WICKER PARK — A new brunch spot, Kanela Breakfast Club, opened on Thursday in the former Savoy oyster bar and the cozy eatery that has earned raves at its two other locations is already attracting some attention from Wicker Park passersby.
"People are really curious; we are getting a lot of local business owners come in and would like to offer a neighborhood worker discount of 15-percent during weekdays," said Kayla Lardakis, director of operations for the eatery, located at 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Early Friday, Wicker Park resident Jonathan Stiles, an airline pilot, was eating chocolate pancakes while his father, John Stiles, was enjoying an eggs benedict sandwich.
Jonathan Stiles said he and his dad were on their way to the airport and had planned to eat at The Bongo Room, at 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave. until they saw that Kanela had opened.
"There's not many brunch places around, so this is really nice to have," said Jonathan Stiles.
Founded in 2010 by Chris Lardakis and Alexi Giannoulias, with operations help from Kayla Larkadis and her husband, Peter Lardakis, Kanela has spots in Lakeview and Old Town and is also planning an expansion to Streeterville in December.
The chain expanded to Wicker Park because it "seemed like it needed a brunch pace," Kayla Lardakis said.
Kanela, which is named for the Greek word for cinnamon, specializes in homemade American breakfast dishes with a Greek flair, offering dishes such as Greek doughnuts (loukoumades) and chia seed pudding with Greek honey.
The menu, prepared by Executive Chef Don Penza and Sous Chef Alex Swieton, offers a variety of savory and sweet breakfast items as well as sandwiches, most priced between $10 and $12.
On the sweeter side Kanela offers mixed berry waffles, bread pudding pancakes, red velvet French toast and banana split crepes, made with strawberry and bananas and Nutella.
Kanela's savory dishes include a California Benedict, with a poached egg over spinach and sliced avocado, topped with Sriracha Hollandaise sauce.
Steak and eggs, which at $16 appears to be the most expensive item on the menu, offers a half-pound hanger steak with a sunny-side up egg, asparagus, mushroom and onions.
Drink include fresh squeezed juices and smoothies as well as coffee from Julius Meinl.
Swieton, who previously worked at the Kanela Breakfast Club's Old Town location, said she is enjoying working in Wicker Park so far.
"Everyone loves Wicker Park, who doesn't? I'm excited to be here," Swieton said.
Kanela Breakfast Club, 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Ph: 773-661-1010.
Kanela Breakfast Club Fall 2014 Menu
Kanela Breakfast Club Beverage Menu
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