Spinning J
Cold Brew Coffee
Classic Buttermilk Biscuit
Sourdough Cinnamon Roll
Coffee Sugar Cream Pie with Housemade Whipped Cream
Raspberry Lime Meringue Pie
Peanut Butter Cookie
Soft Molasses Cookie
Waking early for ten miles on a treadmill, six eateries on Independence Day straight off the LAS-ORD red-eye yielding great sleep despite neighborhood fireworks, it was with another two miles walked that Spinning J was located in a largely residential neighborhood, a tip from one of Las Vegas’ best Pizzaiolos proving true as the Soda Fountain and Bakery proved to be an underappreciated gem in west Chicago.
Situated not far from a hospital and sizable park at 1000 North California Avenue, the cozy corner-pocket space originally opened in 2015 still flying beneath many “foodie” radars, it was immediately upon entry that a middle-aged woman offered greetings, a low-slung Pastry case equally welcoming as it tempted with several sweet and savory items.
Owned and operated by Dinah Grossman and Parker Whiteway, the young woman emerging from the kitchen temporarily around 8:00am to put a dish on display and greeting several apparent regulars on the way, it was as light music played overhead that a seven part order was delivered in segments, house Cold Brew refreshing the palate first between bites of a room temperature Cinnamon Roll that was loosely wound and fluffy with light tanginess helping to balance thick Icing on top.
Tightly spaced yet cozy, small booths flanking bar seating and signage requesting guests give up larger spaces to groups if need be, it was next into a crumbly Buttermilk Biscuit that teeth pierced, Honey from a self-service Coffee and Tea station added to taste but still not enough to make it stand out compared to the rest including two Cookies which were both far better than Warm Belly Bakery thanks to a soft center and crispy rim.
Known for Pies long before going brick and mortar, four styles all tempting on this day in addition to a savory Vegetarian Strata, it was in two $5 slices that remaining appetite was invested, the Coffee Sugar Cream textured like Chess with bitterness and sweetness both well represented while Raspberry-Citrus Custard danced atop a buttery crust crowned in faultless Meringue.
www.spinningj.com
