FILL YOUR HEART & BODY WITH LOVE One of our favorite memories growing up of Valentine’s Day was coming home from school to find the house filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cupcakes and the table embellished with paper hearts and sweet treats. As we have grown we find that life just keeps getting busier! This Valentine’s Day we found the solution. No reservations needed. Chef and owner of Blackberry Market Anna Davidson will prepare your meal for you and your loved ones to enjoy at home. While picking blackberries from the hills surrounding her grandparents Mama Polly and Daddy Bill’s home in Arkansas Anna Davidson learned to make blackberry jam and pies which inspired the name of her café and marketplace Blackberry Market in downtown Glen Ellyn. At Blackberry Market they “recognize that food is not only a means to nourishment, but an excuse to pause, reflect, and connect with those we love”. Upon entering Blackberry Market we felt a hug of warmth from the cold outside air and while the sun hid behind the clouds we couldn’t help but smile. This cozy café smelled of sweet tidbits, cinnamon rolls, coffee brewing, savory sandwiches and fruity teas. Even though many conversations filled the air there was a sense of calm.
We settled in at a long wood gathering table made by hand. Blankets made by women in need hung on the walls around us. Everything in this cozy café warms your heart especially the food! Heart healthy, gluten free and vegetarian options are abundant. Market case items change daily. The ever present Blackberry Salad has candied pecans, blackberries, goat cheese with a light blackberry dressing. We paired the robust roasted red pepper/eggplant soup with the popular farmhouse cheddar/tomato chutney grilled cheese. The mac and cheese looked so comforting we had to try it. It is perfect.
Blackberry Market not only offers breakfast, soups, sandwiches, market sides, and bakery items to enjoy there or to go, they also have dinner to go. Each month a new weekly menu is written on the chalkboard or on the website. The Valentine’s Day meal includes 2 6oz. filets, 2 grilled shrimp skewers, creamy mac and cheese, asparagus and 2 red velvet cupcakes. It’s simple, just pick up at Blackberry Market anytime that day, take home and follow the heating instructions. Quantities are limited so be sure to order early!
Our Valentine’s Day plans now include an afternoon stop at Blackberry Market to share a cinnamon roll or dense chocolate peace cookie accompanied by a tea or latte. Share a few laughs and memories then grab our dinners and head home to enjoy with our loved ones!
Blackberry Market 401 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn www.blackberry.is Chef & Owner: Anna Davidson
ABOUT THE CRITICS Stephanie (right) & Tiffany (left) Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together. They came from a family of 7 and grew up on farm with fresh fruits, veggies and more. Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine.
