcia decided to add some new items to the menu. Check out the Elvis brownie, a rich chocolate chunk with peanut butter and—try to guess, but you probably won't guess right—bacon! Also new are the "toasties," toasted two-organic-egg sandwiches that ring in at only $2.50; additional toppings cost ya 75 cents and range from feta to fresh spinach. Coffee is on the menu as always, along with a $4 cake-of-the-day, $4 homemade granola and a little organic market-type area full of products from companies that give back. And a little heads-up for all you playground folk: Come summer, watch for a Bleeding Heart Bakery ice cream bicycle at the park kitty-corner from this organic wonderland.
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
