America's First Espression by Lavazza cafe set to open Tomorrow

The Espression by Lavazza cafe, located at Chicago's Drake Hotel (140 E. Walton Pl., Arcade level), will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, November 12 as the first of its kind in North America. Already popular in Europe with locations in Germany and Italy, the Espression by Lavazza concept offers an innovative approach to coffee with a highly creative menu, and original espresso and gelato beverage creations.

World-renowned consulting chefs, Ferran Adria and Moreno Cedroni helped to develop the exclusive offerings at Espression by Lavazza. In fact, Adria himself is behind the creation of Lavazza's solid espresso creation, Espesso, named Best Invention by TIME Magazine in 2006. Other unique coffee beverages include Espresso Melba, espresso with peaches in light syrup, hot chocolate, amaretto and whipped cream; Espresso Nocciolato, espresso with Nutella, hazelnuts and whipped cream; and the Blendissimo, a combination of espresso, gelato and a choice of flavoring like mocha, hazelnut mocha, orange mocha or caramel.

Although Lavazza is known for its unique coffee creations (being Italy's leading coffee company), the Espression by Lavazza cafe aslo offers a number of salad and sandwich selections also created by the all-star chef team of Adria and Cedroni. Favorites include the Duetto Agrodolce, two mini baguettes with Proscuitto di Parma, mushrooms and onion chutney; Involtini di Salmone Affumicato, smoked salmon roll ups with asparagus, cream cheese and mixed greens; and Insalata di Frutta e Parmigiano, assorted greens with mixed berries, walnuts and shaved Parmesan served with Passion Fruit vinaigrette.

The cafe concept received the 2008 Grand Award for Restaurant Design at the A.R.E. Design Awards.

The new Espression by Lavazza cafe will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (312) 640-2440 or visit http://www.espression.com/.

Photos from Espression by Lavazza on Walton Place.