Dreams can come true. Just ask Rachel Smith, who co-owns Ipsento Coffee House with her husband, Jeremy. Rachel began dreaming of owning her own coffee shop years ago when the couple still lived in Atlanta. She even knew that the name would be Ipsento, a combination of two Latin words (ipse, meaning "self," and sentio, meaning "to experience") her husband devised in college. Rachel carried the dream and the name with her when the pair moved to Chicago for Jeremy’s work. While looking for an apartment, they stumbled upon the beautiful storefront where Ipsento now lives. Rachel decided to leave her career as a dental hygienist and join the caffeinated world. "It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up," Rachel says. "Now instead of cleaning teeth, I stain them."

Rachel wanted the shop to be a place where people could come and sit in peace and quiet, and it certainly is that, especially compared to the rest of the busy Western corridor. The room exudes a spa-like feel with its cafe au lait-color walls, cream trim and deep brown tile floor. Two-person tables and off-white armchairs pepper the shop, filled daily with local office workers, telecommuters and those on their way to the train.

Ipsento offers traditional fare like cappuccinos, macchiatos and other coffee drinks, plus teas and smoothies. Food includes baked goods (like scones and croissants), sandwiches, salads and, strangely, cinnamon toast. "It's our own secret creation," Rachel says. "It's really quite yummy."

Centerstage Reviewer: Christy Bonstell