The Artisan Cellar

It 'twas a really, really cold day and of course I had to run an errand downtown... so took the Metra in and mid-walk I found myself darting into the Merchandise Mart to get out of the cold (plus it's a great little short cut).... And what did my eyes see...?!

The Artisan Cellar... The wine lover in me said "OOH, OOH, OOH" a wine shop I haven't been in yet! And the frozen to the core part of me said "OOH, OOH, OOH" they have Cappuccino on the menu board!

So I decided to tour the cute little wine shop first... This place is awesome. They have wines from all over and the way they have it set up is great. To make the wines "user friendly" they place descriptions with every single wine selection. They wines are from all over... of course your classics: your French, Italian... California, S. America.... Oregon & Washington... Michigan.... (Yes, they have wines from MI, Hickory Creek for the fact aka one of my fav's) The owner was very nice and genuine.

Now it was time to warm up... since drinking wine at the time was not an option... I went straight for the Cappuccino. Um I can say, it may have possibly been the best Cappuccino I have ever had. (And I have had a lot of them)

The menu looks quite awesome...and there was a small crowd, so people really enjoy this place, a lot!

The next time I am in the area I will surely find my way back there... without a doubt, and you should too! Just a little gem!

Q: What did one panini say to the other panini?

A: Nothing, Sandwiches can't talk you idiot!

If paninis could talk they'd probably just go on about how much they love being made at the Artisan Cellar. Their ingredients are fantastically fresh and they're perfectly pressed under the iron making ever bite magically delicious. They do take a bit longer than any other option in the Merch Mart, but it's only cause they're made from scratch and in my book it's totally worth it.

Seating is limited and the prices are a bit high for the serving size, but there's decent wine shop and overall the service is pretty friendly. If you're in the Merch Mart make your way towards the south entrance and give this place a shot.

One of my fave River North lunch spots.  The panini are excellent (and cheap!), and it's connected to the cutest wine store.  My favorite is the portobello panini, it's so yummy!