"Cecile, we are together because the entire universe conspired to help me find you. My late mentor, Carmine Sippo, as you know wanted me to go to podiatric medical school in Philadelphia, assuring me he could secure me an internship, and I chose Chicago where we met, and here we are together after all these years. Happy Birthday, my love."
We had a very intimate brunch with our daughter Michelle & Kyle and our granddaughter Lyla, Kim and our son, Jason. Lyla was keeping busy coloring with crayons, curiously watching kids at nearby tables and smiling for the camera. The tables inside the restaurant were adorned with white tablecloths and a layer of white butcher paper to accommodate children and their desire for drawing and coloring surfaces, an idea conceived by one of the five owners. Believing there was still white paper on the table after returning from the restroom, I drew a large heart for Lyla with a red crayon. Michelle pointed out it was on the white tablecloth. Apparently, the paper had been removed😳. She asked teasingly if I was going to put that in my post? Mea culpa, here it is. Fortunately, the restaurant didn’t put it on my tab😎.
The Village Bakery and Cafe menu represent American food by way of farm to table, with a strong Mediterranean influence. Michelle had the Smoked Salmon Tartine, Kyle had Huevos Rancheros, Jason had the Canadian Breakfast which included eggs, roasted potatoes, and pork sausage, and Cecile, Kim and I had Avocado Toast with Puffed Quinoa, Pickled Shallots with arugula on top. As an old friend would say it was all very grand & delicious. There is a full bakery next door, with freshly baked bread delivered each morning and fresh pastries baked on-site.
After brunch, Cecile was showered with gifts of clothing from Michelle, Kim, Jason & Kyle and in addition, a “pineapple,” from Michelle, Kyle & Jason. I know what your thinking. What’s with the pineapple? Well, since we are going on our annual family vacation to Maui in December (we missed last year when Lyla was born) they are treating us to the "Drums of the Pacific Luau," at the Hyatt Regency Resort. It will be the first time Lyla will be with us, continuing a family tradition.
