Gallery Cafe: Let me Paint You a Picture
Much like Art, food and coffee aim to provide an aesthetic experience to people. Art does not usually stimulate our sense of taste, but thankfully the good people of Gallery Cafe decided bridge the two together. Located near the wicker park area of Chicago, Gallery Cafe features local paintings within its walls and names their sandwiches after famous artists like Rodin and Khalo.
But fear not of the perhaps intimidating atmosphere high art can sometimes instill. Gallery Cafe treats its space like a community gallery rather than a private millionaire show. Once inside, you will no doubt feel welcome. There is ample space and has the makings of an university practice room for students. The friendly staff and sunlit space should help clear up any doubt. If the atmosphere is warm and inviting, then surely the food and beverage would be as compelling. I sat down and intended to find out.
On this occasion, I opted for their Manet sandwich, a cortado, and their pistachio matcha latte. The Manet consists of provolone, basil pesto, and eggs put together under a butter flake croissant. A simple but hearty sandwich. The provolone melts and provides a light, glutinous texture on the already soft scrambled eggs. Moreover, the pesto tucked in adds an extra layer of richness but keeps it on the lighter side. The combination is straightforward but satisfies a hungry stomach.
Next was the cortado. Having respect for the standard drinks is a necessity for any so called cafe. Gallery Cafe makes no exception and a solid quality cortado. In this case, the taste profile is a bit milder and less acidity than but, that is to be expected depending on the cafe’s roast. The coffee had a smooth but bitter profile and was consistent throughout my tasting. The ground notes had more “Top” feeling on my mouth. The milk soften the acidity to acceptable proportions. Apart from that, nothing much else to say except it got the job done.
The last and final item was the pistachio matcha latte from the fall season menu. As the name would suggest, it consists of sweet pistachio and matcha. Like the Manet sandwich, the combination appears benign, but the results is more than sum of its parts. The texture of the steamed matcha was bubblier than expected, yet it it was a welcomed surprised. It was closer to a cappuccino in that sense. Still, it’s a delightful feeling. Additionally, the sweetened pistachio compliments the usually herbal and grassy taste of matcha. The blend is like a blended green sweetness that rises a long a foamy consistency. Overall, an interesting drink that made me pause and enjoy the moment.
Gallery Cafe reminds us that coffee and art are two things worth keeping in life. Even better, having a bit of both in one setting is never a bad idea. The arguing about aesthetics is infinite but sure the cafe will have something for you to enjoy.
