Fat Tuesday, AKA Mardi Gras, is approaching fast with only a few days away. Typically I get a paczki to celebrate the day if, and only if, a friend decides to share. Paczki's, pronounced 'PONtch-key' are Polish doughnut-like treats filled with everything from fresh fruit to creme and mousse and can be topped with powdered sugar, icing or chocolate. Doughnuts are really not my thing, but sometimes it can really hit the spot. This year I decided to order some myself at the Swedish bakery on Clarke. If you're a Chicagoan, you've probably heard they are closing at the end of the month. Soooo, in light of the closure, I thought I needed to try something for my first and last visit.
Immediately after work on Wednesday I biked in the sunny, 73 degree weather to the bakery and placed my order. When I arrived, I was delighted to find out they were also selling Kings Cake.
I find it terribly creepy and funny that there's a mini trinket meant to symbolize baby Jesus hidden inside the cake. Fava beans are also used, but I really hope the Kings Cake I ordered has a baby Jesus. Whoever finds the trinket is said to have luck and prosperity and is designated the 'king' or 'queen' for the evening. Don't worry, I'll be sure to let everyone know who was lucky enough to get a slice with baby Jesus.
Below is a list of Chicago spots that are selling paczki's (not sure on King's Cake) for a limited time. Many of them do sell in advance, so please inquire if interested. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a long line waiting for a taste.
Alliance
Andy's Deli
Ann's Bakery
Bennison's Bakery
Beverly Bakery and Cafe
Bittersweet
Bohemian House
Bridgeport Bakery
Cafe Selmarie
Central Continental Bakery
Deerfields Bakery
Dinkel's Bakery
Firecakes Donuts
Gene's Sausage Shop
Ideal Bakery
Kirschbaum's Bakery
Kolatek's Bakery
Laramie Bakery and Deli
Marie's Cafe and Catering
Montrose Deli
Oak Mill Bakery
Orland Park Bakery
Old Warsaw Buffet
Red Apple Buffet
Roeser's Bakery
Scafuri BAkery
Stan's Donuts
Sweet World Pastry
Weber's Bakery
West Town Bakery
Wiklanski Bakery
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