PAYING IT FORWARD ONE CUPCAKE AT A TIME! The definition of courageous is someone who is not deterred by danger or pain and is brave.
When Kathryn Chandler was faced with the daunting diagnoses of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, her sister Laura Pekarik was right by her side. They braved the battle together, finding comfort in baking. The sisters dreamed up different cupcake flavors during treatments. Those dreams soon became a reality in May 2011 when the Green Machine Food truck rolled out.
That same year they also celebrated Kathryn’s cancer going into remission! The sisters knew they had to help others fighting similar battles. Laura makes sure that “with every delicious bite a portion of our proceeds are donated to finding a cure and increasing awareness of this illness affecting so many.”
With so much passion for baking, Laura opened her first brick and mortar September 24, 2012. The Courageous Bakery & Café in Elmhurst added a variety of pastries, breakfast and lunch options to Laura’s already-creative cupcake menu. Laura believes that, “what you put into life is what you get out of it and the same famous adage applies to food. That’s why we use natural ingredients.” In addition to the best ingredients you will find gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
One of our favorites on the menu is the Breakfast Burrito. A flour tortilla is wrapped around a rainbow of ingredients including chorizo, scrambled eggs, potatoes, mixed greens, red peppers, cheddar, avocado, black beans and salsa Verde. The presentation is just as amazing as each bite. The Lorraine sammie is a rich combination of eggs, bacon, arugula and Swiss cheese served on a flakey croissant. Waffles, pancakes, quiche, omelets are just a few of the many delicious bites on the menu. Lunch sammies are another popular option.
Whatever you choose, make sure to leave room for one of the amazing cupcakes that started it all! The French silk is a creamy sensation. The Survivor with its bright colors sprinkled throughout will make anyone smile. The lemon donut has a citrus sweet twist that melts in your mouth. Laura works with her team to make every day count and better than the last– always baking with love and charity in mind.
Courageous Bakery & Café 108 W Park Avenue, Elmhurst (630)834-CAKE • www.courageousbakery.com Owner: Laura Pekarik
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. Invite them to your eatery at editorial@glancermagazine.com.
