Blog Mon Jun 16 2008

The Plaza, the Fountain and the Coffee

I'm a big fan of public spaces, especially when there's coffee available. At 1031 N. State Street, there's a small triangle of land wedged between Rush Street and Bellevue Place, paved with brick, covered with trees, and fitted with outdoor tables and a fountain that provides the soothing sound of flowing water. Such is a refreshing change from fancy restaurants and retailers across the street - a place where I call roll up, casually set my bicycle against the wall of the fountain, and order an iced soymilk with flavored syrup on a hot day. Whispers Cafe serves coffee refreshments from their small structure on the plaza, from which speakers played soft guitar music. I opened a vegan cookie that I had bought blocks south and relaxed.

- Chris Brunn