When walking down Harris Avenue in downtown La Grange, you may come across the new Bellbird Bakeshop. The bakery is owned and operated by husband and wife, Erik and Maree Hecimovich, who both have extensive baking backgrounds. 

Bellbird bakeshop offers a wide variety of food items such as cakes, pastries, breads and viennoiseries. A viennoiserie is similar to a combination of a pastry and a piece of bread, such as a corossiant. They also offer coffee and various types of lattes. 

When my friend and I first walked into the bakeshop, I noticed that there was a very inviting and comfortable atmosphere. There were tables in the entryway, and the ordering counter as well as the glass case full of food options were in the back of the shop. The staff was quick to welcome us when we arrived and didn’t rush us as we looked over the array of options.

We decided that we would try the ham and cheese croissant ($6), chocolate croissant ($5), sticky bun ($5.50) and matcha latte. The staff was, again, very friendly when we ordered and got our food to us quickly.

The ham and cheese croissant looked most appetizing to me, so I decided to try that first. Upon my first bite, I noticed that the croissant was fluffy yet crisp on the outside, which I enjoyed. The ham and cheese were also very fresh tasting and went perfectly with the croissant. I thoroughly enjoyed this item, and it was definitely my favorite thing that I purchased.

Since I liked the ham and cheese so much, I had no doubts that the chocolate croissant would exceed my expectations as well. I was not wrong, as the chocolate was delicious and paired perfectly with the savory croissant. I would definitely order this again.

Next, I tried the sticky bun. The presentation of it was very appetizing since the top was doused in caramel sauce and nuts. When I first tried it, I noticed that it was not overwhelmingly sweet, which I appreciated. I thought that the caramel sauce would have been better if it was melted on the sticky bun rather than being a taffy-like consistency, but I still enjoyed it. 

The matcha was good, but not the best I have ever had. I thought that it could have been sweeter and that there could have been less milk added into it, but I still thought it was good overall.

Although I had a positive experience, I found it slightly disappointing that my food items weren’t warmed up like they are at most other coffee shops. I think that if my food had been warm rather than room temperature, it would have been more appetizing.

I would definitely recommend that you go and check out this new neighborhood bakery. They offer many items that can’t be found elsewhere in lagrange which makes it unique and enticing for customers. They also offer cakes and macaroons, which I will be sure to try out next time. The Bellbird Bakery is located on 15 W. Harris Ave., La Grange, and is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

⅘ Paws