Tala Food Features

I feel I am left with no choice but to introduce our delicious food offerings that are served at both our Libertyville and Winnetka cafes; the amount of times I have heard “oh, is this new?” is devastating! As of October 9th at Libertyville, and for the entirety of Winnetka’s existence, we’ve had six distinct food items on our menu, each filled with great flavors and good protein. The menu came together with the efforts of our amazing production team, as well as a Lake Zurich vendor called Zelda’s Sandwich Joint. Whether you’re planning on hanging out in the cafe for a while (and concerned about over-caffeinating) or needing a bit of grab-and-go fuel, these quick and delicious meals are definitely worth checking out. But, if you’re not yet convinced, here’s a bit about each of them!

Bacon Breakfast Sandwich

It truly doesn’t get more classic than this. On a buttery brioche, you get a fluffy scrambled egg, a handful of applewood smoked bacon, and melty american cheese. My absolute favorite part is how each flavor comes together with the addition of a delicious chipotle mayo. It adds the perfect bit of savory and spice without overwhelming the sandwich with heat. I would highly recommend this as the best sandwich to take on the go.

Chorizo Breakfast Burrito

This option is a crowd favorite, especially among the customers and the staff members at the Libertyville cafe. The burrito, wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla, is stuffed with scrambled eggs, house-seasoned brisket chorizo, grilled veggies, and potato hash. The tortilla is crisped to perfection in our panini press and is served alongside a delicious salsa verde (adding the salsa is a must!). The smell of this burrito alone will make you want to dig right in. 

C.B.L.T.

As someone who loves a classic BLT, I must say this version has given it a challenge. Assembled on local sourdough bread, this sandwich is packed with a perfect ratio of its contents. Roasted chicken breast and applewood smoked bacon are complimented by their delicious counterparts, romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes. Havarti cheese, as well as the same chipotle mayo from the breakfast sandwich, make yet another appearance on this one as well. I personally love the seasoning on the chicken that makes up the “C”, and how you can really taste the contrast between the fresh produce and cooked elements. The crunch from the panini press really makes this an elevated choice for lunch! 

Chicken Salad Wrap

As your average chicken salad skeptic, I wanted to be critical when trying this wrap. But, against all odds, this homemade version totally proved me wrong. The flavors in the chicken salad itself are classic, yet elevated. It contains roasted chicken breast, celery, red grapes, and parsley. I’m a big fan of the texture of this wrap as well, it’s not shredded or soggy like the usual chicken salads I usually pass on. The wrap is nice and tightly wrapped in a flour tortilla, so you know you’re getting lots of evenly dispersed protein in each bite. If you’re looking for a fresh meal that’s perfectly mess-free, this is your choice.

Chia Seed Pudding with Citrus (GF/V)

If there’s one item I am constantly recommending, it has to be the chia seed pudding. This gluten-free and vegan option is made with only three ingredients: coconut milk, chia seeds and maple syrup. The best part is that it is topped with a generous handful of grapefruit and orange slices. The flavors together are stunning and they remind me of a tropical vacation in a bowl—I just love the texture juxtaposition with the citrus and the baby chia seeds. This option is deceivingly easy to take on the go and fits so nicely into a twelve-ounce Tala cup. 

Garden Salad (with Chicken!) (GF/V)

Easily the most overlooked item on the menu, our garden salad makes for a filling, and picture-perfect meal. It starts with a bed of mixed greens (spring mix), shredded carrots, blueberries, and almonds sprinkled on top. If you eat meat, I think it’s a no-brainer to add the chicken. My personal secret menu item is just eating a cup of the chicken, I think it’s truly that good. This salad is served with a delicious, house-made honey mustard dressing as well. This option is well worth a try, trust me.

Stop by either the Winnetka or Libertyville cafes to watch us chef it up and enjoy all of what Tala has to offer! 

Mel Kreppein

Meet Mel, a Gurnee native that has a passion for people, planet, and coffee. Crafting at the Libertyville cafe, she spends her free time going on walks, doing art, and hanging out with her cat Prudence.