Abandoning the warm blankets for a quick shower and the chaotic rush hours ( especially if it's cold outside ) is a major issue for non-morning people. A cure, however, has been discovered: a pleasing meal at Kanela Breakfast Club-Streeterville ( 500 N. Lake Shore Dr.; kanelabreakfastclub.com ).
This newest Kanela location offers the same experience in terms of efficient and warm service as well as price/quality relationship as the other venues all over the Windy City. Patrons are able to get a vast breakfast ( from 6 a.m. Mon.-Fri. ), friends can meet for a delicious brunch and nine-to-fivers even have a late lunch alternative ( until 3:30 p.m. ). Conveniently located close to the busy Navy Pier, wise guests should be careful to plan their visit, particularly during weekends. Tables on the sidewalk and glass walls welcome growling stomachs to a friendly place.
Kanela's decor combines harmoniously the cozy atmosphere of wooden design with a trendy taste. The open kitchen does not make it any easier to resist the scents, and the soft contemporary rock music soothes the ambience, allowing everyone to talk comfortably. Even the toilets are neat.
Here comes the tricky part: deciding. The extensive menu includes starters, coffees and juices, non-fat Greek yogurt smoothies, cocktails, savory dishes with eggs in almost any style, soups, salads, sandwiches, plenty of vegetarian plates and sins for those with a sweet tooth. ( There's also a catering menu. )
The Skin Revive juice might be a tad acidic, but it is perfect to wake someone up thanks to its components of kale, pineapple, cucumber and lemon. However, for the ones who rather have a sweeter drink, the Strawberry-Orange juice blend might be a better choice.
As for the food, starting with the moist and sweet monkey bread with kanela, honey butter and walnuts will stimulate anyone's appetite ( and sharing might be smart ). The buttermilk-fried chicken and wafflescomplete with sunny side up eggs, sriracha honey sauce and fresh fruit on the sideis very substantial and good, if not great.
The dish consisting of eggs over housemade chorizo with Chihuahua cheesealong with toast with strawberry jam, potatoes and fresh avocado on the sideis recommended for those who also enjoy spicy salsa verde. And in case anyone has room, the sticky Nutella S'Mores Wafflewith its crushed Graham crackers, caramelized marshmallows and chocolate saucewill probably force the guests to ask for a wheelbarrow to transport themselves from the premises.
An extra cardio session is worth trying the good, tasty and affordable Kanela.