Twinkle to Lola: French Pastry in Chicago

I happened to see the Twitter feed, and it seems our Lola is headed to my adopted hometown in search of Lill bags and French pastries. My recommendation is Vanille Patisserie--conveniently located on the North side on one of my favorite streets, Clybourn (complete with lots of other shopping, as well...and it's also close to Southport, which has lots of fabulous local boutiques). If you're willing to get in the car and drive just a little bit, it might be worth it. It's located pretty far west on Clybourn, but going from south-to-north (from downtown to Lincoln Park) it would be about halfway between downtown and where I used to live in Wrigleyville--not too far from your fabulous amenities at the Drake. (It's also an easy jaunt to Lill and other Armitage boutiques from there). Their Web site also mentions a Chicago French Market, scheduled to open today--how fortuitous! The new market is on Clinton Street (downtown somewhere if I remember, as all the presidential-named streets are). It might be fun to go on opening weekend, and it would probably be an easier cab ride than getting to Clybourn.

Have fun and don't miss the Dickens Christmas tea at the Drake, either--it's my favorite afternoon tea in Chicago. And y'all know I'm an expert on the matter.

Cheers to the Windy City!