Discover A Place Where Your Cup Overflows

by Pon Angara, Principal at Barkada Creative

The first time I walked into The Common Cup, I thought,  "What can a new cafe in the heart of Rogers Park do for me?" And for a tall order, "What can it do for this neighborhood that's been going through a transition, or what some folks call more of a balancing act?"

My skepticism fizzled out when I saw an entire menu board dedicated to ice cream and fat free frozen yogurt. You have a selection of 18 mix-ins' -- from your traditional chocolate and strawberry to your more sinful candy bar favorites -- to create flavor combinations that will awaken the inner child in you. At least it did in me.

Ice cream is only the tip of the iceberg. Common Cup offers coffees and teas supplied by Intelligentsia Coffe Co., a forward-thinking local enterprise. Perfect accompaniments are muffins, scones, croissants and cookies. Many pastries are made fresh every morning. They also partner with Red Hen Bread, a Chicago-based "bakehouse" that makes its products by hand. My raving will not be complete until I mention owner Ruth Hoekwater's killer pies made from her own personal recipe. My favorites, if I have to choose, are her blueberry and pecan pies. Yum!

If that's not enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, the Common Cup also promotes "green" best practices, serving to-go drinks in 100 percent biodegradable cups made with corn starch.  Proceeds from the tip jar are donated to local nonprofits working to improve the lives of people in the community. The cafe also features a space with free Wi-Fi connection for groups in need of a meeting room. They host nonprofit organizations, artists, musicians, kid-inspired family activities and youth workshops.

John and Ruth Hoekwater had a simple desire: to get to know their neighbors better. When they opened the Common Cup's doors in May 2007, their dream was to bring people together in the community. I feel they've gone far beyond that. They've created a true home for the people of Rogers Park. I walk in every week to be greeted by a smiling face calling my first name. I turn around and meet other familiar smiling faces calling my first name. To put it simply, it's like walking into a big hug!

Now friends, family, colleagues and even clients refer to 1501 W. Morse as my satellite office. Have laptop, will travel -- to the Cup -- where neighbors enjoy transitioning into a warm cozy feeling inside.

For more information about The Common Cup, call 773.338.0256 or visit www.commoncupchicago.com.